Applique

Applique is the best way to get  cute t-shirt for a specific event.  There are a couple methods I have used

Wunder Under with machine sewing on top (I never had luck with wunder under alone)

 I used a tutorial found here  to cut this from my cricut.  The head and bond is more secure and I did not sew this one.

Again with the heat and bond and my cricut, but I did hand stitch these letters as they were a little smaller and I like the stitched look.

 This shape I bought from etsy precut, but it did not last long.  The colors bled all over the white shirts and the appliques fell off after a few washes... (pillow next to him is one of my cross stitch creations - lots of Christmas decorations in cross stitch)

Applique is a quick and easy way to dress up a cheap t-shirt just the way you want it.