How to Use Your Space Adventurer T-Shirt Craft Kit – A Step-by-Step Guide

Shop this Craft Kit - Space Adventurer T-shirt Kit

If you're looking for a fun, hands-on creative activity for kids that also results in something they can proudly wear, then you're going to love our Space Adventurer T-Shirt Kit. Whether it’s for a party, rainy-day project, or birthday gift, this kit has everything needed to design a glow-in-the-dark, glittery space-themed t-shirt (or any ironable item!).

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything that’s included in your kit, what you’ll need from home, and how to create your very own out-of-this-world wearable masterpiece.

What’s Included in the Kit?

Each Design Your Own Space Adventurer T-Shirt Kit includes:

• 3 sheets of illustration vinyl shapes – featuring space-themed designs like rockets, aliens, astronauts, and more
• Glitter planet shapes for a sparkly cosmic effect
• Glow-in-the-dark stars – perfect for nighttime fun
• A drawing and planning sheet to sketch your design
• An instruction guide
• A sheet of wax paper to use when ironing
• A sample vinyl pack for testing before you start on your final design

What You’ll Need at Home:

• A household iron (steam OFF)
• A pair of scissors
• A cotton or poly-blend item to decorate: T-shirt, bag, pillowcase, skirt, or even a tea towel
• A heat-safe surface (we recommend a hard surface, like a wooden table or worktop – not an ironing board)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Use the drawing sheet provided to sketch out your space scene before you start cutting. This helps kids visualise where everything will go and gets their creative ideas flowing!

Step 2: Cut Out the Shapes

Use scissors to carefully cut around your vinyl illustrations, glitter planets, and glow-in-the-dark stars. Keep all the backing on for now.

Step 3: Prep the Fabric

Before adding any vinyl, iron your t-shirt or item first. This removes any moisture and wrinkles so your designs adhere better.

Step 4: Position Your Shapes

Now for the fun part – lay out your shapes on the t-shirt:

• Illustration shapes (white paper backing) go face down
• Glitter vinyl and glow-in-the-dark shapes go shiny side up

Arrange your design based on your drawing plan and take your time – once ironed, they can’t be moved!

Step 5: Set Your Iron

Put your iron on the cotton setting and turn off the steam. This is important for making sure the vinyl sticks properly.

Step 6: Cover with Wax Paper

Place the wax paper from your kit over your design to protect both the fabric and iron.

Step 7: Press and Hold

Press the iron down firmly for 15 seconds. Don't move it around like you’re ironing a shirt—just press and hold.
Tip: It’s much easier to get a strong bond when pressing on a hard surface rather than an ironing board.

Step 8: Cool and Peel

Let the shapes cool for about 30 seconds, then slowly peel back the vinyl’s backing.
If the design doesn’t stick fully, place the wax paper back and press again.

Once the backing is removed, iron again through the wax paper to make sure the shapes are fully sealed.

Bonus Tip: Use the Sample Vinyl First

Before you get started on your main design, use the sample shapes included to test your iron settings and get used to the technique. Practicing first helps avoid mistakes and builds confidence—especially for little crafters!

Extra Tips

• Iron your t-shirt in sections: do the glow-in-the-dark stars first, then move on to illustrations or glitter
• Don't forget to double-iron—once after peeling the backing, once again for extra stick
• This kit is also great for craft parties, school projects, and personalised gifts

Ready for Lift-Off?

With your Space Adventurer T-Shirt Kit, you're not just making a t-shirt—you're sparking imagination, creativity, and confidence. Plus, you’ll end up with a unique, wearable piece of art that glows in the dark!

Whether you're gifting this kit or crafting it together as a family, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your intergalactic adventure. Don't forget to share your finished designs and tag @thejoyfulrebel on social media—we’d love to see your space explorers in action.