Materials:

1 White T-shirt

1 Piece of black felt

1 Package of gold chain

3 packages of various studs

(Picked these up in Michaels)

Step 1: Begin by cutting two rectangles out of the black felt. One end should have rounded edges. I based the length and the width of the felt pieces on the length of the shoulder seam on the shirt, and how they would drape over my shoulder. Make sure to cut these pieces out at the edges of the full piece in case you mess up.

Step 2: Outline a pattern that you would like to place the studs on one side of your freshly cut epaulettes. I bought three types of stud packs: iron on studs, sew-on studs, and pronged studs. Before securing the studs onto the felt epaulettes, be sure that you like the pattern. Once you’ve decided that you like the pattern, secure them.

Step 3: For the t-shirt, I rolled the sleeves twice and secured them down with a simple stitch on four sides. I also cut off the collar to make a boatneck top. You can cut and customize your shirt how you see fit.

Step 3a: For added comfort, I suggest washing the shirt before you start sewing on the epaulettes. I bought the t-shirt brand new, so it was still stiff. I washed the t-shirt with fabric softener to make sure that it would be extra comfy.

Step 4: Pin down the epaulettes onto the shoulders of the t-shirt. Check their position, and adjust as necessary.

Step 5: Begin to sew on the epaulette using a running stitch. Get as close to the edge as possible to ensure that the felt lays down as flat as possible against the t-shirt.

Step 6: When you’ve finished sewing on both epaulettes onto the shirt, it’s time to add the chain! Measure out enough chain to fit around the outer perimeter of the epaulette. Cut the chain. Lay it out on the edge of the felt and pin them down at points where you want to place a stitch. Secure them at these points.

Note: I added the chain on at this stage so that it wouldn’t get in the way while I sewed on the actual epaulette onto the t-shirt.

Finished! Now you have an epaulette t-shirt!

This shirt can be worn on its own for a Renaissance Faire, or you could add this nifty little accessory to it:

The tutorial for the armor piece will come next Monday for those interested. But hopefully for now I’ve given you a fun little DIY to keep you busy for one summer day. Happy Crafting!