Repurposed Old T-Shirt Pajamas

Intro: Repurposed Old T-Shirt Pajamas

I finally convinced my boyfriend to purge his clothes!

What resulted was a large stockpile of old t-shirts, work shirts, sweats, old golf shirts and more. I considered donating them - but wondered if there was anything I could do to repurpose this new-found loot. 

I searched the web and found so many awesome blogs and sites with ideas for repurposed clothes - I felt like I hit the jackpot! 

I came across so many creative ways to repurpose old t-shirts, it inspired me to try my hand at something!

I decided to combine and remix a couple of ideas and this is what I came up with - hope you like 'em!

**sorry for the blurry pics - I had to use my cell phone camera...

STEP 1: Get Your Stockpile Together!

Pretty much exactly that! Gather all the old t-shirts you can - from your closet or from donations from your caring family and friends!

STEP 2: Cut & Paste...

Cut out all your logos.  I used the large ones on the back and the small ones (usually on the front, over the left breast).  I didn't bother trying to cut them in standard sizes - although after I got into the sewing....I really wish I had! :)

Piece them together into a 'patchwork' type of design!

STEP 3: Sew It Up!

Sew together your 'patchwork' of logos!

(This is where cutting out standard sizes would have really been a good idea. It came out very cool looking - but I think it would have been just as awesome & easier, had all the pieces been 'even....)

STEP 4: Cut Out Your Shorts, or Pants

I have never been one to use a pattern.....terrible, I know! My great-grandfather was a tailor and I think he might spit out his wine if he knew that!

So, if you want to use a pattern from this point on - please feel free!

Anyway, I just took pair of shorts from my boyfriend and used them like a template. Worked great! 

You can cut these into shorts or pants - depending on how big your 'quilt' is....I'm even thinking of making a hoodie! :)

STEP 5: Sew Happy Together

Again - because I'm patternless (for the most part)....I can only really tell you to - Sew 'em up!

I used my basic  (very basic!) knowledge of pant-making to piece them together. I suggest if you have never made a pair of shorts or pants before - use a pattern.  It will save you the hassle of ripping out stitches and re-puzzling the crotch together.....lol!  :)

STEP 6: Waste Band (from Waste...get It? :)

I decided that they needed a waistband. Plus that would give me something to thread the tie through....

So - I cut off the bottom of one of the left-over  t-shirts.  Again - this is going to be up to you!  I decided that about 5 inches was wide enough to create a nice size waistband.  Keep in mind that my 5 inches turned into a 2-1/2 inch waistband (it will be folded in half ).

Fold in half and pin to the top of your shorts.

Sew it up!

(I could totally see the waistband being wider - thus turning these into yoga pants....)

STEP 7: Keep It Up!

I used an old laundry bag string (haha!) as a tie for these pj's - but you could fashion one from the waste pretty easily!

I just cut a small hole in the front of the shorts and threaded my string through!

You can finish these up by hemming the legs and/or lining them!

Enjoy!

Comments

[jessimata]

Awesome Re-use! Steps 2-3 can easily be converted into a t-shirt patchwork throw or quilt. I used a blanket and bed sheet, layered and used a machine to sew along the perimeter. This is what I made:

[GolfinMom4]

Hi,
Great Idea! Is there a special needle, thread or anything else that one should use when sewing knit material like this?
Thanks

[sbprincess90]

hi i was wondering how you put the waist band on and how you sew a added waist band? Im a newby to the sewing world. :)

[bitsy113]

What a great idea!!!! I have some T-shirts that are actually to big and I was going to give them to good will but this would make a great pair of shorts to sleep in!! Thanks so much for the cool idea! I'm also glad to see you just eye-ball things, I hate to measure too!

[JessickaRay]

Holy awesomeness... This is great... I would also love to see an i'ble of the hoodie. Please make one, I think it'd be great!

[PurtynPnk]

I'm working on one right now! :)

[JessickaRay]

Woohoo! Though I can't wait due to being very impatient, please take your time ;)

[scoochmaroo]

Awesome awesome awesome. This is the best use for old tshirts I've seen in a long time.

[PurtynPnk]

Thank you! I found this site a couple days ago and I'm loving it :)

[BeanGolem]

Yay new members!

[syntaxerror37]

Those t-shirts look almost new, he's not to hard on his clothes, is he? By the time I'm done with a shirt, all it's good for is a rag. Still, a cool idea.

[PurtynPnk]

I couldn't get him to get rid of his most beloved (therefore, more worn-out) items....but there are definitely a few oldies but goodies mixed in. :)