Tutorial: graphic-design tights

[swawesome]

Dear crafters,

some time ago I saw these enchanting tights:

http://theberry.com/2010/01/22/yes-these-are-tights-16-photos/

Now, I finally got around to buying some materials and trying it for myself!

Materials:

 -"expensive" tights (you'll have to stretch and put them on and off a couple of times, so if you take the cheap kind, they'll be ruined before you're even done)
 -textile markers (sharpies might work as well)
 -rather large piece of cardboard (must be big enough to roughly resemble your leg)

Step 1:
Put the tights on and mark where you want your design to be with a pencil. Be sure to do this on both legs and on the same hight.

Step 2:

Cut the cardboard into a leg-like shape (I used the box my ukulele was in, so I didn't really need to do that)

Step 3:

Carefully but your new cardboard leg (which might come in handy if you turn into a pirate, as well) in one of the tight-legs. Make sure it's not twisted and stretched equally.

Step 4:

If you want to make a straight line, use a fashinable ruler. It helps to keep the tights in place, while you trace your lines. Don't be fooled by the cardboard! Even if it looks black, your tights might not take in enough colour yet, so be sure to go over your lines a couple a times.

Step 5:

If you want to use some kind of pattern for your design, you can either use something to put on top, like I did, and trace it with a pencil (you will be able to see it really well, since you are writing on the cardboard as well) or put a design on a piece of paper between cardboard and tights. If you want to use your cardboard-leg more than once, you can put some paper between tights and cardboard as well.

Step 6:

I used a necklace as inspiration for the details on my design.

Step 7:
Repeat steps 3 to 6 but this time, with the other tight-leg.

Step 8:

Do a happy dance and adore your awesome new tights!

Alternatively you could use a more colourful pair of tights or textile markers. Generally shapes that are not round or square etc. work better, because if stretched, you can hardly notice that they are warped. Keep in mind, that if you stretch your tights TO THE MAX while putting the design on, the colours will appear more vivid, since you have more colour particles in one place. If you do that, don't forget that the design will be much smaller, if you stretch the tights more than your legs are wide.

Cheers,

Swawesome

[neeners2004]

I've always loved those printed tights.  It had never occurred to me to just draw designs on myself.  Great idea, and thanks for the tute!

[Riechan]

awesome! might have to try this with a pair of worn-out ones ^^
thanks!

[rackycoo]

These look great! I featured this project on Craftster's Facebook page. Thanks for sharing. 

[Ekioart]

Ooh neat idea! I might just have to try this.

*on a side note, that's an arkansas ruler (captian obvious is in the house) are you an arkansan? if so, Hi!!!!! I'm a LR gal*

[swawesome]

*on a side note, that's an arkansas ruler (captian obvious is in the house) are you an arkansan? if so, Hi!!!!! I'm a LR gal*

I spend a year abroad in Rogers, AR "LET'S GO ROGERS LET'S GO"- does that count? I am living in Germany at the moment, that's why the pens don't look familiar to you guys and the tights are priced in Euro.

Greetings to the "Natural State" LOL

[owl lady]

What a great idea! It turned out really cute, too.

On a side note, I play ukulele, too. What size/brand do you play? I play a Concert Mitchell uke. Isn't it just the best instrument? I recommend everyone to play it. When I talk to people in popular bands I tell them that they should play ukulele or bring it into their music... Usually they just laugh. :p

[kuckyjune]

Great idea! Don't think I'd try it with Sharpies, they tend to run on nylon.

[theatreorchid]

What a great idea, thanks so much for the tut!  I'll have to give this a try sometime, I'm always bummed when I can't find cute plus-size tights...perfect solution.  Buy boring tights, make them cute.  Why didn't I think of that?

[swawesome]

On a side note, I play ukulele, too. What size/brand do you play? I play a Concert Mitchell uke. Isn't it just the best instrument? I recommend everyone to play it. When I talk to people in popular bands I tell them that they should play ukulele or bring it into their music... Usually they just laugh. :p

I play a Lanikai, but a small one- not the concert type. I totally love the uke- it's such an awesome alternative, especially for ladies. You should check out Amanda Palmer (she brought out an entire Album with the Uke)! Also the wonderfull Zoey Dechanel promotes playing the ukulele.