5 Things to Do with An Old Shirt

The following instructable is a simple demonstration of how to upcycle an old shirt.

This is a good project to do with children. It is easy, quick, zero cost and fun. It also has the added benefit of teaching kids the skill of upcycling and creative thinking.

Upcycling is a better use of an unwanted piece of clothing versus donating (there is a glut of used clothing going unbought, unused and unwanted) or throwing into the trash.

I also feel that upcycling is a better choice because it can save money and resources that might have been used to make the items the shirt will turn into.

And so this old shirt will be upcycled into the following five items; a headband, doll clothes, napkins, spare buttons and a small carry case.

Step 1: Assemble Ingredients

100% Cotton Shirt, washed
Sharp Scissors
OR rotary cutter w/cutting mat (optional)

The pattern of this shirt (a small plaid) made cutting very easy. I just followed the lines.

I used a man's size Extra Large,long sleeve, button front shirt for this Instructable.

Comments

[Ainaa7]

Nice....thanks for share

[patmac]

For Christmas I used the front and back of several shirts and made square throw pillows. I ran a seam down the front placket leaving the buttons on and left the pocket in tact, which made a cute holder for a gift card. They looked like squared shirts and were a big hit. Thanks for all of your ideas.

[recyclegrandma]

I forgot to mention that these wash up very easily so are a healthier fabric than some bags given/sold by grocery stores.

[sparkleponytx]

That's a great suggestion. Thanks!

[recyclegrandma]

I've taken old shirts and made them into shopping bags by stitching the front closed and then cutting two 17" or 18" squares across the front and back. You need to cut enough above the highest button so you have room to turn the top edge down or you can stitch a contrasting inner top border. Cut the mat'l for the handles 17" X 3". These get a chuckle when the person packing them at the grocery check-out realizes it used to be a man's shirt. Leave the pockets on the front.

[TheJoshinator]

Since it's 100% cotton, you could turn it into some handmade paper (more involved project, but very cool results).

[Jennifer2010]

I do the same! I love it. I recycle any old clothes ans sew plenty of doll clothes with them. Here's where I get my inspiration: www.joliebarbie.com

[acepilot32]

You could always make into a personal PFD by tying the sleves up and buttoning the whole shirt up. Then when your in the water you put the bottom open end of the shirt over your head and slam it into the water so it catches the air, sort of like how you open a garbage bag to open it all up and it makes that balloon type effect.

[sparkleponytx]

Ahhh. Ok, I guess.

[Nettiemac]

Some great ideas there.

I also reuse clothing, mostly for barbie doll clothes, but you could also use shirts for patchwork or applique too. 

[sparkleponytx]

Thanks!