Creative Ways To Upcycle Old T-Shirts

what other things with a t shirt

T-shirts are a versatile garment that can be repurposed in a variety of ways. If you have old T-shirts that you no longer wear, instead of throwing them away, you can upcycle them into something new and useful. From clothing items such as dresses, skirts, and boxer shorts, to accessories like bags, necklaces, and bracelets, the possibilities are endless. You can even create home decor items like rugs, pillows, and lampshades. With a bit of creativity and some simple tools, you can transform your old T-shirts into unique and functional items, reducing waste and giving new life to cherished memories.

Characteristics Values
Purpose Clothing, accessories, homeware, toys, bedding, pet products, jewellery, crafts, DIY
Target Audience Men, women, children, babies, pets
Fabric Cotton, stretchy, light, inexpensive, knitted, jersey, stockinette, woven
Print Tie-dye, screen-printed, airbrushed, sublimation printed, painted, embroidered, appliquéd, ironed-on, heat-transferred
Style Short-sleeved, long-sleeved, sleeveless, V-neck, crew neck, scoop neck, baby doll, tall, crop top, fitted, layered
Colour White, Yellow, Bright, Dark, Multicoloured

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T-shirt quilts

The process of making a T-shirt quilt involves cutting up old T-shirts and sewing the pieces together into squares, or "panels". The number of panels required depends on the size of the quilt, with a minimum of 16 panels for a queen-sized quilt, and up to 64 panels for a king-sized quilt. Double-sided quilts can have up to 128 panels.

When making a T-shirt quilt, it's important to consider the size of the graphics on the T-shirts, as well as the size of the blanket. The T-shirts will need to be cut into panels of a certain size to ensure that the graphics are not cut off. The panels can then be sewn together by hand or by machine.

Some companies offer to make T-shirt quilts for customers, with prices ranging from $49.99 to $199.98. These companies may also offer additional services such as embroidery, photo squares, and custom layouts. The turnaround time for a T-shirt quilt can be as little as two to three weeks.

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T-shirt pillows

To begin, lay the T-shirt on a flat, hard surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Cut straight lines down both sides of the shirt, starting at the top of the sleeve. Cut a straight line across the top of the T-shirt, just below the neck, and then cut off a few inches from the bottom layer at the front of the shirt, ensuring the image remains centred. Set the top layer aside and fold the bottom layer in half. Cut this in half at the centre fold.

Now, lay the front of the shirt down flat with the print facing up. Place the two halves you just cut on top, overlapping each other, with the half that has the bottom seam facing inwards. Pin the pieces in place and sew around the square, leaving an inch of allowance. Turn the pillowcase inside out and insert the pillow.

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T-shirt bags

For businesses, T-shirt bags can be purchased in bulk and customised with brand names and logos. They are made from strong, high-density plastic and are sturdy enough to carry a variety of items, from groceries to books. They are also a great marketing tool, with custom-printed designs showcasing a company's colours and logo.

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T-shirt jewellery

T-shirts are a versatile garment that can be dressed up or down, and the right jewellery can elevate a simple T-shirt to a stylish look. Here are some ideas for T-shirt jewellery to take your outfit to the next level, whether you're attending a formal event or a casual get-together:

Necklaces

Delicate necklaces with charms, such as talisman charms, can add a subtle touch of elegance to a T-shirt. For a bolder statement, opt for a chunky chain or a multi-layered gold necklace. You can also play with different lengths and styles, as seen on celebrities like Deepika Padukone, to create a cool, layered look.

Earrings

Earrings are a great way to frame your face and draw attention to your T-shirt. Go for oversized, chunky hoops or try something more delicate, like shell motif earrings. For a unique twist, earring extensions, as seen from Hannan Jewelry, offer a minimalist yet high-impact look.

Bracelets

If you're wearing a short-sleeved or sleeveless T-shirt, bracelets can add a stylish touch to your outfit. Try stacking different styles and colours of bracelets for a fun, eclectic look. You can also make your own bracelets by cutting T-shirts into strips and braiding them together.

Rings

Statement rings, especially in unique designs or oversized styles, can add a touch of glamour to a simple T-shirt. Look for rings with large stones or interesting motifs that will draw attention and add a bit of sparkle to your outfit.

Brooches and Pins

Brooches and lapel pins can be added to a T-shirt to create a unique, vintage-inspired look. Pin them to the collar or the sleeve for a touch of elegance and sophistication. You can also find pins with fun motifs, like the House of Aynat lapel pin, to add a bit of personality to your outfit.

Hair Accessories

Jewellery doesn't have to be limited to your neck, ears, and wrists. Hair accessories, like sparkly barrettes or headbands made from braided T-shirts, can add a stylish touch to your overall look.

Remember, you can mix and match different types of jewellery and experiment with layering to create a look that's uniquely yours. Whether you're dressing up for a Zoom call or a night out, a T-shirt and the right jewellery can be a simple yet stylish combination.

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T-shirt rugs

Materials and Tools:

  • Old T-shirts: You will need about 6-7 x-large women's T-shirts to weave a 30" diameter rug. Choose T-shirts that are mostly cotton, but other fabrics will work too.
  • Hula hoop or cardboard: A hula hoop is ideal, but you can also make a cardboard loom by joining several pieces of cardboard together with glue and tape.
  • Optional: A rotary cutter and cutting mat to speed up the T-shirt yarn-making process.

Step 1: Choosing Fabric Colours

Decide on a colour scheme for your rug. You can either use a variety of colours or stick to a specific colour palette. If you can't find the exact colours you want, you can dye white T-shirts to create your desired shades.

Step 2: Making T-shirt Yarn

Cut the T-shirts into 1.5" to 2" wide strips. You can use a rotary cutter or scissors for this step. Cut off the sleeves and open up the T-shirt, then cut across the body to create the strips. Pull on the strips to form curled fabric yarn. Roll each colour of T-shirt yarn into a ball to keep them organised.

Step 3: Creating the Loom

If using a hula hoop, secure the yarn at the beginning with tape or clips to prevent it from shifting. If using cardboard, draw a large circle and divide it into equal parts (e.g., using a protractor to divide it into 10-degree segments). Cut out the circle, leaving 1" to 2" of cardboard around the edge. Make slits along the edge to hold the yarn in place.

Step 4: Weaving the Rug

Start by weaving some scrap yarn or T-shirt yarn around the loom, choosing a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Weave over and under every two weft (crosswise yarns) for the first few rounds, then switch to every weft for the rest of the rug. As you weave, join the yarn by cutting an opening at each end and pulling it through.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once you reach the end of the last circle, tie a knot or stitch the ends to prevent unraveling. Cut the weft and tie a secure knot with every two pieces. You can add tassels or pompoms made from thin strips of T-shirt yarn to decorate the rug.

Tips and Troubleshooting:

  • If your rug won't lay flat, remove 1-2 rounds of yarn, tie a knot, and tuck it to the back.
  • To clean the rug, hand wash or machine wash it gently and hang it to dry.

Frequently asked questions

There are many ways to repurpose old T-shirts. You can turn them into a quilt, a bag, a pillow, a rug, a headband, a necklace, a lampshade, or even a dress.

You can cut up old T-shirts and sew them together to make a quilt. This is a great way to preserve memories and create something new and functional.

You can make a simple tote bag out of a T-shirt without any sewing. You can also braid T-shirt strips to create bag straps.

You can cut out the design on the T-shirt and sew it onto a pillowcase, or sew the T-shirt itself into a pillowcase.

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  • Byeon
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