Best Places To Buy T-Shirt Yarn

T-shirt yarn is a fun way to repurpose old T-shirts that you may no longer wear. It can be used for a variety of projects, including home decor, bags, rugs, bathmats, and coasters. T-shirt yarn can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon and Etsy, or you can make your own using old T-shirts and a sharp pair of fabric scissors.

Online retailers such as Amazon and Etsy

Etsy is a great place to find t-shirt yarn, with over 5,000 results to choose from. You can find a variety of colours and thicknesses, with some yarns made from 100% cotton. Many of the sellers offer free shipping, and you can also personalise your order.

Amazon also has a wide range of t-shirt yarn, with over 2,000 results. You can find yarn in a variety of colours and thicknesses, and there are often discounts available if you subscribe to regular deliveries.

Local craft shops

If you're looking to buy t-shirt yarn from a local craft shop, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, t-shirt yarn is typically made from recycled textiles, so eco-friendly options are readily available. This type of yarn is strong and sturdy, perfect for projects that will be used frequently and need to last. You can find t-shirt yarn in a variety of solid colours, as well as unique patterns like animal print, polka dots, and plaid. It's a popular choice for DIY craft projects like crochet baskets, bags, home decor, and toys.

When searching for local craft shops that sell t-shirt yarn, you can start by searching for shops in your area that specialise in yarn and knitting supplies. These shops often carry a variety of yarn types, including t-shirt yarn. You can also find t-shirt yarn in some eco-friendly or recycled craft supply stores, as it is made from textile waste. These stores typically offer a range of colours and patterns to choose from.

Another option is to check local fibre art supply stores, which may carry t-shirt yarn alongside other unique crafting materials like silk yarn, rope, and velvet ribbon. These stores can be a great source for recycled t-shirt yarn, which has a slightly different stretch and weight than traditional yarn, making it ideal for certain projects like crochet baskets.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from fellow crafters or look for online reviews of local craft shops. Websites like Etsy or local business directories can also be helpful in finding small businesses in your area that may carry t-shirt yarn. By supporting local craft shops, you can often find unique options and contribute to a more sustainable crafting community.

Upcycling old t-shirts

Preparing the T-Shirts:

First, select the t-shirts you want to upcycle. Choose ones that are no longer being worn and are made of stretchy, jersey fabric. This type of fabric is ideal as it won't fray and can be easily rolled up into yarn. Lay the t-shirt on a flat surface and cut off the hem and sleeves, and then cut the shirt into strips about 0.8" (2 cm) wide, leaving a small border on one side.

Creating the Yarn:

Once you have your strips, unfold the shirt and cut diagonally from one strip to the next. This will create one long, continuous strip of fabric. Stretch the fabric strip to give it more length and a more uniform structure. You can cut off any protruding corners to create a smoother yarn.

Winding the Yarn:

Now that you have your yarn, it's time to wind it into a ball. This step will make it easier to store and use your yarn for future projects. Simply wrap the yarn around your hand to form a loop, then keep wrapping it around itself until you have a ball.

Using Your T-Shirt Yarn:

With your new t-shirt yarn, you can create various items such as baskets, rugs, bags, or even crochet it into thicker yarn-based projects like tawashi sponges. You can also get creative and experiment with different colours and textures by combining yarns from multiple t-shirts.

Buying T-Shirt Yarn:

If you don't want to make your own t-shirt yarn, you can also purchase it online from platforms like Amazon or Etsy. These platforms offer a wide variety of colours, thicknesses, and materials, including cotton, polyester, and spandex blends.

Remember, upcycling is a fun and sustainable way to express your creativity. By transforming old t-shirts into yarn, you're not only reducing waste but also creating unique, handmade items that you can use and cherish for years to come.

Eco-friendly alternatives

T-shirt yarn is a popular choice for knitting and crochet projects, and there are several eco-friendly alternatives available. Here are some sustainable options to consider:

Recycled T-Shirt Yarn

Recycled t-shirt yarn is an innovative way to transform discarded fabric into a usable product. This type of yarn is made from recycled t-shirts or textile waste, reducing landfill waste and giving new life to old materials. It comes in various colours and thicknesses, making it perfect for crafting bags, baskets, rugs, and other DIY projects. You can find recycled t-shirt yarn on Etsy, with some options made from 100% cotton or recycled polyester.

Organic Cotton Yarn

Organic cotton yarn is a more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton. It is grown without harmful pesticides and manufactured without dangerous chemicals. Organic cotton yarn is an excellent choice for those seeking a natural, biodegradable option that is kind to the environment. You can find organic cotton yarn at various online retailers, including Blue Sky Fibers, which offers a worsted weight yarn made from 100% organic cotton.

Recycled Cotton Yarn

Recycled cotton yarn is another eco-friendly option that gives new life to pre-consumer and post-consumer cotton waste. It requires far less water and energy to produce compared to conventional and organic cotton. Recycled cotton yarn is a sustainable choice that helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Billie Jean Yarn by Wool and the Gang is an example of recycled cotton yarn made from upcycled denim.

Eucalyptus Yarn (Lyocell or Tencel)

Lyocell, also known as Tencel, is a plant-based fibre made from eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus trees are highly adaptable and can grow in various climates, often on land that is otherwise not suitable for farming. The manufacturing process for Tencel uses significantly less water than cotton production, making it an eco-friendly choice. Tencel yarn is available from several brands, including Wool and the Gang, which offers an Aran/worsted weight yarn called Tina Tape.

Other Sustainable Options

In addition to the options above, there are other sustainable yarns to consider, such as alpaca wool and sheep's wool. Alpaca wool is a highly sustainable choice because it does not require the removal of lanolin, a waxy substance found in sheep's wool. Both alpaca and sheep's wool are composed of natural fibres and are biodegradable.

Machine washable options

Machine washable t-shirt yarn is available from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Etsy, and yarn specialist websites such as yarn.com and michiganfineyarns.com.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of t-shirt yarn options, with some products offering free delivery. Be sure to check the product details for specific care instructions, but some options include:

• T-Shirt Yarn, 400g/131 Yards Elastic Fabric Crochet Cloth T Shirt Yarn, Thick Hand Knitting Yarn for Crocheting Bags/Baskets/Rugs, Home Decor, DIY Crafts (Khaki)
• 2 Pack T-Shirt Yarn Crochet Yarn for Beginner Crochet Bags/Basket/Coaster, Tshirt Yarn 400g/144yds High Elastic Thick Yarn Polyester Fabric (Pink & Purple)
• 2 Pack T Shirt Yarn for Crocheting with 1 Crochet Hook, Elastic Tshirt Yarn for Crochet Bag/Baskets/Home Decor, Spaghetti Yarn Thick Knitting Yarn Total Length 130 Yds (Beige+Coffee Color)

Etsy

Etsy offers a wide range of t-shirt yarn options, including some with free shipping. Some options include:

• T-shirt Yarn, 225 grams - 43 meters - 20-30 mm, 8 oz - 45 yards, textile yarn, crochet yarn, basket yarn, fabric yarn, bag, yarns
• Recycled T-shirt Yarn / Spaghetti Yarn / Jersey Shirt Yarn / T Shirt Yarn / Crochet Yarn
• T-Shirt Yarn for Crocheting Beginners DIY Hand Craft Bag Blanket Cushion Projects Knitting Yarn Fabric Crochet Cloth Multicolor 100g T-Shirt Yarn

Yarn.com

Yarn.com offers a wide range of machine-washable yarn options, including t-shirt yarn. Some options include:

• Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, 100% wool, 219yds (200m)/100g (3.53oz), DK | Light Worsted
• Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, 100% merino wool, 97yds (89m)/50g (1.76oz), worsted
• Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, 100% acrylic, 302yds (276m)/100g (3.53oz), DK | Light Worsted

Michiganfineyarns.com

Michigan Fine Yarns offers a wide range of machine-washable yarn options, including t-shirt yarn. Some options include:

• Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, soft, durable, and machine washable
• Berroco Comfort, versatile and machine washable, perfect to have on hand
• Universal Yarns Uptown DK, machine washable and dryable 100% pill-resistant acrylic yarn

Frequently asked questions