An existing shirt arrives with a fibre, a finish, a fit and a past. Dye or patchwork adds decisions; it does not erase the ones already built into the garment.
Inspect before altering
Look for stains, synthetic thread, fusible layers, elastic, hidden labels and weak seams. These details change how a resist or direct colour treatment may behave.
- Record fibre and label
- Check seam strength
- Test an unseen area when appropriate
Make the next decision reversible
A small sample, removable stitch or documented before-state gives the project a chance to stop before the garment is lost. The right outcome may be to leave the shirt alone.
- Photograph the starting condition
- Separate wash from dye decisions
- Do not promise colourfastness
