Old Shirt, New Life

What happens when your favorite t-shirts are so worn out that they’re classified as “unwearable”? Don’t give up on your beloved tees, revive them!

Turn your t-shirt into art.

The logo or slogan you have been proudly wearing for years can be displayed forever on your wall. Interesting and unique picture frames can be found at thrift stores and garage sales, and are usually cheaper than frames sold in stores. Simply cut the front of your t-shirt to fit into the picture frame. For a three-dimensional look, cover a shoebox top with your t-shirt and fasten it with staples. Display your new piece of artwork on the wall, or place it on top of a ledge or dresser.

Turn your t-shirt into a purse.

You loved your t-shirt, but you couldn’t wear it every day (I know you tried!). Now you can carry it around with you at all times by turning it into a purse. Cut away the sleeves and collar of your t-shirt. Cut a piece from the front and the back of the shirt in the desired size for your purse. Attach a sturdy fabric lining for structure, and sew the bottom and sides together, leaving the top open. Add a zipper closure and use excess t-shirt material for the handle, or create a drawstring closure.

Turn your t-shirt into a pillowcase.

Comfortable cotton tees create the perfect place to rest your head. Cut away the sleeves and collar so you are left with two rectangular pieces, one from the front of the shirt and one from the back of the shirt. Turn the pieces over and sew them together along the edges of both long sides and one short side. Turn it inside out so the front of your t-shirt is now on the outside and insert a pillow. These pillowcases can add character to your bedroom or living room!

Turn your t-shirts into a curtain.

If you have several t-shirts with a common theme (like band t-shirts), you can sew them together to create a curtain with plenty of character! Once again, you will cut away sleeves and collars from your t-shirts so you can easily sew them to each other. You will probably want to sew three t-shirts together in a row across, depending on the desired width of your curtain and the actual width of your t-shirts. Continue sewing together rows of three shirts then attach the rows until you achieve the desired length for your curtain. Finally, fold over two inches of the top of the curtain and stitch across to create a pocket for the curtain rod.

Turn your t-shirts into a blanket.

Similar to the curtain idea, assemble several of your favorite t-shirts to make a blanket. After cutting away the sleeves and collars, sew your t-shirt pieces together to make rows of your desired width of your blanket, then attach the rows for the desired length. To increase functionality, use an old comforter or blanket as a base and attach your t-shirts to the upside. For a reversible look, attach the backs of your t-shirts to the underside of the blanket. If your t-shirt blanket has to look cool but doesn’t have to keep you warm, don’t attach the t-shirts to a base fabric; consider using it as a wall hanging!