T-shirt takeover: 10 ways to reuse your old shirts
I have countless cotton T-shirts at home. Some are in my dresser, others are in under-the-bed storage containers, and there are probably another dozen at my parents' house.
But, being the pack rat I am, I can't get rid of them for various sentimental reasons. The T-shirt we signed at the end of 5th grade; a gym uniform; marching band shirts corresponding to our show theme (don't laugh--marching band was awesome); race shirts; several variations on U. of I. shirts ... the list goes on.
So, instead of donating the ones you like, but never wear, here are 10 ways to repurpose your T-shirts:
1.
T-shirt bag: This one is one of my favorites. Not only are you reusing something, you're getting something useful out of the deal too. It's pretty simple, and it could make a great gift or gift bag. Plus, you get to pick your pattern!
2.
Pillows: I'd totally take one of these on a road trip or plane, though I'd opt for the square pillow rather than the T-shirt-shaped one. And instead of buying stuffing, you can use the leftover shirt scraps and even entire shirts.
3. Rags: This option is perfect if it's an ex's shirt or one that's too old to look good in bag or pillow form. No read directions for this one: Just tear or cut the shirt into pieces, or use it whole.
4. Pet toys: If you're dog is less destructive than mine,
these toys might work for you.
5. Underwear: If you're a sewing whiz,
here's a site with directions and a pattern for making your own undies from a shirt. Or, for less effort but more money,
Solojones will do it for you.
6. Wall art/decor: Some T-shirts are so cute they could be artwork. So make it happen! Frame your art in a shadowbox, or use it as fabric on chairs or other furniture.
7. Quilts: Another option for you crafty ones. Quilts would make great gifts, and particularly soft shirts could end up as baby blankets
8.
Scarf: It's starting to cool down again in Chicago, but one of these should help you stay warm.
9. Rag rug: Crocheting is a need-to-know for at least
this tutorial on making a rug, but it might be worth learning for such an awesome, useful final product.
10. Napkins: Be super-duper eco-friendly by turning decent quality shirts into cloth napkins. Just cut into rectangles and sew!
Now that you've filled your house with T-shirt items, you might still have a few left. And you can't keep 'em all forever. So pick out a few and donate them so someone else can wear or reuse them!
And if you have any ideas for reusing those old shirts, bring 'em on!
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6 Comments
Kyra Kyles said:
My friends who wear their hair in natural styles tell me these T-shirts are great towels because they don't pull hair out, as terrycloth might.
Supriya Doshi said:
Great suggestion! Thanks!
Papa MaC said:
I typically use old T's as cleaning/polishing rags; but I did make a little cotton suit out of black and white t-shirts for my son when he was a baby. Being a growing boy it only fit for about 3 weeks, but I think it was well worth the work.
Supriya Doshi said:
Oh what a great idea! I bet it was adorable. Thanks for the suggestion!
Maya Henderson said:
I love this post! I am not crafty at ALL, but occasionally I can get a friend to cut old tees into cute workout tanks and halters for me! If I have a shirt that's cute but I'm not going to wear for some reason, I save it for a clothes swap party.
Supriya Doshi said:
Oh, I'm not very crafty either, unfortunately :) That's awesome that you get a friend to help you make them into cute tanks though. Good idea on both counts. Maybe I can get a friend to cut a few up for me too! And a clothes swap party is a great idea too--I've never tried this but I may have to put something together. Thanks!
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