How To Wash Homemade T-Shirt Yarn The Right Way

T-shirt yarn is a fun, eco-friendly way to recycle old t-shirts and give them a new lease of life. It's easy to make and can be used for a variety of knitting and crochet projects, from rugs and baskets to necklaces and purses. But what about washing your homemade t-shirt yarn projects? Just like a regular t-shirt, you can put your homemade yarn creations in the washing machine. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your yarn may ravel on the cut edges, so it's recommended to place it in a washing bag for delicates to prevent excessive raveling. Additionally, try not to stretch the yarn while working with it, as this can cause your finished project to buckle and look distorted. With these tips in mind, you can confidently create and care for your unique t-shirt yarn projects!

Yes, you can wash it, but it may ravel on the cut edges

Yes, you can wash homemade t-shirt yarn, but it may ravel on the cut edges. Ravel means to fray or form tangles, and this is something to be aware of when washing homemade t-shirt yarn. It is important to note that t-shirt yarn is not the same as regular yarn, and it can be frustrating to work with if you are a beginner.

T-shirt yarn is made from old t-shirts, and it is a great way to recycle old clothing. The process of making t-shirt yarn involves cutting old t-shirts into strips and then stretching those strips to make them curl and become more yarn-like. This type of yarn is ideal for bulkier projects such as crochet and knit rugs, trivets and coasters, baskets, and tote bags. It is also great for projects that need to be completed quickly.

When washing homemade t-shirt yarn, it is recommended to place it in a washing bag for delicates to prevent excessive raveling. It is also important to note that t-shirt yarn can be heavy, and working with it for too long in one sitting can strain your body. It is recommended to take breaks often and not work with the yarn for too long at a time.

Use a washing bag to reduce raveling

If you're looking to wash homemade t-shirt yarn, it's important to know that it may ravel on the cut edges. To reduce raveling, using a washing bag designed for delicates is a good idea.

Washing bags are made of porous materials, such as durable polyester, which allow soap and water to pass through while protecting your delicate items from damage during the wash and dry cycles. They come in various sizes and can be fastened with zippers, plastic gator clips, rubber, or drawstrings.

When choosing a washing bag, consider the type of material, available sizes, and the type of fastening. A tighter weave will provide more protection than an open mesh. Zippers are generally more reliable and secure than drawstrings, but it's important to ensure the zipper has a sleeve for the zipper head to prevent snagging.

To use a washing bag, first sort and load your clothing items into categories like whites, coloured fabrics, and delicates. Securely close the bag, ensuring it's not too tightly packed, and place it into the washing machine with your other laundry items. Remember to air dry your delicate items instead of tumble drying them.

Using a washing bag can help protect your homemade t-shirt yarn from excessive raveling and keep it looking neat and tidy.

Avoid overstretching the yarn when washing

Yes, you can wash homemade t-shirt yarn, but it's important to take some precautions to avoid overstretching the yarn and causing it to buckle or lose its shape. Here are some detailed tips to avoid overstretching when washing your homemade t-shirt yarn:

Firstly, when preparing to wash your t-shirt yarn, avoid excessive stretching. T-shirt yarn has some stretch due to its fabric nature, but overstretching can lead to buckling in your work. This is because, unlike regular yarn, t-shirt yarn doesn't 'move' as easily, and once a stitch is in place, it will likely stay that way.

When washing, always opt for gentle hand washing using lukewarm water and a mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive agitation, as these can compromise the integrity of the yarn. After washing, carefully remove the yarn from the water, being mindful not to wring or twist it. Gently squeeze out the excess water and lay the yarn flat on a clean, dry towel.

When it comes to drying, avoid hanging or stretching the wet yarn, as this can distort its shape. Instead, reshape it to its original dimensions and lay it flat to air dry. Avoid using a dryer or heater to speed up the drying process, as these can cause unwanted stretching, shrinkage, or damage to the yarn.

Additionally, when blocking your t-shirt yarn, be very careful not to overstretch it. Unlike wool or synthetic fibres, cotton yarn tends to retain its shape once stretched and may not bounce back to its original form. So, when blocking, focus on evenly shaping your yarn without excessive pulling or stretching.

By following these precautions, you can help avoid overstretching your homemade t-shirt yarn during the washing process and ensure your creations maintain their shape and integrity.

Wash printed t-shirts, but note that the print will be visible and the yarn stiffer

Yes, you can wash homemade t-shirt yarn! The process is similar to washing a regular t-shirt. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the yarn may ravel on the cut edges, especially after the first few washes. To minimise this, consider placing the yarn in a washing bag for delicates.

Now, if you're washing printed t-shirts to make yarn, there are a few extra things to note. Firstly, if you want the print to be visible on the yarn, cut the fabric for the yarn vertically instead of horizontally. This way, when you stretch the fabric, the print will be visible on the outside. Keep in mind that the yarn will be stiffer due to the ink from the print.

When cutting the fabric, start by removing the bottom hem of the t-shirt. Then, cut the shirt straight across from armpit to armpit, ensuring you cut through both layers, leaving you with a rectangular piece of fabric. Next, decide on the width of your yarn. The wider the strips, the heavier and bulkier the yarn will be. Cut the fabric into strips, maintaining the same width throughout. Remember, perfection is not necessary here.

Once you've cut all the strips, it's time to connect them into one continuous piece of yarn. Gather the shirt where the strips are still connected at the top. From now on, cut diagonally. Begin by cutting diagonally from the outside edge to the point where you ended cutting the first strip. This will be the start of your yarn. For the second strip, cut from the cut end on the bottom to the cut end at the top of the next strip. Continue cutting diagonally all across until you reach the end of the shirt.

Now, if you wish to curl your yarn to resemble traditional yarn and make it longer, simply stretch it out by pulling it between your hands. The yarn will curl up and thin out. Do this along the entire strand. If your shirt had any graphics or prints, keep in mind that those sections may not stretch as easily.

Finally, wind your new yarn into a ball, and it's ready to be used for knitting or crocheting projects like rugs, coasters, or purses.

Wash plain t-shirts for a more uniform look

T-shirt yarn is a great way to upcycle your old T-shirts and give them a new lease of life. You can wash T-shirt yarn, but it's important to note that it may ravel on the cut edges. To reduce this risk, place the yarn in a washing bag for delicates.

If you want to create a uniform look when making T-shirt yarn, follow these steps:

Choose Plain T-Shirts

Start by selecting plain T-shirts in similar colours and shades. Avoid printed T-shirts, as the print will be visible in the yarn, creating a less uniform appearance. If you do use printed T-shirts, opt for those with minimal printing.

Prep Your T-Shirts

Lay your T-shirts flat on a table and smooth out any wrinkles. Using sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, cut off the bottom hem of the shirt. Then, cut the shirt straight across from armpit to armpit, ensuring you cut through both layers. This will leave you with a rectangular piece of fabric.

Cut Consistent Strips

Decide on the width you want your T-shirt yarn to be, considering that wider strips will result in heavier and bulkier yarn. For a uniform look, maintain the same width across all strips. Cut straight lines from the bottom of the fabric to about 1-2 inches from the top fold, ensuring you don't cut all the way to the end.

Connect the Strips

Gather the shirt where the strips are still connected at the top. From now on, you will cut diagonally. Begin by cutting diagonally from the outside edge to the point where you ended cutting the first strip. Continue cutting the rest of the strips in the same manner.

Stretch Your Yarn (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to keep the yarn flat or stretch it to make it curl and resemble traditional yarn. To curl your yarn, pick up a length of yarn and stretch it between your hands. This will cause it to curl up and thin out. Stretching the yarn will also make it longer, giving you more yarn to work with.

Create Your Project

Now that you have your uniform T-shirt yarn, you can use it for various projects. Keep in mind that T-shirt yarn is ideal for bulkier projects such as crochet and knit rugs, trivets, coasters, baskets, and tote bags. You can also use it for macrame projects like plant hangers or wall hangings.

Frequently asked questions