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:

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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!

how would you do this if you bought jersey material that t- shirts are made from I would appreciate it very much if you can help me thank you

I would love a video. So want to make a rug!!! ?

Thank you for this tutorial! I have a question. Any idea how far one t-shirt goes? I'm looking at a pattern for a cat cave (it's super cute, like a basket, but closed on top with a hole on the side for the kitties). It requires 2.5lbs of tshirt yarn. I have no idea how many shirts that equals. Can you help, before I go under- or over-buying shirts for my project?

I know I'm a few years behind and you probably have your answer but out of a small tshirt, if I'm cutting it 1/2"-1" I get about 20-24yrds. Cutting it 2" gives me about 10-12yrds. Ive been blessed when it comes to finding big shirt sizes (3xl-7xl black & white) in my area's thrift and second hand stores so you could imagine how many yards I get when I cut 1/2" up to 2" lengths of yarn.

made my pwn yarn haha

Way awesome, as always Jessy ;) thank you

You are right! It is magic, and amazing!

I love the instructions. But I have a question regarding the type of T-shirt I can use. Can I use a T-shirt that has side seams? Thanks for sharing.

my only problem is with the seam. the threads that make up the seam pull apart, leaving me with severed yarn. please help!

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! :-)

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.

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

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

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!!!

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.

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!

I will definitely try to make a video, but in the meantime, I'd check this one out: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3xJ_W6vYN4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3xJ_W6vYN4 </a> I think it's explained pretty well. :D

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!

Thanks, it is definitely my favorite dress. :D

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

Great idea!..

Thanks!

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

It really is - makes it so fast!

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

Thank you!

I woner what you will knit with your new yarn?

oops I misspelled. I wonder what you will knit?