It is February and that means Valentine’s Day month for some…of for those who like spookier edge to love, Valloween!
In celebration or all things spooky and romantic, here is a fun “bleeding heart” shirt DIY idea that has been seen on everyone from social media influencers to pop bands, using a plain white tee and red beads.
Find an old plain white t-shirt, or purchase a new, inexpensive one. You can use tees of different colors, but for the cool, torn-out heart effect, it is hard to beat an otherwise “clean” white tee against red.
Using some iron-on backing (sometimes called t-shirt stabilizer or fusible interfacing), cut small piece where you want to make your heart. Iron it on the inside of the shirt.
Cut out a simple valentine heart. This can be done freehand or using a simple template like a cookie cutter. The popular place for these is the center of the chest…where your heart is, but if you want it off to the side just for aesthetics, that is fine, too.
Keep in mind if you make a big hole in the middle of your shirt, you will want to wear a dark tank or t-shirt underneath. This is supposed to look cool and gothy, not overly revealing.
Now, gather a collection of red beads and of different sizes. They can be different shapes as well as long as they are bright blood red. Starting around the open edge of the heart shape, lightly sew on the beads, until the entire heart is lined with the red beads.
Next, sew some more beads on the heart or use paint to make it look a little like blood splatter. I have seen some with just a few little beads heading out in different angles, as well as some who added a lot of beady blood color. It is entirely up to your time, availability of beads, and how “bloody” or sparkly you want the heart. You can supplement with a little bit of red glitter cloth paint and glue-on jewels if you want to add texture and variety to the look.
Once done, there is a nice bloody (and actually pretty) hole in your heart for you or the person you want to give your heart to.
If you want to add to the sparkly gore, or try something different than a heart, cut a jagged edge to one part of the shirt hem, collar, or arm cuff (using the backing for stability), and add the red beads to these edges. The look is still really fun, like a glamorous zombie.
Not sure if you have the “heart” to try this sewing project yet? Practice with a plain white gift card. Cut out a small white heart, and use glitter paint and some sew on jewels or sequins to try this method. You will have a cool little bloody card art card to display or give a friend.
Now you are ready for any Valloween bash or to be the most sparkly participant at the next zombie walk.
This Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to have anyone to give your heart to. With this cool shirt, everyone will take notice.
If not, then our hearts will still bleed for them as well.
