DIY and Crafts

21 Ways To Upcycle Old T-Shirts

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I’ve always had a drawer full of clothes I didn’t wear anymore—especially old t-shirts. Some were from college, others from random events, and I just couldn’t throw them out. That’s when I started looking for ways to upcycle old t-shirts.

It became a fun weekend hobby, and now I’m sharing my favorite old t-shirt upcycling ideas that even my kids loves doing with me. Even if you don’t think you’re crafty, there’s easy ways to upcycle old t-shirts you’ll enjoy.

From turning them into bags, headbands, pillows, or even braided rugs—the ways to upcycle old t-shirts are almost endless. And the best part is, it saves waste. I remember making a tote out of a tee with holes in it, and now it’s my grocery bag!

These old t-shirt upcycle hacks don’t require sewing skills always, which makes it even more funner. Start with any of these ways to reuse old t-shirts, and you’ll see how good it feel to repurpose what you already own.

T-Shirt Headbands

A young woman wearing a stylish headband made from a t-shirt.

Transforming old t-shirts into stylish headbands is super easy and fun! Just cut a strip from the fabric, twist it, and tie it around your head. You’ll not only rock a unique accessory but also give new life to your favorite tee!

T-Shirt Wall Art

A large framed artwork with bold text, displayed in a modern living room setting with cozy couches and decorative pillows.

Turning old t-shirts into wall art is a fun way to showcase your style. You can frame your favorite designs or even create a quilt-like collage. It adds a personal touch to your space while keeping memories alive!

T-Shirt Rugs

A colorful rug made from various old t-shirts, arranged in a square pattern.

Making a rug from old t-shirts is a fun way to breathe new life into your wardrobe. Simply cut the shirts into strips and weave them together or tie them in knots for a unique design. Not only will this add a personal touch to your space, but it’s also a great conversation starter!

T-Shirt Tote Bags

A colorful tote bag made from an upcycled t-shirt, hanging on a wall.

T-Shirt tote bags are a fun way to repurpose old tees while creating something useful. Just cut off the sleeves and neckline, then tie the bottom to form a bag. It’s an easy project that adds a personal touch to your shopping trips!

T-Shirt Bracelets

Colorful braided t-shirt bracelets on a wooden table.

Turning old t-shirts into bracelets is a fun and easy project. Just cut your shirts into strips and braid them together for a unique accessory. You can mix colors and patterns to match any outfit, making these bracelets both stylish and sustainable.

T-Shirt Scarves

A woman wearing a colorful scarf made from upcycled t-shirts.

T-shirt scarves are a fun and easy way to give new life to your old tees. Just cut the fabric into long strips, and you can create a stylish accessory that adds color to any outfit. They’re not just practical; they can also spark conversations about your favorite shirts!

T-Shirt Quilts

A colorful quilt made from various old t-shirts, showcasing different designs and logos.

T-shirt quilts are a fantastic way to turn old tees into something special. Each square tells a story, whether it’s from a concert, a family reunion, or your favorite sports team. Snuggle up with your memories while being eco-friendly!

T-Shirt Dog Toys

A happy dog holding colorful t-shirt strips as a toy.

Transforming old t-shirts into dog toys is a fun and simple way to keep your pup entertained. Just cut the fabric into strips and braid them together for a durable tug toy. This easy project not only reduces waste but gives your furry friend something to chew on!

T-Shirt Pillows

A T-shirt pillow resting on a colorful blanket.

Turning old T-shirts into pillows is a fun and easy project. Just cut, sew, and stuff for a personalized touch in your space. These pillows can showcase your favorite designs while giving new life to those tees you can’t part with.

T-Shirt Hair Wraps

Colorful T-shirt hair wrap on a display head.

T-Shirt hair wraps are a fun and stylish way to reuse your old tees. Simply twist and shape them into a wrap for your hair, adding a burst of color to your look. This easy DIY project not only keeps your hair in place but also gives your T-shirts a new life!

T-Shirt Coasters

Coasters made from upcycled t-shirts on a wooden table with drinks.

Turn those old t-shirts into unique coasters! Just cut them into squares and layer them for a fun and functional way to protect your surfaces. This is a simple project that adds a personal touch to your home while keeping things eco-friendly.

T-Shirt Market Apron

A person wearing a light-colored apron over a black t-shirt, surrounded by flowers and greenery.

Turn your old t-shirts into a stylish market apron! Just cut and sew a few pockets for convenience, and you’re ready to shop or sell. This upcycled apron not only looks cool but helps keep things organized, making it a fun and practical project.

T-Shirt Phone Cases

A phone case designed from an old t-shirt, placed on a desk next to a keyboard and other accessories.

Turn that old t-shirt into a cool phone case! It’s a fun way to give your device a personal touch while keeping it protected. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’re upcycling instead of tossing it away.

T-Shirt Wall Hangings

A wall display made of various old t-shirts, creatively arranged with colorful designs.

Turning old t-shirts into unique wall hangings is a fun way to showcase your personality. You can create a colorful display that tells your story or reflects your interests. It’s an easy project that adds a personal touch to any room.

T-Shirt Gift Wrap

A beautifully wrapped gift in an old t-shirt, featuring a grey fabric with playful patterns, placed on a festive table.

Wrap your gifts in a fun and eco-friendly way using an old t-shirt! Simply cut the shirt into a square and use it to cover your present, tying it off with a ribbon for a cute touch. Not only does this save paper, but it also adds a personal flair to your gift!

T-Shirt Gardening Gloves

A pair of gardening gloves surrounded by colorful flowers in a garden.

Old T-shirts can turn into handy gardening gloves with a little creativity. Simply cut the fabric into pieces and sew them into glove shapes for a perfect fit. These gloves protect your hands and give your T-shirt a new purpose in the garden.

T-Shirt Sleep Masks

A person lying on a bed with a sleep mask over their eyes, resting on a pillow with a printed message.

Turning an old t-shirt into a sleep mask is a fun and easy project. Just cut the fabric to size, and you can create something comfy that helps block out light. It’s a simple way to repurpose your favorite tees and get some quality rest!

T-Shirt Bunting

Colorful t-shirt bunting hanging across a bright room.

T-Shirt bunting is a fun and colorful way to spruce up any space. Just cut your old tees into triangles and string them together for a festive look. It’s a great way to showcase your favorite designs while giving new life to those shirts!

T-Shirt Jewelry

A display of various necklaces made from t-shirt fabric, showing a variety of designs and colors.

Turning old t-shirts into unique jewelry is a fun way to express yourself. You can create everything from necklaces to bracelets using simple techniques like braiding or knotting. This not only gives your tees a new life but also adds a personal touch to your accessories.

T-Shirt Christmas Ornaments

Colorful Christmas ornaments on a tree, including homemade t-shirt ornaments.

Turn your old t-shirts into festive Christmas ornaments! Just cut them into shapes, and use a little stuffing to give them some body. Hang them on your tree for a personal touch that brings back great memories.

T-Shirt Costume Accessories

A person wearing a hooded t-shirt with the text 'No you' on the back.

Old t-shirts can be transformed into fun costume accessories that stand out at any event. Try turning a simple shirt into a quirky hooded cape, just like the one with the bold ‘No you’ print. This easy upcycle not only adds flair to your outfit but also sparks conversations!

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Elara Bennett

Elara Bennett is the founder of PrepMyCareer.com website.

I am a full-time professional blogger, a digital marketer, and a trainer. I love anything related to the Web, and I try to learn new technologies every day.

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