Creative Ways To Upcycle Old T-Shirts

Old T-shirts are hard to part with, especially if they hold sentimental value. But if you're looking to get crafty, there are plenty of ways to upcycle them. You could cut them into strips, make braids, and then sew the braids together to make an accent rug. You could also turn them into tote bags, pillow covers, or even a quilt. If you're feeling extra creative, you can make bracelets, necklaces, or even a dress. And if you're looking for a fun project to do with kids, tie-dyeing is always an option! So before you throw away your old T-shirts, consider giving them new life with one of these fun and creative ideas.

Make a dress

Making a dress out of an old T-shirt is a fun and creative way to upcycle your old clothes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin, it is important to wash your old T-shirts and ensure you are ready to cut and sew them. Consider the size and fit of the dress you want to create. For a women's medium dress, you will need an X-Small men's T-shirt and a matching 3X men's T-shirt. If you want to make a larger dress, you can adjust the sizes accordingly.

Cutting the T-shirts:

Lay the larger T-shirt on a flat surface. Cut the skirt front and back pieces by cutting straight across the shirt, a couple of inches below the neckline. Cut the sides at an angle, starting from the shoulder seam and moving down to the hem. This will give your dress a nice shape.

Sewing the Skirt:

Place the front and back skirt pieces right sides together and sew down the side seams. Remember not to stretch the fabric as you sew. You can use a sewing machine or serger for this step.

Attaching the Skirt to the Top:

Try on the smaller T-shirt and then pull on the skirt to determine the desired length of your dress. Mark this spot with a pin, then measure and cut the T-shirt one inch below that point to allow for a seam allowance. Place the top and skirt with right sides together, matching up the side seams, front, and back centers. Sew the skirt to the top, gently stretching the top fabric so that the skirt lays flat as you sew.

Adding Elastic (Optional):

If you want a more fitted waist, you can add elastic along the back waistline. Cut a piece of quarter-inch elastic that is a few inches shorter than the back waistline measurement. Pin the elastic to the seam allowance at the sides and center, then sew it in place. This will give your dress a flattering shape.

And there you have it! You can now enjoy your new T-shirt dress, perfect for a casual summer outfit. Feel free to add your own creative touches to make it unique.

Create a quilt

Creating a quilt from old T-shirts is a fun and rewarding process, but it requires time, patience, and practice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a T-shirt quilt:

Step One: Cut Out Your T-Shirt Squares

Use a rotary cutter and mat, or fabric scissors, to cut out your T-shirt squares. Ensure they are all the same size, with 12" x 12" or 14" x 14" squares being ideal dimensions. Clean up the edges with scissors to ensure uniformity.

Step Two: Arrange Your T-Shirt Squares

Get creative and arrange the T-shirt squares on your quilt top however you like. Play around with different layouts until you find one that you are happy with. You can also use a quilt template to guide you.

Step Three: Sew Your T-Shirt Squares Together

Sew the T-shirt squares together, ensuring straight seams. Use a 1/2" seam allowance and, if you are new to sewing, refer to beginner-friendly sewing tutorials on YouTube. Use sewing pins to hold the pieces together, placing them on the back of the quilt. Then, use a needle and thread to tack the pieces together.

Create four long strips by sewing the T-shirts in rows. Press the seams flat with an iron, then pin and tack the strips together. Sew the strips together, leaving a 1/2" seam allowance. Repeat this process until all the strips are joined, and iron the seams on the back.

Step Four: Add the Batting and Backing

Cut the batting and backing fabric to size before attaching them to your quilt top if using a rotary cutter. Otherwise, cut them after attachment. Use a spray adhesive to attach the batting and backing to your quilt top, following the package directions.

Step Five: Add the Binding

Cut the binding into strips that are twice the width of the border you want. Fold the binding in half and iron to create a crease. Place the binding over the quilt's edges, folding at the corners. Pin the binding in place, then sew it to the edges, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance for a neat finish. Remove pins and trim any excess threads.

Finally, wash your quilt on a gentle cycle with cold water to preserve the colours and keep it looking its best.

Craft tote bags

Crafting tote bags from old T-shirts is an excellent way to upcycle your old clothing into something practical and reusable. This method is especially useful for those who do not know how to sew, as there are several no-sew options available.

No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag

This method is straightforward and can be completed in 10 minutes. You will need an old T-shirt, a washable marker (optional), and a pair of sharp scissors, preferably fabric scissors.

First, cut off the sleeves. You can fold the T-shirt in half to cut both sleeves simultaneously, ensuring they are identical. Next, cut the neckline area. You can trace the outline of a bowl and cut along it, or free-hand cut an oval shape. Then, decide how deep you want the bag to be and mark a line across the shirt. Cut slits from the bottom of the shirt up to the marked line, ensuring the front and back layers are aligned. Finally, tie the fringe pairs into knots to close the gaps, and your tote bag is ready!

Basic Sewn T-Shirt Bag

For this method, you will need to cut off the sleeves and neckline of the T-shirt. Then, sew across the bottom of the bag, remembering to flip the shirt inside out to keep the seam on the inside. This method is best for printed T-shirts, as the printed motif will remain on the front of the bag.

Twisted Tank Top Tote

This method involves a little more work but results in a more attractive bag. You will need to cut off the sleeves and neckline of a tank top, ensuring it is as symmetrical as possible between the front and back. Then, turn the tank top on its side and line up the straps at the top. Sew across the bottom, and your tote is ready!

No-Sew Drawstring Bottom T-Shirt Bag

This is another quick and easy method for those without a sewing machine. Cut off the sleeves and collar of the T-shirt, then make a slit through the top layer of the hem enclosure. Run a cord through the slit until you come out of the same hole, and pull the cord closed to create a drawstring closure at the bottom of the bag.

My Favourite Way to Make a T-Shirt Bag, with a Matching Drawstring Pouch

This method involves creating a bag and a matching drawstring pouch from the T-shirt body and sleeves, respectively. First, cut off the sleeves and neckline of the T-shirt, then flip the shirt inside out and fold it so that the sleeve holes line up at the top centre. Sew the bottom shut, then create the pouch by sewing across the bottom of the sleeve and running a cord through the hem to create a drawstring. Finally, attach the pouch to the inside or outside of the bag, depending on your preference.

Design a scarf

T-shirts are often made from soft and stretchy material, which makes them perfect for a scarf project. Here is a guide on how to design a scarf from an old T-shirt:

Step 1: Cut the Fabric

Start by cutting out your scarf from your largest main fabric T-shirt. You will need two identical panels. This scarf widens towards the bottom of each side, so cut the bottom hem off your T-shirt and then cut the shirt into horizontal strips. Make the strips approximately 1"–1 1/2" wide and cut up to the armpit of the shirt.

Step 2: Stretch the Loops

Find a partner to help you stretch out the loops. Collect the loops together and pull them to make them even in length. Then, double loop the loops.

Step 3: Add a Decorative Flourish (Optional)

If you want to add a decorative flourish of colour, cut one loop from the bottom of another T-shirt in a contrasting colour. Cut the loop open and secure it around your looped scarf with a tie. Be sure to have a tail on the short side of the binding that's at least 5" long. You'll use this extra fabric to tie a knot later.

Step 4: Wind the Binding

Start to wind the binding around the scarf, making sure to wrap it over the hanging piece. When you have as much as you'd like, cut it off.

Step 5: Tie the Ends

Tie the ends of the binding together in a knot. Tuck the ends under the binding. You may need to loosen the end of the binding to make room for the extra fabric.

Additional Tips:

• You can also create your own design or download a free template to guide your creation.
• Consider using the contrasting colours of different T-shirts and experimenting with reverse applique.

Sew throw pillows

Old T-shirts can be used to create a variety of things, such as tote bags, teddy bears, bracelets, and even rugs. One popular idea is to sew throw pillows out of old T-shirts. This is a simple project that can add a unique and personal touch to your home decor. Here's a step-by-step guide to sewing throw pillows from old T-shirts:

Materials and Preparation:

Before starting, gather the necessary materials, including an old T-shirt, scissors, a pillow insert or filling, a sewing machine, and thread. It is recommended to use a Men's Large or X-Large T-shirt for a standard-sized throw pillow. If you're using a smaller T-shirt, adjust the size of the pillow insert accordingly.

Cutting the T-shirt:

Lay the T-shirt flat on a hard surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Starting at the top of the sleeve, cut a straight line down the entire left side of the T-shirt. Repeat this step on the right side. Cut a straight line across the top of the T-shirt, just below the neckline. Cut off a few inches from the bottom of the front side of the shirt, ensuring you only cut the top layer and not the back layer. The amount you cut off will depend on the placement of the image or design you want to showcase on the front of the pillow.

Assembling the Pillow:

Set the front layer aside and fold the back layer in half. Cut the back layer in half at the center fold. Lay the front of the shirt flat with the print facing up. Place the two back halves on top of the front, with the half containing the bottom seam placed down first and facing inward. This will create a cleaner look on the back of the pillow. Pin the layers together to secure them in place.

Sewing the Pillow:

Using a sewing machine, sew around the edges of the pillow, leaving an allowance of less than an inch. Leave a small hole of a few inches unsewn on the back of the pillow to insert the filling. Turn the pillow cover inside out through the slit at the back.

Inserting the Filling:

Choose your preferred type of filling for the pillow. You can use a ready-made pillow insert, or you can use alternative materials such as foam, feathers, or an old bed topper. Stuff the pillow with your chosen filling to your desired level of fullness.

Finishing Touches:

Once the pillow is stuffed, hand sew the hole closed. Tuck in the raw edges and pin them in place before sewing for a neater finish. And that's it! You now have a unique throw pillow made from an old T-shirt.

Feel free to experiment with different T-shirts and designs to create a variety of throw pillows for your home. This project is an excellent way to upcycle old T-shirts and give them a new purpose.

Frequently asked questions