Crafts & DIY
15 Ways To Upcycle Old T-Shirts
Do you know of any other great uses for t-shirts?
Arianna Etemadieh
04.11.18

Have you found an old t-shirt with holes or stains, or have shirts that your kids have outgrown? Don’t throw that raggedy old t-shirt away just yet!

There are plenty of ways to turn a seemingly useless t-shirt into a unique decorative design. Need some inspiration? Check out the 15 creative examples below!

Before you proceed, please note that some of these examples require sewing skills.

1. A shopping bag

Want to use a shopping bag that has a little bit of flair and style? Time to turn that t-shirt into a shopping bag. In ten minutes, you can have a cute custom bag for all your shopping needs.

Follow along with this step-by-step tutorial.

Leethal
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Leethal

2. Flutter flower

Just because you have an old t-shirt doesn’t mean it can’t still be part of a t-shirt. Create accent pieces on your clothes, such as this cute flutter flower. Follow along with the tutorial.

Momma Go Round
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Momma Go Round

3. Headband

Need a headband for your next workout? Or keep misplacing your previous headbands?

No problem. T-shirts can also make cute headbands too!

Hatsune Kitsune
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Hatsune Kitsune

4. Neckerchief

There are some unique patterns that only t-shirts have. Now, instead of searching for the perfect neckerchief, you can create your own.

And the best part is, you can make your own neckerchief in only 6 steps.

Crafting a Green World
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Crafting a Green World

5. Pillows

Just looking at the examples below, this is one of my favorite uses of an old t-shirt. You can create great accent pillows or find a t-shirt with just the right color shade to complement your sofa. Win-win.

DIY Network
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DIY Network

6. Ruffled skirt

Just because your child has outgrown their t-shirt doesn’t mean that they can’t use it anymore. With this tutorial, you can turn a t-shirt into a skirt. You’ll have parents wondering where you got such a cute, colorful skirt.

Lil Blue Boo
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Lil Blue Boo

7. Colored rug

Using only the strips of old t-shirt, you can create a beautiful colorful rug. The best part? It’s not as hard to make as it looks.

Do Small Things With Love
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Do Small Things With Love

8. A vest

This is an especially ideal project if you have a t-shirt that’s too big rather than too small. It’s also a no-sew project, so grab your handy scissors and get cutting.

Here’s a tutorial on how to make a vest just like this one.

WobiSobi
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WobiSobi

9. Make a bangle

Nothing like dolling up your child with pretty colorful bracelets! Learn how to make them with this tutorial.

Lil Blue Boo
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Lil Blue Boo

10. Make a bowl

Bowls always have many uses. But a bowl with a custom flair? You’ll have friends wondering where you got that bowl and how they can get one too.

The Red Thread Blog
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The Red Thread Blog

11. Make a cat toy

Give your furniture a break by taking old t-shirts and making them new cat toys. Your cat will think you’re spoiling them, and you’ll be relieved from seeing the claw marks on your furniture.

Etsy
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Etsy

12. Make a dog toy

Dogs will love almost anything that you do. But give them a new chew toy? Be prepared for an onslaught of kisses when they aren’t playing with their new favorite toy.

Use this tutorial to make one of your own.

Barkbox
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Barkbox

13. Make an accordion necklace

This is a piece for those who like to boldly accessorize.

You are sure to draw attention with this necklace, and no one will ever be able to guess that it came from an old t-shirt.

Mox and Fodder
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Mox and Fodder

14. Make a quilt

This is a great personal item for your room or a great guest blanket when friends or family come to visit!

It’s fun, creative, colorful, and a good way to see all the t-shirts you have collected over the years.

Stars for Streetlights
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Stars for Streetlights

15. Make a speckled ombre pattern

The ombre is a loved style when it comes to fashion. Who would have thought you could make the effect with a t-shirt?

Well as it turns out, you can. Follow these directions to get your own speckled ombre effect.

Free People
Source:
Free People

I love all of these creative uses to recycle your old t-shirts! Which one is your favorite? I’ll be making t-shirt pillows!

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