Don’t throw out those old t-shirts! Instead of tossing clothing you no longer need you can make the most of them by repurposing old t-shirts and create something new. Whether they are worn out or just not serving any purpose to you anymore you can still get plenty of use of your old t-shirts. If you have hopped on the Marie Kondo Tidying Up bandwagon and find yourself with a stack of t-shirts not quite fit to donate these ideas will help you put them to use.
Repurposing Old T-Shirts Ideas
1. Large t-shirts make great cloth diapers. Simply cut directly up the sides of the shirt and cut off the sleeves the cut off the neck and shoulder area to create two large squares. Each of these large squares of t-shirt fabric can be folded like any other flat diaper.
2. Ripped or stained t-shirts can be cut up and used for cleaning rags, especially for washing the car. This is a great way to reduce your overall impact on the environment while getting the most use of your old t-shirts before they are thrown out. They’re great for Swiffer wet mop pads and disposable disinfectant wipes around your home. You can even use these rags to make your own dryer sheets.
3. Old t-shirts can be turned in to t-shirt yarn for crochet projects. You can braid or finger knit this homemade yarn into jewelry, bags, or dishcloths. T-shirt yarn is a great way to repurpose old t-shirts into a cozy and fun hook and tie rug.
4. Another idea is to use old t-shirts to make a shopping bag to tote groceries around. With more cities banning plastic shopping bags upcycling your old t-shirts into shopping bags is a great idea. Turn your shirt inside out, and sew the bottom of the shirt with a double stitch. Cut out the neck and sleeves to create handles and you have a handy shopping bag ready to go when you run to the store. Here’s a quick tutorial. You can do a no-sew version by leaving right side out and cutting strips on the bottom. Then tie the strips in the front and the back together to create a fringed bottom for your bag. Don’t forget to double knot if you if you go this route to prevent them from coming loose.
5. Kids outgrow their t-shirts so fast. Instead of tossing them out you can save the cute fronts of your child’s baby and toddler t-shirts and make them a custom one of a kind quilt they can cherish when they are grown up. Or if your child has a favorite shirt, you can do what we did and put it on a bear or stuffed animal they snuggle with at bedtime.
6. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, and are unsure what to do with their old clothing, you can opt to recycle their t-shirts into a quilted blanket as well. This has become really popular and offers a lasting memory for you.
Which of these repurposing old t-shirt ideas do you like most?
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heather says
These are super creative ideas that I am so now going to do thanks for sharing this one.
Nancy E Loring says
My neighbor had her moms old sweatshirts turned into teddy bears for everyone in the family.
Helen Wagner says
These are all great ideas! I want to make a t-shirt quilt!
Cheryl Grandy says
I use them for rags, but I also have a collection of nice coloured old T-shirts that I’ve saved to someday make a braided rag rug.
Jennifer says
I love that idea!
rana durham says
i love this idea of tshirt designing. I have a few shirts that could need a makeover like this. this article rock.
Tamra Phelps says
I have used them as rags but using them as tee shirt yarn is new to me. That’s a good idea.
Laura Rousseau says
I use mine to make blankets/quilts!
shelly peterson says
These are really some great ideas. I would never have thought to do this. I like the shopping bag idea.
katie says
I usually use them as rags but would love to figure out how to use them on my Swiffer, would make for easier cleaning.