How to Make T-shirt Yarn
The Easy Method with Crochet Project Ideas
If you’ve ever wondered how to make t-shirt yarn yourself, you’re in the right place! Making your own t-shirt yarn is a fun and eco-friendly way to upcycle old t-shirts that you no longer wear. This yarn can be used for a variety of crafts, from crocheting and knitting to weaving and macrame. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own t-shirt yarn:
1. Choose your t-shirts: Look for old t-shirts that are made of cotton or jersey knit. Avoid t-shirts with graphics or logos, as these can interfere with the smoothness of the yarn. It works best if the T-shirt doesn’t have side seams.
2. Cut your t-shirts into strips: Lay your t-shirt flat on a cutting mat and cut off the hem and sleeves. Fold the tube almost in half with 1 inch of the bottom layer exposed at the top. Then, cut the shirt into 1-2 inch wide strips, starting at the bottom of the shirt and cutting up to where the top layer stops (leaving the 1-inch bottom layer uncut). You can use a rotary cutter or sharp scissors for this step. Cut top at a diagonal so that strips are all connected (see video for example).
3. Stretch your strips: Once you have your strips, it's time to stretch them out. Grab each strip at the ends and pull it taut. This will cause the strips to curl inwards, creating a smooth and even yarn.
4. Join your strips: To make longer strands of yarn, you will need to join your strips together. To do this, simply overlap the ends of two strips and tie them together in a knot. If you prefer to avoid knots, you can add T-shirt yarn to your crochet project the same way you would color change in crochet.
5. Wind your yarn: Once you have your desired length of yarn, wind it into a ball or skein for easy storage and use.
And that's it! With just a few old t-shirts and some basic tools, you can create your own t-shirt yarn and start crafting. This is a great way to reduce waste and give new life to old clothes. Some of my favorite crochet projects with t-shirt yarn are baskets, bags, and rugs. Here are a few tutorial suggestions: