I have always been so bad at remembering to cover my kids clothes when they paint. After our last ruined shirt I decided it was about time I made a smock of some sort. This one was SO easy, it took me five minutes and that includes the time I took to take photos. No sewing machine required, just an old adult sized shirt, scissors, and a few pins.
First place the adult sized shirt on a table and lay out flat. Place one of your child’s shirts on top of the adult sized shirt, you will use their shirt as a guide for the size. Line up the collars and center the child’s shirt as best as you can.
Next, add a pin to the outside of the child’s shirt and then add another pin about one inch wider.
Remove the child’s shirt and cut in a straight line following the outside pin. Repeat on the other side.
Now, following your other pin cut 1-inch strips about two-thirds up the side of the shirt. (see picture below) These will be your ties. I cut the front and the back of the shirt so we could tie them on the sides, but you can also open the shirt and only cut the 1-inch strip on the front so you can tie the smock in the back.
Now throw that thing on your child and pull out the messiest paints you own! 🙂
Hello! I am Camille, a wife, mother of four, Disney obsessed, certified teacher, and reality optimist. Motherhood comes with its ups and downs, and I hope while you’re here you’ll find something that makes your #momlife easier!
I am curious about how the ties are fastened to the painting smock. Did you cut little slits on the side and tie the extra strips of t-shirt there? Please advise. I am hoping to make a few of these for my 2 yr old preschool class. Thanks.
Yes, you just tie the strips of shirt on the side. You could gather them all and tie them in the back too if you would rather.