Creative Ways To Use T-Shirt Yarn For Crochet Projects

T-shirt yarn is a unique type of yarn that is either made from old t-shirts or created to resemble t-shirt fabric. It is a great option for crocheting due to its versatility, durability, and ease of use. With t-shirt yarn, you can create a wide range of items, from hanging baskets and floor poufs to purses and rugs. Its sturdy nature makes it perfect for crocheting home décor, bags, and purses. In this paragraph, we will explore the creative possibilities and advantages of using t-shirt yarn for your next crochet project.

Baskets and bowls

T-shirt yarn is ideal for crochet toy baskets, and you can adjust the pattern to make baskets of different sizes. You can also make a flat circle base and then build the sides of the basket by crocheting the first round in the back loop, before continuing to crochet around until you reach your desired height.

If you want to make a basket with handles, you can add these in by crocheting a chain to form a handle, skipping a few stitches, and then continuing to single crochet around. You can also add a second round to the handle to make it thicker.

T-shirt yarn is thicker than most super bulky weight yarn, and it's also durable and long-lasting. It's a great option if you want to make a basket that can be easily washed and reused. You can buy t-shirt yarn or make your own by cutting up old t-shirts.

When crocheting with t-shirt yarn, it's recommended to use a large hook, typically 8mm or larger, depending on how stiff you want the finished basket to be.

Rugs

T-shirt yarn is a great material to crochet rugs with, as it is soft, thick, and unique. You can either buy t-shirt yarn or make your own by cutting up old t-shirts. When crocheting with t-shirt yarn, it is recommended to use a large hook – typically an 8mm or larger.

Step 1: Acquire Fabric

Choose t-shirts that are mostly or 100% cotton, and have little to no print on them. You’ll also want the fabric weight to be fairly consistent.

Step 2: Create your yarn

There are many tutorials available online that teach you how to create t-shirt yarn from old t-shirts. The basic idea is to cut the shirt below the arm line and below any print. Then, fold the t-shirt from one side to the other, leaving it about one inch short from meeting the ends. This is your one-inch allowance. Now, cut the t-shirt into 1.5-inch strips, avoiding the one-inch allowance. Thicker strips will give you thicker yarn, while thinner strips will give you thinner yarn. Don’t cut too thin, or the yarn won’t form. Open up the shirt to see your one-inch allowance, and cut starting from the hem, on a slant, from one strip to the next across the allowance – this connects all the strips together.

The shirt is already in the round, so you’re cutting a continuous strip from the bottom hem up to the armpit. Remove the hem before cutting, as it doesn’t curl well. Once you have the big strip, stretch the strip and allow the knit in the t-shirt to curl in on itself, thus creating the yarn.

Step 3: Ball up your yarn

This step is important, but be careful not to twist the yarn as you ball it, as this will create tension.

Step 4: Crochet

Use a single crochet here for a dense weave. You’ll be crocheting in the round, so start either with a magic circle or the Chain 2 method. For a quick look at the single crochet, check out online tutorials. Use the largest crochet hook you have on hand and start with 6 SC in the first round, double it to 12 in the second round, and slowly increase by multiples of 6 beyond that.

Second round: 2 SC in each stitch (12 stitches)

Third round: *1 SC in the next stitch, 2 SC in the next stitch, repeat (18 stitches)

Fourth round: * 1 SC in the next 2 stitches, 2 SC in the next stitch, repeat (24 stitches) and so on.

You can also make it up as you go, increasing as necessary to keep the piece flat. If the work is curling up, you need more stitches in the round. If the work is ruffling, you can either take it apart and decrease the number of stitches, or do a round with no increases to bound the problem. Try to alternate where you make the increases to keep a circle shape. If you increase in the same spot each round, you may end up with a polygon instead of a circle because of the bulge that the extra stitch makes.

When you run out of a particular shirt, tie it to the next shirt with a small knot and keep going. When you’ve reached your desired size, pull the end through the last loop and pull tight. Then, weave in your ends.

Bags and purses

T-shirt yarn is a great material for making bags and purses. It is durable, works up quickly, and can give more structure to a crochet bag or purse than some other yarns. You can make a decently-sized crochet bag or purse with 200 yards of yarn or less.

One idea for a bag made from t-shirt yarn is a crochet mesh bag, which is perfect for running to the market or for carrying your lunch to work every day. You can also make a casual Friday handbag with this free pattern.

If you're looking for something smaller, you can try making a purse. One idea for a purse made from t-shirt yarn is a "My Favourite Festival Purse", which is a great weight for a day trip or festival because it's quite light, even with a bunch of stuff inside. It uses a modified single crochet stitch to give the bag sturdy sides so that it can stand up on its own. You can also add a sturdy strap, such as a leather cross-body strap, to your purse.

When working with t-shirt yarn, you'll want to use a large hook – typically an 8mm or larger, depending on how stiff the finished project will be.

Bracelets and necklaces

T-shirt yarn is a versatile material that can be used to create unique and attractive bracelets and necklaces. Here are some ideas and instructions for making your own:

Bracelets

T-shirt yarn can be used to create stylish and eye-catching bracelets. One simple method is to take leftover yarn and wrap it around existing bangle bracelets. This is an easy way to update your jewellery and create a whole new look. You can experiment with different colours and textures of yarn to create a variety of styles.

Necklaces

You can also use t-shirt yarn to craft fashionable necklaces. One beginner-friendly option is finger weaving, which involves using your fingers to weave the yarn into a chunky necklace. You can also try crocheting a necklace and pairing it with wooden beads for a unique touch. If you're short on time, knitting is a great alternative, as a knitted necklace can be created in less than 20 minutes.

When crafting jewellery with t-shirt yarn, it's important to consider the thickness and stiffness of the material. T-shirt yarn is typically stiffer than regular yarn, so you may need to adjust your techniques accordingly. Using a large hook, such as an 8mm or larger, can help you achieve the desired result.

With its durability and wide range of colours, t-shirt yarn is an excellent choice for creating one-of-a-kind bracelets and necklaces. So, get creative and experiment with different techniques to make your own unique accessories!

Home décor items

T-shirt yarn is a great material for creating home décor items. Its sturdy nature makes it perfect for crocheting long-lasting items for your home. The best part is that you can either buy t-shirt yarn or make your own by cutting old t-shirts into strips.

One of the most popular items to crochet with t-shirt yarn is a rug. You can make a trendy recycled t-shirt crochet rug or a spiral rug using a hula hoop as a loom. You can also make a pet bed for your furry friend with t-shirt yarn.

If you're looking for something to hang on your walls, try a macramé wall hanging. You can also make a macramé plant hanger to add some greenery to your space.

You can also crochet various containers with t-shirt yarn, such as baskets, bowls, and storage boxes. These can be used to hold craft supplies, yarn, or other household items.

For your furniture, you can crochet a stool cover or a comfy pouf to add some extra comfort and style to your home.

Frequently asked questions