upcycled t-shirts Archives - You Make It Simple

How To Make Adorable DIY Shoelaces With Fabric and Recycled T-Shirts

Put a little style in your sneakers with some adorable DIY shoelaces. Finding a set of shoelaces to purchase that are colorful and unique just doesn’t happen, so why not make your own. Making your own shoelaces is such an easy thing to do and the color combinations and patterns are endless.

These shoelaces can be made using regular cotton fabric or recycled t-shirts. In this tutorial, I give instructions on how to make two different types of shoelaces and three different methods.

Fabric laces (bias tape and tube methods)
T-shirt laces (NO SEWING REQUIRED)

The first method is sewing strips of woven fabric and the second method is simply using stretchy t-shirt yarn.

DIY Shoelaces Materials & Items Needed

Fabric scissors/rotary cutter (optional)
Bias tape maker (optional RED #18)
Fabric: Cotton Woven fabrics/Upcycled t-shirts/ Knit fabric
Iron
Shrink tubing 3/16 inch (optional)
Heat Gun (optional) / Hairdryer
Packaging tape/ or needle & thread (optional)
Sewing machine for sewn method
Safety pin
Needlenose pliers
Fraycheck (optional)

Fabric DIY Shoelaces

The first thing to do is decide how long you need to make your DIY shoelaces. Use the chart below to determine the length.

*If you like the length of the current laces that are in your shoes, simply pull out the laces and measure. Cut the fabric strips to that length.

Cut strips of fabric 1.5 inches/4 cm. (Fabric can be cut on the bias or on the grain).*See video tutorial

BIAS TAPE MAKER METHOD

(For more information on how to make your own bias tape, READ HERE).

Apply the bias strip into the bias tape maker (RED #18)
Pull through and press as you go.
Topstitch along the open edge from end to end.
Do this for both laces.
Fold in half and press.

FOLD & IRON METHOD (without using the bias tape maker)

Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press. Fold the edges to the centerfold and press. Fold in half again and press.
Topstitch along the open edge from end to end.
Do this for both laces.

HIDDEN SEAM LACES

If you don’t like the look of stitching on the shoelaces, you can use this method.

Fold the strip in half with the RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER.
Sew along the raw edges from end to end using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Turn RIGHT SIDE FACING OUT.

TURNING TIPS: Here are a few tips on how to turn the tube inside out.

OPTION #1: Sew the tube leaving both ends open. Apply a safety pin to the end of the tube and thread it through to the other end, pulling through as you go.

OPTIONS #2 Before sewing the seam, get a long piece of sturdy twine or ribbon. Sew it into the seam at the end of the tube. Tuck the twine along the inside fold (so you don’t catch it into the seam) and sew down the side seam.

Gently pull the twine to pull the end of the tube inside itself until you can grab it. Then pull it until the whole tube is turned inside out.

T-SHIRT FABRIC LACES (No Sewing Required)

I love upcycling t-shirts! Check out THIS POST for some other great ideas of what you can make with this stretchy material.

IF YOU WANT MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE T-SHIRT YARN, CHECK OUT THIS POST AND VIDEO TUTORIAL.

Cut 2 inch/5 cm strips of t-shirt fabric.
Pull strips to tighten and curl the fabric.
Measure the strips and cut them to the desired length.

FINISHING SHOELACE ENDS

Cut 4 shrink tube pieces to .75 inches /2 cm.
Apply shrink tube to the ends of laces allowing a little bit of the lace to extend past the end of the tube.
Heat tube using a hairdryer, heat gun, or open flame.
Remove the heat source once the tubing has shrunk and tightened around the lace.
Cut off the excess fabric.

DIY SHOELACES -OTHER FINISHING OPTIONS:

You can take a needle and thread and stitch and wrap around and around the ends while pulling the thread tightly. Knot and cut the thread.
Apply fray check to the fabric ends to keep the fabric from fraying.

GET THE FREE PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS HERE

Lace your shoes and enjoy an authentic stylin, one-of-kind pair of shoes!

Here are some other projects you may be interested in:

Upcycled T Shirts – Ideas and Tips

T-Shirt Yarn | Made From Upcycled T-Shirts

DIY FABRIC LABELS

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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DIY Top Knot Headband | Easy Sewing Tutorial

When you’re looking for a cute baby gift, this top knot headband is so quick and easy to make! They can be made with a minimal amount of knit fabric and OF COURSE, an UPCYCLED T-SHIRT!

Choose fabrics that have good stretch to them. These top knot headbands are cute made up of solid colors or prints. I’ve been known to buy shirts, dresses, and skirts for the fabric to make other things with. In fact, I do it all the time, especially clothing on clearance racks! So be on the lookout in your closet and on clearance racks for some cute stretchy fabric that you can make headbands or other baby clothing with.

Choose fabrics that have good stretch to them. These top knot headbands are cute made up with solid colors or prints. I’ve been known to buy shirts, dresses, and skirts for the fabric to make other things with. In fact, I do it all the time, especially clothing on clearance racks! So be on the lookout in your closet and on clearance racks for some cute stretchy fabric that you can make headbands or other baby clothing with.

Make sure you are checking out my SEWING PATTERN STORE, where you’ll find a big handful of other things you can make for babies.

These topknot headbands look adorable on babies, toddlers, and even adults. They can be made to fit ANY SIZE HEAD, just follow the head measuring instructions to get a perfect fit.

You can make these headbands using a regular sewing machine; serger or you can even sew them by hand. If you don’t have a sewing machine, be sure to check out my HANDSEWING tutorial where I show you how to sew a stretch stitch by hand.

Top Knot Headband Materials & Items Needed

Sewing machine/Serger (optional)
Scissors/Rotary Cutter-Mat
Knit Fabric or UPCYCLED KNIT CLOTHING
Pins/Fabric clips (optional)
Measuring tape
Turning stick

HEAD MEASUREMENT

The best way to get the correct size is to measure the head you are making the headband for. If that’s not possible, refer to the Average Head Circumference Chart. Knit fabric will stretch to fit a wide variety of heads sizes in that range so don’t be too stressed about it!

Using a measuring tape, measure the widest part of the head. Write that measurement down.

CUTTING OUT
Cut a strip of knit fabric (6-8 inches/15.5 cm x HEAD MEASUREMENT)

Feel free to alter the thickness of the headband. You may want a thicker, bulkier, or even a thinner headband. It’s all your preference and you can cut them out accordingly.

Make sure you cut out the strips with the stretchiness of the fabric for the widest part.

Upcycled t-shirts work really well

SEWING TOP KNOT HEADBAND

SEAM ALLOWANCE IS 3/8 INCH

sewing with fleece lightning bolt stitch

STITCH TYPE:

Use a lightning bolt stitch, a small narrow zigzag stitch, this is so the seams won’t pop and break when the fabric is stretched, or you can use a 3-4 thread serger.

Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise. Sew along the unfinished edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

Turn right side facing out using a turning stick or the eraser end of a pencil.

Align the seam so it is in the center of the headband.

Take the short ends and tie a very loose knot.

Place the shorts ends Right Sides Together and with the seams lined up. Using a regular straight stitch, sew along the unfinished edge using a 3/8 inch seam allowance. (Basically the edge of your presser foot). Trim seam allowance.

I love this method because there is NO SEAM on the back of the headband, therefore making it so much more comfortable to wear.

Slide the knot down so it covers the seam you just made. Adjust the knot how you want it and you’re finished!

Tadah! Now wasn’t that simple!

I hope you have fun making these top knot headbands as much as I do.

DIY Self Binding Baby Blanket

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How to Make a Baby Beanie From Upcycled T-Shirts

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

gift ideas headband Sewing Sewing tutorial topknot headband upcycled t-shirts

T-Shirt to Tank Top | Binding Tips and Tricks

It’s summertime and wearing a cool tank top can be very inviting. In this tutorial, I am going to show you how you can easily take a t-shirt and make it into a tank top. This post is full of great tips and tricks for adding binding to the armholes and neckband. This is such a fun way to upcycle an ordinary t-shirt into a unique tank top.

Most of you know how I love upcycling t-shirts. The simple stretchy fabric of a t-shirt can come in handy for making so many other things.

So if you have a t-shirt that has some good stretch to it, fun colors, or cute print, don’t throw it out. USE IT.

Here is a post with some good tips for upcycling t-shirts.

HOW TO MAKE A TANK TOP FROM A T-SHIRT

I am going to go over several different styles and ways to make a tank top.

Basic work-out tank with cut armholes
Rolled hem method
Knit binding method

BONUSES: How to add binding to t-shirt sleeve edge, and how to apply a tag or label.

There are so many options and the variety and the color combinations are limitless. So get out your creative bones and have fun making tank tops.

TANK TOP ITEMS AND MATERIALS NEEDED

T-Shirt
Scissors
Measuring tape
Pins/fabric clips
Sewing machine
Chalk pen/erasable pen (optional)
Interfacing (optional for labels)

If you have an existing tank top that you like that fits well, you can use that as a template of where to cut the armholes and neckband. If you don’t, start cutting the holes bigger and then try it on. You can always cut off more, but you CAN’T add fabric back after you cut.

BASIC CUT ARMHOLE TANK TOP INSTRUCTIONS

Turn the t-shirt wrong side out.

If you’re using an existing tank top as a template, lay the tank on top of your t-shirt. Line up the shoulder seams. Most likely the armholes of the tank will be smaller than the t-shirt. No worries.

Using the chalk pen or erasable pen, trace the armhole of one side of the shirt. You can just eyeball where you want to cut.

Cut out that armhole. Fold the shirt in half, lining up shoulder and side seams, and cut out the other armhole using the previous cut as a guide.

You can leave it like this, BECAUSE KNIT FABRIC WILL NOT FRAY.

TANK TOP ROLLED HEM METHOD

If you want to finish the armholes with a rolled hem, I recommend cutting the sleeve off OUTSIDE THE SLEEVE SEAM, leaving about a ¼ “ from the seam. (This will give the armhole a little reinforcement and feel like you’ve added binding to it). But if you want a deeper cut, you can do that as well and it will still work out fine.

I RECOMMEND TRYING ON THE SHIRT BEFORE CUTTING, JUST TO MAKE SURE IT FITS WELL AND CUT WHERE YOU WANT IT TO BE! (If the armholes are a little gappy and loose, just note that after you hem or add binding, it will pull and be more fitted).

Once the sleeves are cut off, all you need to do is fold the fabric edge over the sleeve seam (1/4 inch) and then fold it over again.

Thread your sewing machine with the same color of thread as the t-shirt. Starting at the underarm seam, sew all the way around using a straight stitch. Sew just inside the outer fold to hold in place.

Do this for both tank top armholes.

GATHERED SHOULDER TANK TOP

If the shoulders seam too wide and you want to bring them in a little, you can add a little gather to the shoulder seam as I have in this photo.

Simply take a needle, double the thread, knot the end, and take two rows of big gathering stitches to gather to your liking. Knot to secure in place.

You can also use a ribbon to gather the shoulders by tying a bow around the shoulder top and tacking in place with a needle and thread.

HOW TO ADD BINDING TO THE TANK TOP ARMHOLES AND NECK

Using stretchy knit fabric strips from other upcycle knit clothing can add a lot of character to your tank tops. CHECK OUT MY POST AND VIDEO ON BINDING.

Decide where you want to cut the armholes.

Cut out and try the tank top on to make sure that is where you want things to be.

Measure the armhole, starting at the shoulder seam and go down to the side seam. DOUBLE THAT MEASUREMENT AND THEN SUBTRACT 1 INCH. This will be the length to cut the armhole binding.

Cut 2-inch strips, on the stretch of your binding fabric. Cut them to the armhole measurement. (If you don’t have strips long enough, you can piece them together. WATCH MY TUTORIAL ON HOW TO DO THAT HERE.

Place the strips RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER and sew the short ends together using a ¼ – 3/8 inch seam allowance to form a ring. Do this for both strips.

Fold the rings in half to find the halfway point and mark with a pin.

Do the same thing with the armholes. Find the halfway point from the side seam and mark with a pin. It’s not always going to be the shoulder seam. Most likely it’s a little off to the side.

Now you’re ready to sew the binding to the tank top.

With the shirt WRONG SIDE OUT, line up the binding seam with the side seam. Pin that in place. Line up the halfway points and pin them in place. The binding piece will be shorter than the tank top piece, so you will be stretching the binding slightly as you sew.

You can pin ¼ points, but I usually don’t. Take it to the sewing machine and starting at the underarm seam, sew all the way around. Use a 3/8 inch seam allowance and a regular straight stitch. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

I LOVE USING THIS TECHNIQUE TO BIND ALL KINDS OF PROJECTS: blankets, slippers, and other clothing items.

Fold the binding over to the WRONG side with the seam finger pressed outward and toward binding. Pin or clip in place all the way around. (Make sure the seam is enclosed in the binding).

On the TOPSIDE, stitch in the ditch, which is the point where the shirt meets the binding. Turn your sewing machine handwheel toward you, bringing the needle down to make sure it is placed in that crevice. Start sewing. Ease and stretch the fabric slightly as you sew. Backstitch at the end.

There may be a lot of excess fabric, no worries. (Better to have too much fabric than not enough).

VERY CAREFULLY take your scissors and trim the excess fabric close to the seam. Be careful NOT to cut the fabric underneath! No need to worry, the fabric will not fray.

Tadah! There you have a nice professional-looking finish to your armhole.

You can do this in the same manner for the neck if you want.

ADDING BINDING TO A SLEEVE EDGE

You can add binding to a t-shirt sleeve edge to give character and contrast. This really adds a lot of charm to a basic t-shirt and something you don’t see every day.

You pretty much just follow the same procedure that you would for an armhole.

Measure the sleeve opening, x 2, subtract 1 inch. Cut the binding 2 inches x length.
Find halfway points
Pin in place.
Sew
Wrap binding around seam
Stitch in-the-ditch
Trim binding

BONUS: HOW TO ADD LABEL OR TAG

Adding a cute little tag is optional of course, but another way to customize your clothing. Get more information about how to make your own labels HERE.

Cut out the label and decide where you want to apply it. Some recommended places would be.

The outer bottom center of the sleeve
Just under the neck binding on the back of the tank top
The bottom hem of the tank top

Unless the knit fabric is really thick, you’ll want to reinforce the knit fabric by applying a little piece of INTERFACING, on the backside of the fabric where you want to apply the label. (Follow instructions on stabilizer).

Using a narrow, short zigzag stitch, sew around the label to secure it in place.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Be sure to reach out if you do have questions.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

How To Make Adorable DIY Shoelaces With Fabric and Recycled T-Shirts

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binding binding tutorial repurposing t shirts tank top upcycled t-shirts

DIY Upcycled T Shirt Bags | Sew and No-Sew Methods

Recycling and upcycling is one of my passions, and making these t-shirt bags is another way to reduce waste and find another use for unwanted clothing. I love these bags! They make great grocery bags, activity bags, and you can even use them as a purse if you want. You will be surprised how durable they are!!

Making and using these DIY T-Shirt bags is great way to reduce waste and recycle unwanted clothing. They make great grocery bags, activity bags, and you can even use them as a purse if you want. You will be surprised how durable they are!!

These bags are super easy and quick to make (10 minutes), and it will help to reduce the pollution of shopping bags. Did you know that one hundred billion grocery bags are used in the United States each year? This means that the average American family gets 1,500 bags from shopping trips. That’s NOT OK!

That’s a lot of bags. Even if they make it into the garbage, 100 billion bags take up space. Whether they’re stuck in a tree, floating in the breeze or sitting in a trash pile, these bags don’t decompose. Because they’re made from petroleum, toxic chemicals can seep into soil and water.

Pollution on land is a problem, but what about these bags when they get in the ocean? It’s dangerous to animals. Sea turtles, marine mammals and fish confuse the bags with prey, such as jellyfish, and eat the plastic imposters. Ingestion of these bags can lead to malnutrition, and eventually, starvation. Bags can also become caught on waterfowl or coral and wrap around the animals, causing injury or death.

Ok, I think you get the picture. Making and using these upcycled t-shirt bags will help reduce plastic bag pollution. I love that, and I love upcycling t-shirts as most of you know.

upcycled t-shirt bags youmakeitsimple.com

I am going to show you two different methods. A no-sew method (in case you don’t have access to a sewing machine) and a simple sewing method. I prefer the sewing method myself because it is a lot faster!

Let’s jump right into the tutorial.

Upcycled T-Shirt Items & Materials Needed

T-shirt
Scissors
Masking tape (optional no-sew method)
Sewing machine/serger (sewing method)
Fabric clips/pins (sewing method)

T-Shirt Bag Instructions

NO-SEW METHOD

Turn the t-shirt wrong side out.
Cut off the sleeve just inside the arm seam.

Fold the shirt in half lengthwise.
Cut out the bag opening by cutting a deeper neck line. (About the depth of the armholes).

Decide how deep you want the bag to be +3 inches/7.5 cm. Cut the bottom off if you want it shorter. You’ll really only need to shorten if you are using a very larger t-shirt.
Measure 3 inches/7.5 cm from the bottom of the shirt, take a piece of masking tape or painter’s tape and apply it to the shirt to mark this point.

Cut little slits along the bottom of the shirt up to the tape line, ½ -3/4 inches/1 cm apart.

Starting from one side, tie one strip from the front to the adjacent strip on the back in a double knot. Continue tying knots until the bottom is all tied.

There will be little holes between the knots. To close those up, take one tie from the first knot and tie it to one of the ties of the second knot in a diagonal manner. Do this to all the knots.

Reinforce the end knots by tying them again.

Flip right side out and there you have it.

T-Shirt Bag Sewing Method

Follow the steps for the no-sew method, but instead of cutting the strips, simply sew the bottom closed.

Set your sewing machine to a LIGHTNING BOLT STITCH or SMALL ZIGZAG STITCH. (SHORT & NARROW).

You can use a serger if you have one.

Place a ball tip, or jersey knit needle into your machine. This will keep the needle from putting holes in the knit fabric. (For more information on what type of sewing machine needles to use, see my tutorial HERE).
Using a small zigzag stitch will allow the seam to stretch and not pop and break when the fabric is pulled.

Make a tuck/pleat in the bottom of the bag by folding the sides of the shirt over about 4 inches/10 cm. Clip or pin in place.
Use about a ½ inch seam allowance. Sew across the bottom, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam.

Turn right side out and ta-dah you’re all finished. Such an easy project.

Get in your closet and find some t-shirts you no longer want or need and MAKE T-shirt BAGS!

Upcycled T Shirts – Ideas and Tips

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Repurposed T Shirts – Cutting Out Tips

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Happy upcycling!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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T-Shirt Yarn | Made From Upcycled T-Shirts

In this post, I’m going to show you how to make t-shirt yarn from upcycled t-shirts. As some of you know, upcycling is one of my passions and I get a little excited about recycling items of clothing, and t-shirts are one of them.

In a previous post, I have shared some different ideas of how to use upcycled t-shirts. and you can find them here. But for now, let me show you how to make t-shirt yarn.

What can you do with T-Shirt Yarn?

Oh, baby, this stretchy yarn is the best! I have been making it for years, and it comes in handy for so many things. You can use it just like you would yarn and twine.

Gift Wrapping
Face Mask Ties
Crochet it (rugs, bags, etc.)
Bracelets
Rugs (wrap method-STAY TUNED FOR A FUN TUTORIAL
Shoelaces
Colorful Decoration (place them in a cute basket for display)

How to Choose the Right T-Shirt for T-shirt Yarn

The best scenario is to find a t-shirt that doesn’t have side seams and is just one continuous piece of fabric. That is ideal, but they’re not as easy to find, but don’t worry because I’m going to show you a really slick way to join the seams and how to cut off that bulky side and make it flow a lot nicer if you have to use a shirt with seams.

I like to find t-shirts that have a little bit of synthetic content and stretch to them. T-shirts that are 100% cotton tend to fray and don’t stretch as well. (It all depends on what you’re using the yarn for).

Don’t limit yourself to just t-shirts. You can use knit dresses and skirts too. Check out this post where I give some helpful tips on upcycling t-shirts.

Materials & Items Needed

Scissors
Rotary Cutter/Ruler (optional but recommended)
Sewing Machine/Needle & Thread (optional)

Using Printed T-Shirt Fabric

TAKE NOTE: If you have a t-shirt that has a cute print that you want to be shown, you’ll need to cut the fabric differently. If you cut the strips horizontally, what happens when you pull the strips to stretch the yarn it is going to curl with the wrong side of the fabric showing on the outside. This is fine if you are using a plain color fabric. But if you want the print exposed, you’ll need to cut the fabric strips vertically.

Most people don’t know this and I don’t want you to be all bummed when you go to pull your strips and the cute print is not visible, just something to consider.

Follow the cutting instructions for printed fabric below. If the t-shirt you are using has a logo or screen print, you’ll want to cut around that as well.

How big should you cut the strips?

You can cut the strips in different sizes, just depends on what you’re going to use them for. I recommend cutting different size strips on a sleeve and then pulling the strips to see what they look like. Try 1, 1 ½, and 2-inch strips. All fabrics will react a little differently.

Cutting Strips with NO SIDE SEAM T-Shirts

Remove the bottom hem. I really like using a rotary cutter because you get a very straight edge!

Flatten your t-shirt out and fold it in half lengthwise, but leave it unfolded two inches. *Something to consider, if the shirt has a logo on it, you don’t want this in your strips, so cut around it.

Cut from armpit to armpit as shown here. Cut the desired width of strips horizontally, BUT DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY ACROSS! Stop cutting just past the fold of the top layer. Continue cutting strips all the way up the shirt.

On the last strip cut it all the way off and remove the top of the shirt. As you can see there’s a section that’s not cut and this is where the magic happens! Slide your arm between the layers and adjust it so the uncut area is accessible over your arm. This makes it easier to cut than cutting on a table.

As indicated on the drawing, start cutting through the single layer of fabric on the bottom strip at an angle to the end of the cut edge. On the next layer cut from one end to the other ON A DIAGANOL! Follow that same pattern until you’ve cut all strips.

Cutting Strips on T-Shirts with SIDE SEAMS

You can follow the same procedure if you don’t mind bulky seams in your yarn. This may be fine for some craft projects, but if you’re crocheting something, this seam will be very bulky. I will show you below how to join the pieces without all the bulk.

If you want to cut strips and sew them together, cut off the side seams and then cut strips to the size you want. Follow the instructions below on how to piece strips together.

Cutting Strips of PRINTED FABRIC

Remove the bottom hem and remove the sleeves. Instead of folding the t-shirt over vertically, fold the bottom edge up to the neckband. Cut off side seams and then cut vertical strips to your desired width. You will need to piece strips together.

How to Piece Strips Together

Before sewing strips together, pull the strip ends that you are going to sew together to see which side curls in. Put the curling sides facing down flatten it out and take the other strip that you’re joining together and place it on top of the strip with the curling side facing up.

Place them at right angles overlapping just about a 1/4 inch at the top and on the side. It doesn’t really matter if it’s more, but it needs to be at least a quarter inch. Sew from notch to notch at an angle using a ¼ inch seam allowance.

Clip fabric and leave a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Clip away the two little ear tags. When you open up the seam it’s at a diagonal and when you pull it, the seam will be tucked inside. You may be wondering why you can’t just sew it at a straight angle. Doing it this way distributes the seam at an angle so it’s tucked inside and less bulky. Pretty cool huh?

So if you can’t find t-shirts without seams, you can join them this way and it works really well. If you really needed to, you could do this by using a needle and thread as well

Pulling Strips to Make T-Shirt Yarn

To finish the strips into yarn, simply pull the strips. When you pull the strips, they’ll curl onto themselves making a nice yarn. Wrap strips into a ball and place them in a cute basket.

Who would have thought that you can make yarn from an upcycled t-shirts! This is such a fun thing and it’s easy to do.

So go through your closets and find some cute colors of t-shirts and make yarn!

Print the FREE PDF infographic below.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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repurposing t shirts t-shirt yarn upcycled clothing upcycled t-shirts

DIY NO SEW Face Mask – Upcycled T Shirt – 5 Minutes

With the latest recommendation to wear masks when we go out and about, there has been a need to acquire a mask. As you know, most of us just go to the store and purchase one. A few weeks ago I posted a tutorial on how to sew a DIY face mask. However, not everyone knows how to sew or has access to a sewing machine.

I have been getting a lot of requests for “no-sew” masks, so I started doing some research and experimenting. I tried folding the bandanna thing and several other ways, but I had a hard time finding a method that was easy to understand and that wasn’t bulky and awkward to wear.

One of my customers, Suzette Gardner, clued me in on a technique she was using to make masks out of upcycled t-shirts. Now we’re talking. This is my territory. You all know how I love using upcycled t-shirts! So I gave it a whirl and loved how the knit felt on your face and how quick they were to make.

So here you have it, a tutorial on how to make a DIY no sew face mask, using an upcycled t-shirt that you can make in only 5 minutes. If the shirt is long-sleeved, you can make two more masks using the sleeves! I’ll walk you through that at the end of the post.

Materials and Items Needed

Upcycled T-Shirt (the larger the better)
If you have a long sleeve shirt, you can make a mask with each sleeve.
The t-shirt needs to be at least 16 inches wide. Cotton t-shirts are the best.
Rotary Cutter and Ruler (optional)
Scissors
Flannel Scrap (for the additional filter, optional) Cut to approximately 4 x 6 inches

DIY No Sew Face Mask Instructions

Trim off the hem of the shirt.

Cut two, 1 inch strips the width of the shirt

Cut off the seams on both sides

Take the strips and pull the fabric to CURL the fabric for the mask ties.

They need to be at least 16 inches long, more if you have the fabric

Measure from the bottom of the shirt and cut

8 inches for an ADULT MASK
7 inches for TEEN
6 inches for CHILD

Take one of those pieces and place the wrong side of the fabric facing up.

If you want more layers you can double the fabric.

Place the ties vertically 4 inches from the edge.

Fold the sides over the strap so the tie is against the fold.

They should overlap in the center, making the width of the mask around 8 inches for adults, 7 teens,s and 6 for children.

Take the ends of the ties and make a knot as close to the end as you can.

This will be the top of the mask.

Take the mask and place it over your nose rim.

Hold it in place while you pull the bottom ties to cinch in the mask.

Keep adjusting and pulling the ties until you get the fit that you like.

Tuck in the fabric that may be sticking out.

Want additional filter capabilities?

Cut a piece of flannel about 4×6 inches and place inside before folding the mask.

No Sew Face Mask using the t-shirt sleeves

Cut off sleeve and measure 16 inches.

Follow the same folding instructions as before.

Slightly gather the wider side and tuck into the sleeve opening.

The sleeve version will give more layers and more filterability.

I love how these masks feel when you have them on! So comfortable!

BAM! This will only take you 5 minutes or less.

No excuses now. Get you and your loved ones a mask made.

NEED A GENUINE N95 Respirator Mask Reusable, (FDA Registered) Face Mask?

Check out this reputable source

Take care of yourselves, my friends. Keep smiling and finding the good in your day.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

10 DIY Gift Ideas That You’re Going To Enjoy Making

October 28, 2023 / Christmas, Gifts and Cards, Holiday and Seasonal Crafts, Holidays and Seasonal Sewing, SEWING, Sewing Videos, Upcycled Sweater Sewing Projects / No Comments

How To Make Your Own Zipper Pull Tabs // Simple Craft

February 20, 2023 / Craft Video, CRAFTS, Embroidery, Felt Crafts, Tutorials, VIDEO AND AUDIO LIBRARY, Yarn Crafts / No Comments

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February 18, 2023 / Craft Video, CRAFTS, DIY HOME, DIY Home Videos, Organizing, Paper, Recycling, Tutorials, VIDEO AND AUDIO LIBRARY / No Comments

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January 19, 2023 / Craft Video, CRAFTS, Gifts and Cards, Holiday and Seasonal Crafts, Holidays and Seasonal Sewing, Paper, SEWING, Sewing Videos, Tutorials, Valentine’s Day, VIDEO AND AUDIO LIBRARY / No Comments

face mask no sew face mask upcycled t-shirts

Upcycled T Shirts – Ideas and Tips

Do you have a t shirt that you love, but it doesn’t fit anymore or has gone out of style? Give it a second life by making something else out of it. Here are some great upcycled t shirts ideas and tips.

Knits are “sew” fun to work with and there are so many fun things you can make with them, especially children’s clothing.

Although, nowadays, little kids’ t-shirts are usually cheaper just to buy already made, than to purchase a pattern and fabric (not to mention the time involved).

However, if you already have an existing shirt to use for fabric, and an EASY pattern, then making something can be quite fun and save you a lot of money!

Have you priced good-quality interlock knits lately? They are not cheap and the selection is usually poor.

This piece of knit with 5 % spandex was $12.99 yard.

So if you have a shirt that has good quality fabric, good colors, and design, and you don’t wear it anymore, MAKE SOMETHING COOL WITH IT!

Here are a few ideas of what to do with upcycled t-shirts:

baby and children’s shirts
leggings
little girl skirts
cut strips for braided rugs
bracelets
whatever you can imagine………
baby beanies
T-Shirt Yarn

Here are a few before and after photos

I used this polka dot shirt to make a skirt……..

……….. and this shirt to make a comfy double fold yoga waistband for the skirt.

Ta-dah! I added a cute green pom pom trim on the bottom and look what a cute whimsy skirt these upcycled shirts made.

You can get the pattern for this skirt HERE.

Felted wool sweater strips make up this cute skirt. (pattern can be purchased in my Shop).

I used this shirt for the waistband.

This purple turtle neck wasn’t the most attractive shirt to wear, however, it was good fabric and worked really nicely for the yoga waistband on this simple fleece skirt.

So instead of going in the trash, or to the thrift store, this shirt came in real handy!

I love cutting strips of t-shirts and winding them up into a ball. Not only do they look cute sitting in a basket, but there are a lot of fun things to make with strips of knit shirts.

Here is a link to a video tutorial on how to cut up the shirt into t-shirt yarn.

Go to Pinterest and type in the search ” t-shirt strips” and you’ll find all kinds of fun things to make.

If you haven’t seen my post on how to make these adorable baby beanies from upcycled t-shirts, you can find it HERE.

In a previous post, I show and give some tips on how to cut out t-shirts to get them ready for projects and how to use the fabric for other things.

So, that was a mouth full. I hope you find it inspiring and gives you a few ideas.

Have fun sewing my friends!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

DIY Shoelaces Materials & Items Needed

Fabric DIY Shoelaces

BIAS TAPE MAKER METHOD

FOLD & IRON METHOD (without using the bias tape maker)

HIDDEN SEAM LACES

T-SHIRT FABRIC LACES (No Sewing Required)

FINISHING SHOELACE ENDS

DIY SHOELACES -OTHER FINISHING OPTIONS:

Here are some other projects you may be interested in:

Jan Howell

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Top Knot Headband Materials & Items Needed

HEAD MEASUREMENT

CUTTING OUTCut a strip of knit fabric (6-8 inches/15.5 cm x HEAD MEASUREMENT)

Upcycled t-shirts work really well

SEWING TOP KNOT HEADBAND

SEAM ALLOWANCE IS 3/8 INCH

STITCH TYPE:

Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise. Sew along the unfinished edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

Turn right side facing out using a turning stick or the eraser end of a pencil.

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HOW TO MAKE A TANK TOP FROM A T-SHIRT

TANK TOP ITEMS AND MATERIALS NEEDED

BASIC CUT ARMHOLE TANK TOP INSTRUCTIONS

TANK TOP ROLLED HEM METHOD

GATHERED SHOULDER TANK TOP

HOW TO ADD BINDING TO THE TANK TOP ARMHOLES AND NECK

ADDING BINDING TO A SLEEVE EDGE

BONUS: HOW TO ADD LABEL OR TAG

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Upcycled T-Shirt Items & Materials Needed

T-Shirt Bag Instructions

NO-SEW METHOD

T-Shirt Bag Sewing Method

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What can you do with T-Shirt Yarn?

How to Choose the Right T-Shirt for T-shirt Yarn

Materials & Items Needed

Using Printed T-Shirt Fabric

How big should you cut the strips?

Cutting Strips with NO SIDE SEAM T-Shirts

Cutting Strips on T-Shirts with SIDE SEAMS

Cutting Strips of PRINTED FABRIC

How to Piece Strips Together

Pulling Strips to Make T-Shirt Yarn

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Materials and Items Needed

DIY No Sew Face Mask Instructions

Trim off the hem of the shirt.

Cut two, 1 inch strips the width of the shirt

Cut off the seams on both sides

Take the strips and pull the fabric to CURL the fabric for the mask ties.

Measure from the bottom of the shirt and cut

CUTTING OUT
Cut a strip of knit fabric (6-8 inches/15.5 cm x HEAD MEASUREMENT)