T-shirts are one of those things that you just seem to accumulate more and more of over the years. But you don’t have to get rid of them! Why not try to upcycle them instead into something new? After all, old t-shirts are basically free fabric, right? Check out our 5 ideas to transform and upcycle t-shirts below.
Hats From Old T-shirts
Here’s a new fresh accessory to try out. These hats made from old t-shirts are perfect for yourself or as a gift. The stretchy comfortable material can fit any sized melon – including kids. Use different colors and patterns to create a personalized, funky accessory that uses recycled materials. In this tutorial, Jessica Giardino shows you step-by-step how to use a serger to sew this fun project.
Find the project here: Serger Project: Make a Hat from Old T-Shirts
T-Shirt Pillow
This is a nice simple project for beginners. Turn your t-shirt into a display piece! In this tutorial, Tara Rex shows you how to transform your old favorite t-shirt into a decorative pillow. This project is quick and easy, only requiring some stitching and stuffing. Now that trip you took to the Black Hills or that concert you saw can be immortalized on a pillow, and not tucked away in a box.
Find the project here: Sew a Quick and Easy T-Shirt Pillow
T-Shirt Applique
A reverse applique can be a great addition to decorative pillows or blankets, but it doesn’t have to end there. This technique can also be used on t-shirts to create a unique twist. Nicole LaFoille shows you in this tutorial how to create fun detail on a basic or plain top. This is a quick and easy way to add some custom touches to your clothes that will leave others wondering, “Where did you get that shirt?”
Find the project here: Reverse Applique and T-Shirt Applique Ideas
Mastering Men’s Dress Shirts
Creating the parts of a men’s dress shirt is a great way to get started with garment making. These details can be added to customize any shirt and create a professional look. In this article, Ashley Hough teaches you how to master collars, cuffs, and pockets. These components are a great way to tailor a dress shirt to the style of the man in your life.
Find the project here: Collars, Cuffs, and Pockets: Mastering the Shirt Essentials
Taking In a Shirt
Have a shirt that is too big? Altering a shirt can be quick and easy, and you won’t find a better dress form than yourself. In this tutorial Aurora Sisneros shows you a method of taking in that requires no dress form and is as simple as try it on, pin, stitch, and fit. This technique can be used on more than just shirts. Try it out on dresses to fix the size or to create a more slimming fit to a boxy dress.
Find the project here: Taking in a Shirt
T-Shirt Quilt
Quite possibly the most popular upcycle project for a t-shirt is the infamous “t-shirt quilt”. It’s a great way to immortalize those memory pieces you can’t bear to get rid of. Making an entire quilt can be a bit of an undertaking, but the outcome of this project is so worth it!
Find the project here: Quick and Easy T-Shirt Quilt Tutorial
Next time you feel like your t-shirt drawer is getting too full, take out your sewing machine and start recycling! You might just make something beautiful. If you’re inspired by these tutorials, or have some more ideas to upcycle t-shirts, leave us a comment below!
Happy Sewing!
Good afternoon, I have a tshirt that has stretched around the waist/hip line that I would like to add ribbing to to draw it in. Do I measure my hip measurements or do I measure the garment itself just above the hip/ waist line. I like the garment to just sit on the hips so it is not to long or short. How then do I measure the ribbing… is it 3/4 ???? ( or what percentage )of my hip line or the actual garment..many thanks
Hello Pat,
This is for members to our online community. We do have a $3.00 USD annual entrance offer if you are interested? This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Below is the link to join if you are interested: https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/?add-to-cart-multi=1&products=611&skipcart=1&coupon=C31945&utm_source=NSC&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=3&utm_campaign=C31945&vscid=C31945
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
Can you tell me if I’m a member or not please
Hello Tamara,
Thank you for contacting us. I would suggest sending a email to nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net or give us a call at 1-855-208-7187, if you have questions about your account.
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I have unsubscribed from your site numerous times.
Still get emails. Could you stop them please?
fruitbats37@gmail.com
Hello Corry!
I have processed your request and unsubscribed your email address from our system. It typically takes around 1-2 business days for the request to complete.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know!
Sincerely,
Jessica
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
Seems great
I look forward to getting started on a new project!!!
I like your ideas and would like to try one sometime.
I am going to make a T-Shirt quilt for my husband. He was in the Navy for 38 years and I have shirts from all over the world. Cannot wait to get started. BTW- he retired as a Rear Admiral.
Thank YOU for YOUR service to the USN as well as to your husband.
Where to buy a sewing form.
I have been watching Project Runway and am inspired. I want to find out about sewing Forms and best options for purchasing one that is adjustable (budget is a concern).
Dear Tutone,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
You can find these kinds of dress forms at local fabric stores or online. If you are able to find them at a local store they might offer discounts or coupons, or you can always find them online through retailers like Amazon.
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/c16977
Cheers,
Ashley
Not sure if I am a premium member Please let me know
Hi Lawanda, you are a Premium member! You can use your email address and password to login by clicking the Log In button in the upper right-hand corner of our site. If you need any assistance logging in please call us at 1-855-208-7187. Thank you, Hallie NSC Video Membership
I like the idea making a T-shirt quilt. I’ve never tried that before. Would you say that is an 8 on the scale of hard to do. 1 is easy 10 being the hardest?
5
How much longer do I have on my subscription?
Hello Chalavonne, we have e-mailed you your membership information.
Thank you,
Hallie NSC Video Membership
Love working with t-shirts. The material is so soft. Thanks!
I am not aware that I subscribed to this site. How do I find out if I paid for a subscription? I have not used he site because I thought it was a mistake. Now I’m wondering if I am being charged for it. RSVP
Hi Barbara, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-208-7187 or email us at nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net and we would be happy to assist you with this.
Thank you,
Hallie NSC Video Membership
My refund hasn’t gone through and that was after I cancelled my membership the first time OVER a year ago, meaning for 2 years. And I recently had to do it again. that is theft. Refund please.
Hello Cathy,
A refund was processed when you requested the cancellation of your membership on 10/19. Please check with your credit card company to confirm the refund. For more information, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-208-7187.
Thanks
Becky NSC Video Membership
I had to cancel my membership this year due to my hands not able to sew like I used too. I got a refund real quick. Great customer service. Thanks