11 Old T-Shirt Craft Ideas

These DIY T-shirt crafts will give a second life to your favorite tee!

By: Toby Kuhnke, Editor, CheapThriftyLiving

From DIY throw pillows to bracelets and good, old-fashioned upcycling, these ideas for transforming old T-shirts are a great way to get thrifty and save money!

You have a closet full of old T-shirts, and you just don’t know what to do with them. It’s so easy to collect the T-shirts, but it’s harder to get rid of them. Some of the shirts don’t fit you, some you’re convinced you’ll wear again, and some are just plain ugly. These old clothes ideas will turn your underused garments into fantastic craft projects!

Instead of just having a pile in your house or apartment somewhere, re-purpose them so they will become useful to you. There are so many easy crafts you can do using an old T-shirt, that soon you’ll be stockpiling the garment again just to make these wondrous projects!

1. Ruffle Pillow Tutorial

You can always find uses for a new throw pillow, which is why this Ruffle Pillow is perfect for you. Whether you could use an extra pillow on your couch, or a new chair you have needs a more soft and comforting back, this pillow is just what you’re looking for.

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2. DIY Ruffle T-shirt

This fun ruffled shirt features big and beautiful sleeves for a statement item for your wardrobe. Take a plain black T-shirt and turn it into a one-of-a-kind dressy top.

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3. DIY Old Flannel Shirt into Band Shirt

DIY an old flannel shirt into something next level! If you're wondering what to do with old flannel shirts, look no further than this quick and easy video tutorial. This band shirt is made in minutes.

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4. T-Shirt DIY Friendship Bracelets

Glam up these DIY friendship bracelets with gemstones in all your favorite colors. This T-shirt bracelets DIY is a new twist on an old classic. Not only are you making a new kind of friendship bracelets, but you'll recycle a T-shirt too!

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5. Stylish No-Sew T-Shirt Bag

Transform T-shirts into handy bags for trips to the grocery store, holding your gardening supplies, or just keeping everything organized. Just because a T-shirt is old doesn't mean that it isn't useful!

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6. DIY No-Sew Infinity Scarf

You don't have to sew to create your own upcycled infinity scarf! This simple project provides the easiest accessory ever!

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7. Easy T-Shirt to Skirt Refashion

Do you have an abundance of cute shirts but a limited number of adorable skirts? This tutorial can help you refashion one into the other!

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8. How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt

T-shirt quilts are the perfect way to give your favorite tees a second life! These quilts are great for graduates to take to college!

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9. DIY Recycled Holiday Decoration

Turn your tee into your new favorite Christmas ornament with this project! These DIY snowflakes can be used as decor or present toppers!

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10. Homemade T-Shirt Pillowcase

This is the easiest way to add personality to your decor! Repurpose a graphic tee into a throw pillow for any room in your home!

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11. Homemade T-Shirt Yarn

Want to get extra crafty with your old shirts? Create some T-shirt yarn that can be used in a multitude of projects!

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ridiculosity 67303 43

Jan 20, 2020

What am I going to do with my pile of old t-shirts? I'm going to wear them. The ones that are now retired are mostly used already. I've made bracelets, though not with jewels as shown here, children's clothes and pj's, and quilts beyond belief! It certainly is fun to be creative with something everyone has and most throw away! Thanks for more ideas.

eartinian 3731347

Apr 20, 2018

I have a massive pile of tshirts that have accumulated since high school...oy! I had no idea I could make a *bag* out of one of them. These are such cute ideas and a good way to actually use them!

KLC

Apr 05, 2018

Cool ideas. I have way too many shirts that I don't want to toss but would love to transform. Definitely going to use these ideas, thanks!

Polly Esther

Mar 08, 2018

I have so many college tees that I probably won't wear again but can't bear to throw away. This t-shirt bag is a great idea! It would make a great summer beach bag or maybe even a reusable grocery bag!