Are your shirt drawers overflowing? Running out of room in your closet? Here are some ideas for old t-shirts so you can keep your memories without throwing away your favorite shirts.
Maybe you have a collection of t-shirts from your church or organization. Or you love collecting concert and event memorabilia. However you’ve amassed them, you now have no room for all of these old t-shirts, but yet, you hate to toss those memories in the trash.
I’ve got you covered with some fun and crafty ideas to keep your shirts without creating clutter in your drawers and closets. And all without having to sew, making these projects easy to do!
Colossians 3:23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Ideas for Old T-Shirts That Are Too Worn to Wear
When you’re done with an old t-shirt, whether it has holes in it or it just doesn’t fit anymore, don’t throw it away! There are plenty of other uses out there for these discarded garments, and this list will give you some ideas to get started on your own projects with old t-shirts.
Some of these ideas have nothing to do with clothing at all, so if you are only looking to get rid of the shirts, they can still be useful in other ways!
1. Upcycle an Old T-shirt into a Pillowcase
It’s easy to make a pillowcase from an old t-shirt, and it makes a cute accessory for your room. Throw pillows are still in style so instead of wasting money on a new one, upcycle your old t-shirts into special memory pillows!
There are many different ways to make a pillowcase using just an old t-shirt. To make one that hangs down over both sides of your pillow, take two similar pieces of fabric with identical measurements and sew them together at one end.
It doesn’t matter if they aren’t perfectly matched because you can hide any imperfections by folding under any excess fabric. Fold over the remaining raw edge at least 1/2 inch several times so it doesn’t fray or poke out. Turn down both edges to create a neat finish and you have an instant pillowcase!
2. Use Old T-shirts as Rags
Old t-shirts are always around the house, but they can quickly pile up. One solution is to recycle old t-shirts into rags and wipe down surfaces like countertops or cabinet doors without worrying about it getting dirty.
This can also be a good way to put a flat fabric piece of clothing to use. The rag will pick up dirt and grease so that you don’t have to get your other clothes dirty. Plus, old t-shirts are super easy to wash because you can just throw them in the washing machine when they get too dirty!
3. Throw Rug Ideas for Old T-shirts
Throw rugs or accent rugs are very popular today. But why not make one out of your favorite tees that you can’t wear anymore? You can make some for yourself or make as gifts. They’re guaranteed to be about the sturdiest, longest lasting rugs you’ll ever own! And they’re machine washable!
If you don’t own a sewing machine and frankly hate to sew, here’s how to make a t-shirt rug without sewing!
4. Turn an Old T-shirt Into a Tote Bag
All you need is a shirt and scissors. No sewing or glue. With these two items and a little time, you can transform your old tee into something new.
Now you’ll have a new tote made with one of your favorite and memorable t-shirts! And yes, guys use tote bags, too!
5. Turn Your Old T-shirts into Wall Art!
If you love DIY décor crafts, you’ll love this one. This has to be one of my favorites! The Dollar Tree’s Crafter’s Corner has 8″ x 10″ canvases for just $1.00 – $1.25. You’ll also need scissors and a stapler. Enjoy!
More Crafty Ideas for Old T-shirts!
In this video, learn how to make:
1. Cardigans
2. Headbands
3. Tote bag (sewing required for this one)
4. Infinity scarf
5. Shrug or poncho
6. Fringed sling or tote bag (no sewing!)
7. Bolero jacket (sewing required)
8. Vest
Decluttering is the Christian Thing to Do
The Bible also has guidelines for what today we call decluttering or getting rid of an overabundance of things we no longer need – like old t-shirts.
However, we’re also instructed to spend our money wisely as in The Parable of the Talents. So whenever you have the opportunity to make some new out of something old, do it!
It’ll save you some of your hard-earned cash plus you can make things to give as gifts. How awesome is that?!
What’s your favorite way to upcycle your old t-shirts? You can share your story too!
