How to cover up ugly graphics with slashed t-shirt reverse applique

A few years ago I started seeing an interesting t-shirt slashing technique, just opening up little holes inside stitched rectangles with a different colored fabric underneath for a pop of color. Then I saw this post here on Refashion Co-op using the same technique as reverse applique on a shirt. However there was no tutorial, so I had to figure it out on my own. I discovered that it's a great way to cut out an ugly graphic from an otherwise perfect t-shirt.

You take your t-shirt with an unacceptable graphic, logo or stain on it...

...and some t-shirt scraps.

Create a rectangular panel with two layers of t-shirt scraps that is large enough to cover the graphic to be removed.

Sew it onto the inside of the t-shirt front.

Cut out the front of the t-shirt, making the rectangular panel visible.

Draw some lines across the rectangle with chalk and then sew along them.

Cut straight across the center of the spaces between lines of stitching, wash the shirt (or at least wet, agitate and dry it)...

...and you've got yourself some awesome slashed t-shirt reverse applique instead of whatever ugliness had been there before! My daughter calls this her "oven shirt" and I can see why! We both love the effect of this technique!

If you want to try this out, I suggest you read my full photo tutorial with all the details on my blog, Cucicucicoo, because there are some things regarding grain, fabric stretch and dimensions that will make this project more successful. And after that, why not take a look at my other embellishing tutorials? There's no excuse to get rid of a perfectly good piece of clothing just because it's horribly boring or it has a stain or other ugly something on it!