DIY Handprint Shirt for First Day of School (Cricut Design Space File) 2023

Posts on Clarks Condensed contain affiliate links, which I earn a small commission from. These are provided for your convenience, and the price isn't increased at all.

This handprint shirt is the best back to school t-shirt – it will be one of your most cherished memories as your child grows! This tutorial includes a Design Space File for those who want to use their Cricut!

I’m a pretty sappy person, and I’m all about traditions – especially when it comes to my kids.

When Jack was starting preschool, I saw an idea for a shirt where they put their hand print on it the first day of every grade.

class of 2030 shirt — This was last year’s photo!

I have loved watching his hands grow over the years, and I can hardly believe he’s in third grade.

Unfortunately, some of the letters have started falling off on the front – I made it before the days of me using my Cricut machine for everything! I am also worried we might run out of space!

Oliver started his first year of preschool last year, so I decided to make him one as well using my Cricut machine and materials – and not just using iron-on vinyl, but Infusible Ink, so it would last a lifetime! I also decided to put all the grades on the back so I could make sure I had enough space.

Since school is back in session for people around the country, I thought I would share this Design Space file and tutorial.

It’s a very simple project, but it’s one that you know that you’ll be glad you did when your child graduates. I love watching the progression from over the years – not only with the handprint, but how the shirt gets a little smaller (okay, it makes me sob. But that’s beside the point).

I put “Class of” and the year they will be graduating on the front, but you could really do whatever you wanted!

Below you will find a Design Space file and tips and tricks for this fun t-shirt. If you don’t have a Cricut, you can buy letters and numbers at the store or just write them on yourself.

What You Need

Oversized T-Shirt – You need a shirt that your child can fit in when they are a senior in high school! Obviously, it’s impossible to know if they’ll need an adult small or adult XXL, but I just went with a large for my kids. If you are using Infusible Ink, you will need an Infusible Ink shirt.
Acrylic Paint
Paper Plate for Paint
Card stock (especially if using a white shirt)

If Using Cricut

If Not Using Cricut

Iron on or Sticker letters and numbers for your child’s year in school and for Preschool-12th grade

How to Make the Shirt with Cricut

Open this file in Design Space

Change the year to whatever year your child is going to graduate (here is a high school graduation calculator).

Cut out your materials using your Cricut machine for the materials you are using. Here are a few different common iron on materials and instructions to go along with them:

Preheat your shirt and then put your material on top.

Follow the heating instructions for your material and the type of shirt you are using. Because I used Infusible Ink, I had to use several sheets of parchment paper between the design and the EasyPress 2.

Carefully remove the design from the front of the shirt, and flip over to the other side for the grades.

Cut out all of your grades into individual pieces.

Lay the pieces of vinyl or Infusible Ink on the back of the shirt to make sure you have enough space. Leave more space for older grades than younger grades.

Carefully press all the pieces onto the back of your shirt. This will take some time, but it’s well-worth the patience!

How to do the Handprints

When you are ready to put a handprint, lay it down as flat as possible.

Pour acrylic paint into a plate and carefully dip child’s hand into the paint. You definitely want an adult to help with this.

Place a piece of cardstock behind where you will be putting the handprint. This is especially important if you are using a white shirt, like one of the Infusible Ink shirts. I made the mistake of not doing this!