t-shirt yarn

In this instructable I'm going to show you how to make the easiest t-shirt yarn ever! I'll also give you some tips and tricks for getting the best t-shirt yarn that you can get.

And it goes very quickly because of the way you'll cut the shirts - you'll be crocheting and braiding in no time!

Step 1: What you'll need:

• 100% cotton jersey t-shirts
• scissors or a cutting mat & rotary cutter

Make sure that the shirts you're using are cotton jersey (preferably 95% or more!) and not any crazy blend of fabrics. Lycra makes horrible t-shirt yarn, as does modal. Polyester and cotton blends seems to work fine though! I had one of those in my stack and it worked just as well as cotton - not sure why. :)

Also, make sure the shirts are not ribbed jersey fabric - they will not curl properly. I bought one to try it out and it came out a mess. I'll still use it, but it won't be pretty!

Comments

[h10134g]

Hey, another way to make it clearer might be to draw/otherwise mark in where you cut (say in the 3rd photo of step 3), I think that would make it much clearer.
That said, Thanks for the instructable, I've been trying to work out how to get continuous for ages! :-)

[mom2A]

Thanks, step 3 was a little confusing with the pictures, would it be possible if you can make a video? Appreciate you taking the time to do this.

[jessyratfink]

I keep meaning to make a video and never finding the time. :P

This is a video that I think explains it pretty well though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3xJ_W6vYN4

[emilyvanleemput]

I finally made it :)
Not with a t-shirt, but with an old pair of pajama pants
It works fine :D

[pbrux]

Loving the tshirt yarn.

I actually buy the 100% cotton fabric by the yard, gives more room to work with. Super cheap (I live in MexCity, so no JoAnn prices, I mean REALLY cheap).

Funny actually, I've been playing with it for the last days, making scarves for meh friends, and lord, when I say fun, I mean FUN!! (although, my index finger is numb from all the snip snipping, bummer).

Oh, I didn't know that pulling it curls it. I thought it was something that just happened, I love it, thanks for the tip!!!

[reganbella]

Thank you so much! Your instructable was great! I get the part about cutting now. I am going to make your basket after I'm done the yarn.

[reganbella]

I really want to try this as it is beautiful when braided, but I don't understand the cutting process. Could you please make a video of that. It would be great help!

[jessyratfink]

I will definitely try to make a video, but in the meantime, I'd check this one out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3xJ_W6vYN4

I think it's explained pretty well. :D

[HollyMann]

Wow I love all your creative ideas! I cant wait to try this...never knew much about doing this! And your dress is So cute too!

[jessyratfink]

Thanks, it is definitely my favorite dress. :D

[HollyMann]

:) Yeah it is way too cute! I would definitely wear it - and with leggings also- so cute and comfy!

[billbillt]

Great idea!..

[jessyratfink]

Thanks!

[Ez-Kabob]

Oh my goodness, that's a great way to cut it!

[jessyratfink]

It really is - makes it so fast!

[canucksgirl]

Nice tutorial (er... Instructable!). I've made this before, so you did a good job of explaining the process. ;-)

[jessyratfink]

Thank you!

[ravenking]

I woner what you will knit with your new yarn?

[ravenking]

oops I misspelled. I wonder what you will knit?