For many of us, it feels like T-shirts are constantly overtaking closet and dresser space, no matter how many times we’ve purged and gotten rid of old ones. Between souvenir t-shirts, free t-shirts, and the shirts we accumulate from organizations and events, there always seems to be a stack of old tees lying around. Whether you are holding on to t-shirts with sentimental value, or just don’t want to throw out old clothes, there are plenty of fun projects you can do with this t-shirt pile that is taking up space in the closet. Take a look at a few fun DIY projects you can try with your old or extra t-shirts:
Latch-Hook Rug
Take all those old shirts and cut them into evenly sized strips. You can dye all of these strips a uniform color or just leave them all the way they are and create a fun pattern! You’ll need a latch hook canvas and latch hook tool, which can be purchased from your local craft store. Simply make a loop out of your t-shirt strip, then use your latch hook tool to thread the loops through the canvas. Now you have a great new piece of home decor for half the price of a brand new rug!
Tshirt projects #1: Image source: letsbeadventurous.blogspot.com via Pinterest
The T-Shirt Tote
It seems like everyone is making the switch to carrying reusable bags and one of the easiest ways to make this happen is turning your old t-shirts into totes. Cut the sleeves off an old shirt, then cut the collar to make a wider opening. Use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew up the bottom of the shirt and there you have it! A new, customized tote bag. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment by using fewer plastic and paper bags. To get even more creative, you can use the pieces of the sleeves you cut off to sew on extra pockets.
Tshirt projects #2: Image source: marthastewart.com via Pinterest
Work Out Tanks
Say you still want to get some life out of your favorite old top, but you’re bored with the way it looks. Simply change it from a regular t-shirt to a tank top for working out or summertime. Cut the sleeves off your t-shirt to whatever width you would like, then cut a strip off the sleeve fabric and use it to cinch the back of the shirt to create a racer-back tank top. You can even get creative and braid strips for the tank straps, or cinch the back together with a bow for an extra-girly look.
Tshirt projects #3: Image source moonlight-over-paris.tumblr.com via Pinterest
The T-Shirt Quilt
If you have dozens of old t-shirts that you don’t wear anymore, but that still hold sentimental value, you might consider turning them into a quilt. Whether you plan to do the actual quilting on your own or not, start by cutting the t-shirts into quilt squares of the same size. Use a piece of paper or fabric as a template so that all the squares are identical and can be sown together or placed over felt in a quilted pattern to create a memorable blanket you can either hang on the wall, or lay across the bed.
Tshirt projects #4: Image source: craftfoxes.com via Pinterest
As you can see, it doesn’t take much work to transform a pile of old t-shirts into something new. Not only will you free up some space in your closet, but you won’t have to trash old t-shirts that are too small. Get creative with cutting, sowing, and gluing to give new life to your old or extra t-shirts, and you’ll enjoy getting use out of them once again. The ideas for this article were provided by the professionals of Absolute Screen Printing, who specialize in custom screen printed t-shirts.
