Creative Ways To Upcycle Old T-Shirts

Old t-shirts are hard to part with, whether they're comfortable, versatile, or hold sentimental value. But if you're looking to declutter, there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose them. You can upcycle them into new items, such as tote bags, rugs, or headbands, or recycle the fabric responsibly. You could also give them a new lease of life by selling or donating them. With a bit of imagination, your old t-shirts can find a new purpose and avoid contributing to the millions of pounds of textile waste that ends up in landfills each year.

Upcycle into accessories

Old T-shirts can be upcycled into various accessories. Here are some ideas:

Tote Bags

Tote bags are a great way to reuse old T-shirts and are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags. You can cut the sleeves off and tie the bottom of the T-shirt to create a reusable tote bag. There are plenty of tutorials available online that can guide you through this simple process.

Scarves

Scarves are another accessory that can be made from old T-shirts. You can cut the T-shirt into strips, braid them together, and add beads or other decorations to create a unique scarf. This is a simple way to upcycle old T-shirts without needing to sew.

Belts

You can also use old T-shirts to create belts. Cut the T-shirt into strips and braid them together to form a belt. You can add buckles or other fasteners to make them more secure.

Headbands

The soft and stretchy fabric of T-shirts is perfect for making headbands. Cut the T-shirt into a strip that is the desired width of your headband, and then tie or sew the ends together. You can also braid multiple strips of fabric together to create a headband with a more intricate design.

Jewellery

Old T-shirts can also be turned into jewellery, such as bracelets and necklaces. Cut the T-shirt into thin strips and braid or knot them together. You can add beads or other decorations to personalise your jewellery.

Create home decor

Old T-shirts can be used to create a variety of home decor items. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Frame your T-shirt

If you have a T-shirt that holds sentimental value or has a cool design, consider framing it and hanging it on your wall. This can be a unique and edgy way to decorate your space while also preserving the memories attached to the shirt. You can stretch the T-shirt over a canvas or create your own box frame.

Make a Rug

You can cut your old T-shirts into strips, braid them together, and sew them into a colourful rug for your home. This adds a unique and eclectic touch to your decor while also being a comfortable and absorbent floor covering, especially useful in front of sinks or in the bathroom.

Create Storage Baskets or Bowls

Similar to the rug, you can cut and braid T-shirts into strips and then sew them into baskets or bowls for storage. These can be used to hold various items around your home, such as keys, mail, or desk supplies.

Make Curtains or Curtain Tiebacks

Old T-shirts can be cut and sewn into curtains for a pop of colour and texture in your home. Alternatively, you can use the fabric to create curtain tiebacks, adding a unique and creative touch to your window treatments.

Create Plant Hangers

In less than 30 minutes, you can make a macrame-style plant hanger from your old T-shirts. This is a quick and easy way to bring some greenery into your home while also displaying your upcycled creation.

There are endless possibilities for upcycling old T-shirts into home decor items. With a little creativity and some basic tools, you can transform those old shirts into something new and give them a second life.

Make something for your pet

There are plenty of ways to repurpose an old T-shirt into something fun for your pet. Here are some ideas:

Cat Tent

This is a great, simple option that will only take about 10 minutes to make. All you need to do is cut along the side seams of the T-shirt to separate the front from the back. You can leave the sleeves attached to make the tent a little bigger. Then, cut three-inch slits at the bottom of the T-shirt that are about two to three inches wide. Rip the strips the rest of the way and tie a large basic knot with the strips. Separate the strips into three equal sections and braid until you have about three inches left. Tie another knot at the end and you're done!

Dog Toy

You can also make a tug-of-war toy for your dog by cutting your old T-shirt into strips and braiding them together. Make sure it's tightly woven so your dog doesn't bite through it. You can also try making a chunky braid with two knots. First, cut along the side seams of the T-shirt and then cut three-inch slits at the bottom. Rip or cut the strips and tie a large knot at one end. Separate the strips into three sections and braid them together, then tie another knot at the other end.

Pet Bed

You can cut your old T-shirts into strips and use them to crochet or knit a pet bed. There are plenty of tutorials online to help you get started.

Donate or sell

If you're looking to donate your old t-shirts, it's important to make sure they're in good condition. Stained, damaged, or torn clothing should not be donated, as it's unlikely that anyone will want to buy or wear these items. If your t-shirts are in good condition, you can donate them to a local charity shop, homeless shelter, or group home. You can also donate them to a clothing collection company, such as Green Drop, which will either resell or recycle the clothing. Many companies offer store credit or discounts as incentives for donating.

If you're looking to sell your old t-shirts, it's a good idea to use an online resale platform such as eBay, Mercari, Depop, Poshmark, or thredUP. You're more likely to get a good price for your t-shirts if they are in good condition and from a well-known brand or designer label.

Recycle

Recycling old t-shirts is a great way to be environmentally conscious and creative. Here are some ways to recycle old t-shirts:

Send to a Recycling Company

Some companies, such as Marine Layer, accept fabrics of all types (except spandex) and pay for your shipping. Their recycling program, Re-Spun, breaks the t-shirts down to the fibre level and combines this fibre with recycled plastic to create new garments. Phoenix Fibers is another example of a company that accepts textile donations and turns them into "shoddy", which can be used to manufacture insulation, sound-dampening products, and mattresses.

Donate to Charity

Donating to charities such as Goodwill, GreenDrop, and the Salvation Army is a great way to recycle old t-shirts and help those in need. You can also donate to clothing collection companies, such as Green Drop, which will then shred the clothing that is not resold or donated into stuffing for car seats or combust it for energy production.

Upcycle

Upcycling is a great way to recycle old t-shirts by giving them a new function. Here are some ideas for upcycling old t-shirts:

• Tote bags
• Cat tents
• Dog toys
• Hair curlers
• Garden ties
• Paint smocks
• Quilts
• Pillows
• Headbands
• Plant hangers
• Workout shirts
• Braided baskets, bowls, or rugs

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