A few weeks ago, we shared a post full of easy ideas for customizing T-shirts with several ways to give the most basic designs an original, different touch. Today we're back with the idea of recycling T-shirts, but this time to transform them into something completely different. On this occasion, we'll use classic short-sleeved cotton T-shirts. You probably have a bunch of them stored at home, since they're very common gifts at parties, events, giveaways, sports competitions, etc. You feel bad throwing them away, but the truth is you never use them for anything—but that ends today! Take a close look at these great ideas. Today we're sharing 2, but be sure to check Friday's post because we'll be back with three more, bringing the total to 5. Ready, set…
TIME TO RECYCLE T-SHIRTS!
For you, your little ones, your cat, organizing your home… We hope you have enough T-shirts.
1. Turn a T-shirt into a kids' romper.
You'll be amazed at how wonderfully easy it is to recycle T-shirts and turn them into cool, super-comfortable rompers for your little ones. You need absolutely nothing besides a T-shirt, scissors, and a sewing machine (no serger needed). You can sew it by hand too, of course. If you don't have a pattern, don't worry—you can easily use a T-shirt and a pair of your little one's pants as templates for cutting the fabric. In just 5 minutes, Laura explains in our video tutorial “We Recycle a T-Shirt into a Kids' Romper” how to make it turn out perfectly, as well as the variation for making a little dress instead of a romper.
If you decide to try it, don't throw away the sleeves, because in Friday's post we'll show you how you can put them to use too.
A resource that will be very useful to you is this other video tutorial on sewing knit fabric or, if you'd rather read the steps and tips, our post “How to Sew Knit Fabric.”
2. Turn a T-shirt into a tote bag.
Another wonderfully easy idea with excellent results. You can do it in two ways: using a sewing machine or finishing the part you need to close with knots. The process is very simple:
1. Cut off the sleeves: you can do this with the T-shirt folded so you cut them both at once and they turn out symmetrical, or, once you've cut one, use it as a template for cutting the other.
2. Cut out the neckline: you can make it round, using a large bowl as a guide to mark the cutting line with a fabric marker, or cut it into a V-shape, depending on the shape you want to give your tote bag.
3. Determine the depth: keep in mind that the fabric is stretchy, and once you fill the bag, it will stretch. Once you've decided how deep you want it, turn the T-shirt inside out and draw a straight line with a marker.
4. Prepare it for closure: If you're closing it with knots, cut the part below the line you've drawn into strips that you'll tie together. If you're sewing it, cut approximately one centimeter below the line you've drawn.
5. Close it: By tying knots or sewing. It depends on the method you chose.
If you want to see the process step by step, you can view it in images, with English text, at mommypotamus or in this fun infographic we found via GAP.
If you want to secure the closure, you can add a snap. And for an original effect, tie the knots on the outside instead of leaving them inside, and let the fabric strips hang down like fringe. The longer the T-shirt, the longer the fringe can be.
If you tried cutting the neckline into a V-shape, the tote bag handles will be longer, so you can try tying the upper ends together to create a single handle instead of two. Try anything that comes to mind.
If you liked our ideas, don't miss the next post to discover three more great ideas for recycling T-shirts
Happy recycling!