UpCycling Ideas | 4 Creative Ways to UpCycle T-Shirts

We all know hard it can be to throw out those outgrown T-Shirts, especially when they hold special memories and meaning. Here at DIY Projects, we believe in saving and UpCycling. Let us show you some of our favorite ways to take those T-Shirts out of hibernation and UpCycle them into everyday use. You don’t have to throw them out, and you’ll have some new goods for your home. Win-Win!

1. T-Shirt Dog Tug Toy

Materials:

• T-Shirts (3)
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut 10 strips of each colored fabric about 20 inches long (stretched out).
2. Alternating colors, lay the strips altogether in one bundle.
3. On one end of the trips, tie a double knot, leaving several inches extra on the end.
4. Below the knot, separate into 3 sections and braid about 6-8 inches.
5. Tie another double knot at the end.

(See full article at OneGoodThingByJillee)

2. T-Shirt Rag Flowers

Materials:

• T-Shirt
• Scissors
• Hot Glue
• Optional: Buttons/Gems

Directions:

1. Cut a long strip from the T-shirt about 2 inches wide x ten inches long.
2. Fold this strip a little less than half way down.
3. In an additional piece of fabric, cut a circle. This will be the backing of the flower.
4. Fold the long strip in half and roll the long strip into a flower shape, twisting as you fold.
5. Using hot glue, adhere the flower to the circle.
6. Press down firmly and let dry for a minute.
7. Gently pull the petals of the flower till it looks pretty.
8. Snip at two to three places to make smaller petals at the top.
9. Add a button or gem in the center to complete the flower.

(See full article at Fiskars)

3. DIY T-Shirt Canvas

Materials:

• T-Shirt
• Scissors
• Thumbtacks
• Canvas

Directions:

1. Center fabric on canvas.
2. Trim fabric, leaving enough to wrap around the edges.
3. Flip Canvas over.
4. Pull fabric tight and secure with thumbtacks.

(See full article by Nicole Olea)

4. DIY T-Shirt Bag

Materials:

• T-Shirt
• Scissors
• Ruler

Directions:

• Place the shirt on your flat surface and cut off the sleeves right along the inside curve of the shoulder seams.
• Turn the t-shirt inside out  with the bottom seam closest to you.
• Arrange the bottom edges together and begin cutting vertical slits from the bottom,  about 2 inches deep and 1.5 inches apart. You can use a ruler to keep your cuts even.
• Make a vertical cut along the two side seams, also about 2 inches deep.
• Starting from one side, start knotting the top to the bottom layer by tying a set of cuts together. Double knot each tie to ensure a nice and secure base for your bag.
• Turn your new t-shirt bag right side out.

(See full article at SavvySugar)