This is for the boys (and pirate-loving girls too)! Last year, Christy from Beachbrights asked me to do a pirate matryoshka doll for her son Max, he is adopted from Russia. I’m a little embarrassed that I am finally getting around to it! You can use this tutorial to transfer my pirate matryoshka image to t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants etc. I used a plain white dress in this tutorial since I don’t have a little boy…..and Boo loves pirates anyways….so this dress will be worn a gazillion times over.
The easiest way to transfer this image to fabric is to print it out onto transfer paper using your inkjet printer. I use Dharma Trading’s Super Soft Transfer Paper…it’s the best out there…your image will end up looking almost like a silk screen. Cheaper transfer paper from the store will look too plastic-like.
Cut out the image…with the Dharma Trading transfer paper you can leave a border…it won’t be noticeable on the fabric.
Place the cut out face down onto your fabric. I used Dharma Trading’s Double Lettuce Edge Spagetti Strap Dress (Boo wears a 4T….they do not run small).
Follow the instructions of the transfer paper…..but make sure you use a hard surface like table….not an ironing board. For the Super Soft Transfer Paper you will use the hottest setting and iron firmly back and forth for about 20 seconds.
While the paper is still hot peel off the backing…leaving a a perfect pirate matryoshka doll!
Shiver me timbers!
On Boo’s dress I used a Fabricmate pen to add a treasure map path….
…..all the way around the dress.
I love this…I will definitely be downloading this one for the wee man…he has your robot stencil on a tee shirt I made for him and he hasn't taken it off for three days – thank goodness it's the school holiday here in Australia 🙂
Love it!! and your nails 🙂
I can't wait to try this and blog about it!! I am off to order the Dharma Paper now!! Thanks so much for this pirate. Max will love it 🙂
XOXO
Im SOOOO going to be doing this!! I already downloaded it and everything just need to get it printed out and onto a onesie!! My best friend is having a boy in October, and I've been trying to figure out what I want to make him! And, yep you solved it! My "bff" haha painted his ceiling like a pirate map its way cool so it'll go with the theme!! thank you!! oh and do you think it'll be small enough for a onesie?
You could resize it too when printing!
k thank you!!
Can you use the ink that is already in your printer or would you need to get something special? Thanks for this!!!
xoxo,
Jill
Regular ink jet ink!
Arrrrrr you kidding me?? (Lame attempt at a pirate pun.) This is beyond adorable! I've got twin nephews arriving this fall who will look crazy cute with this transfer on a onesie. Thanks so much for sharing this fun tutorial.
~Grace
This is awesome! Thanks Ashley!
Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [02 Jul 01:12pm GMT]. Thanks, Maria
Brilliant, my 3 year old daughter will love this. Can't wait to make it for her and her best mate. Thanks, you are a gem.
Supa' cute!
I love to try the cute stuff for boys so I don't neglect Jack's "mama made it" stash.
I've included your adorable and super creative pirate matryoshka transfer in my weekly roundup of fun/creative/inspiring ideas I've discovered this week, blogged here:
http://www.camilledawn.com/2010/07/tuesday-tumblr-4.html
It's so fun, and I love that it works for both girls and boys!
Camille
Mother✭Lode
http://www.camilledawn.com
Holy Mackerol! Cutest ever… I would have paid big bucks for this! Can't wait to use it… Thank you!
Oh I love this so much!!!! Seriously about the cutest thing I've ever seen. As a mom of three boys, I can't wait to use this image. THANK YOU!!!
Thanks so much for this!! I made one and am featuring it on my blog with my boys pant giveaway!
http://twolittlebugsclothing.blogspot.com/2010/07/boy-oh-boy-giveaway.html
Thanks for giving me something adorable to put with boys pants! LoVE IT!!
Thank you so much for sharing this project! I posted a link to it on my blog…
http://littlesunshinestudio.blogspot.com/2010/12/fun-pirate-matryoshka-tutorial.html
My family is now going to be outfitted in Pirate attire!
Ashley-
I LOVE this stuff! I just finished my transfers with the Dharma paper and am using their new dyes as well. Thanks for recommending such high quality products, it really does make a huge difference. You are my favorite blogger in the whole entire universe and I treasure all the kick ass tutorials that you have. If I could only get my neck mastered on the dresses then I would be okay. Thanks for all you do.
Kaitlyn
Great Tutorials! I love your site! Was wondering on these transfers, how well do they wash. I have used transfer papers in the past where is fades a lot after you wash it (washing according to directions on transfer paper!) or I find that sometimes the image cracks a bit after washing. How well does this hold up after washing?
I have made several of your tutorials and really love them, very easy to follow!