Creative Ways To Revamp And Reuse An Old T-Shirt

T-shirts are a versatile garment with many uses beyond their original purpose. Whether you're looking to get crafty and creative or want to find a new way to wear an old favourite, there are plenty of options for repurposing a T-shirt. You can cut it into strips and make anything from braided accessories to full-blown woven rugs. You can cut it into a fringe scarf, or turn it into a tote bag, a lampshade, or even a dog toy. If you're feeling particularly crafty, you can turn your old T-shirts into wall art, baby clothes, or even a quilt.

Create a braided accessory

There are many ways to create braided accessories from old T-shirts. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Braided Bracelets

Braided bracelets are a fun and easy way to create accessories from old T-shirts. You can experiment with different colours and patterns to create unique designs. Cut the T-shirt into strips and braid them together, adding beads or charms for a more intricate look. You can also use embroidery floss or string to create a variety of textures and colours. These bracelets can be stacked and worn together for a trendy look.

Braided Belts

A T-shirt braided belt is a useful accessory that will go with many outfits. Cut the T-shirt into strips and braid them together, adding a buckle or clasp to fasten it around your waist. You can also add other materials, such as leather or suede strips, for a more durable and stylish belt.

Braided Headbands

Headbands are a great way to accessorise your workout gear or add a stylish touch to any outfit. Cut a strip from the T-shirt, twist and loop it around your head for a simple, no-sew headband. For a more intricate look, braid several strips of fabric together and add beads or embellishments.

Braided Rugs

For a larger project, you can create a braided rug using old T-shirts. Cut the shirts into long strips and braid them together, sewing the ends to secure them. Coil the braid into a circle and sew the layers together to form a rug. You can use different coloured shirts to create a pattern or a colour-blocked design.

Braided Dog Toys

If you have a furry friend, you can create a braided dog toy from old T-shirts. Cut the shirts into strips and braid them together, leaving some fabric at the ends to tie knots for added texture. Your pet will love chewing and playing with this colourful toy.

Make a tote bag

There are many ways to repurpose an old T-shirt, from braided accessories to rugs. One idea is to make a tote bag. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a no-sew tote bag from an old T-shirt:

Step 1: Cut the Sleeves

If you want identical cuts, fold the T-shirt in half and cut through both sleeves at once. If the material is too thick to cut both at once, cut one sleeve, fold the T-shirt in half, and use the cut side as a guide for the other sleeve.

Step 2: Cut the Neckline

You can turn the shirt inside out and trace the outline of a bowl before cutting. Alternatively, you can free-hand cut the neckline for a slightly oval shape.

Step 3: Determine the Bag Depth

Turn the T-shirt inside out and determine where you want the bottom of the bag to be. Trace a line across to mark the bottom of the bag. Keep in mind that the bag will likely stretch and become longer when filled with items.

Step 4: Cut Slits

Cut slits from the bottom of the shirt up to the line marking the bottom of the bag. Cut both the front and back layers together so that they match up for the next step. Cut the slits about 3/4 to 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Tie the Fringe

Take the first pair of fringe and tie it into a knot, then tie two more pairs. Lift the bag and you will see that the pairs of knots pull the bag together, with a hole between each pair. Take one strand from the middle set of fringe and tie it into a knot with one of the strands on the left set. Repeat on the right side. Continue until all the strands are tied. Turn the T-shirt right side out again and your tote bag is complete!

You can also make a basic sewn T-shirt bag by cutting off the neck and sleeves and sewing across the bottom. However, this method results in the bag poking into your side when worn. For a more comfortable option, try the twisted tank top tote method. This involves turning the tank top on its side and lining up the straps at the top before sewing across the bottom.

Craft a wreath

Crafting a wreath from old T-shirts is a simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly project. You can use T-shirts from your own closet or find some at a thrift store. You will also need a wreath form, which can be purchased or, if you're feeling creative, made from wire.

To begin, cut the T-shirts into strips. The strips should be around 6-8 inches long and 2 inches wide, but don't worry about being too precise – the finished product will hide any imperfections. Once you have a large pile of strips, start attaching them to the wreath form by tying each strip in a double knot and letting the ends hang evenly on each side. Continue knotting the strips until you've completely covered the wreath form. You can alternate colours as you go or stick to a single colour, depending on the look you're going for.

At this point, your wreath is ready to hang! However, you may want to add some extra decorations or embellishments. For a 4th of July wreath, for example, you could cut out the letters "USA" from a cardboard box and spray-paint them silver. Get creative and use any extra decorative elements you have on hand.

Transform it into a headband

There are many ways to transform an old T-shirt into a headband. If you're looking for a simple, no-sew option, you can cut the sleeves off your T-shirt and use the circle hemmed part as a headband by pulling the hem over your head. This will rest behind your ears and just behind your hairline.

For a more complex, sewn option, you can cut a strip of fabric from the body of the T-shirt—twice the width you want the headband to be, and a comfortable length to go around your head. Sew the ends together, right sides facing, then turn it right side out and fold.

You can also cut the bottom 1/4 of a T-shirt, preferably a stretchy shirt, and sew the fabric into a tube. You will need matching thread, although you can use contrasting thread for a unique look. Cut a single piece of fabric about 6 inches wide and either 19.5 inches long for a child or 22 inches long for an adult. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing and hem the edges together. Turn the tube right side out and cut a second piece of fabric, about 4 inches long and 6 inches wide. Hem the edges of this smaller piece, then fold it in half widthwise and sew the edge to create a smaller tube. Slide the larger tube of fabric into the smaller tube, then fold the larger piece of fabric in half widthwise and pin the two sides together, overlapping by about 1/4 inch. Sew the two sides together and slip the smaller tube over the sewn edge. You can tack down the hemlines of the smaller tube if you wish, and your headband is complete!

Sew a baby hat

Sewing a baby hat is a fun project that results in a snugly hug for your tiny tot and makes the sweetest keepsake. You can use a sewing machine or a serger to sew the baby hat. Here is a step-by-step guide to sewing a baby hat:

Gather Your Supplies:

• Soft and snuggly fabric (jersey knit fabric with at least 50% stretch)
• Thread in matching colours
• Sewing pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or serger
• Walking foot (optional but helpful)
• Jersey ballpoint needle
• Stretch thread (optional)

Cut Out the Pattern Pieces:

• Basic Baby Hat Pattern: Place the baby hat top piece parallel to the stretch of the fabric and cut two from the top piece.
• Hat Band Pattern: Place the hat band pattern on the fabric fold and cut one hat band piece from the pattern.

Sew the Hat Band:

• Pin or clip the short side of the baby hat band.
• Sew a 1/4" seam allowance along the short side of the baby hat band piece to form one round (connected) piece.
• Press the seam allowance of the hat band piece open. Fold the hat band in half along the long side, wrong sides together, with the raw edges together, and press.

Sew the Darts on the Main Hat Piece:

• Fold each of the two main pieces in half, aligning the raw edges of the V-shape created by the dart.
• Sew a 1/4" seam allowance along the raw edge of the dart (angled edge). Repeat for the other hat top piece.
• Press the dart open or to one side.

Sew the Main Hat Pieces Together:

• Once the angled edges are sewn, place the hat pieces right sides together, lining up the darts, and clip or pin in place to secure.
• Sew a 1/4" seam allowance around the curved edge from one side to the other.
• Turn the hat top piece right side out, ensuring you roll the seam allowance out so it lays flat.

Attach the Hat Band to the Main Hat Piece:

• Divide both the hat top and the cuff of the hat band into four even quarters and mark with pins.
• With the right sides of the hat band cuff and hat facing each other, place the cuff around the right side of the hat. The folded edge will be on top, with the raw edges on the bottom, meeting the raw edges of the hat.
• Line up the four even pin markings and pin the hat and hat band so they are evenly distributed.
• Sew the cuff to the hat using a 1/4" seam.
• Press the seam allowance of the cuff upward and press flat. Fold the hat band in half and press. Press the whole baby hat for a nice finish.

Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabric:

• A walking foot will help feed the fabric evenly when sewing with knits.
• Stretch thread will keep the seams from breaking.
• Using a ballpoint needle will help prevent skipped stitches.
• Spray jersey fabric with starch and press to stabilize and prevent the edges from rolling.

Frequently asked questions