Creating T-Shirt Yarn in 5 Simple Steps

Have you ever heard of T-shirt yarn? It is the easiest and cheapest way to make your own home decor, fashion accessories, and crochet or knit projects. T-shirt yarn, also known as jersey yarn, is made out of old t-shirts that you no longer wear or just lying around in your closet. This yarn is super soft, thick, and durable, perfect for cozy and fashionable projects. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make T-shirt yarn from your old shirts, so you can start your creative and eco-conscious projects right away.

Making T-shirt yarn is an easy and fun project that anyone can do, even without any crafting experience. All you need are a few old t-shirts, a pair of scissors, and a few minutes to spare. Plus, it is a great way to repurpose clothing and reduce textile waste, making it an eco-conscious crafting choice. Whether you want to create a DIY rug, a trendy tote bag, or a cozy scarf, T-shirt yarn is a versatile and budget-friendly material that you can use for your projects. So, let’s get started on creating your own T-shirt yarn.

Section 1: Preparing the T-Shirt

The Right T-Shirt

The first step in making t-shirt yarn is choosing the right t-shirts to use. For this project, it’s best to use old t-shirts that are no longer being worn. This is a great way to repurpose clothing that is no longer needed. Look for t-shirts made of cotton or jersey fabric, which works perfectly for knitting or crocheting projects.

Cutting the T-Shirt

After choosing the t-shirt, it’s time to cut it. First, lay the t-shirt flat and smooth out any wrinkles. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut off the hem of the t-shirt along with the sleeves. Once the sleeves and hem have been removed, cut the t-shirt into strips of equal width. These strips will be used to create the yarn.

Unrolling the Strips

Now that the t-shirt has been cut into strips, it’s time to unroll them. Starting at the top of the t-shirt strip, snip along the left edge in a spiral path towards the center of the strip. Keep cutting until you’ve reached the other end of the strip. Take the cut strip and stretch it to form a continuous strand of yarn. It’s important to make sure the yarn is not stretched too thin, as it needs to be strong enough to hold up during knitting or crocheting.

Cleaning the Strips

Once the strips have been cut and unrolled, they may have some wrinkles and creases. To remove the creases, take the strips and stretch them out. After stretching them out, roll the strips into a ball, which will help keep the yarn tidy and easy to work with.

Using Different Colored T-Shirts

For a more interesting and colorful yarn, consider using different colored t-shirts. Simply cut the t-shirts into strips as previously described, and weave or crochet them together alternating colors. This is a great way to create a unique pattern and add a pop of color to any craft project.

Section 2: Creating T-Shirt Yarn

Using a Spindle

One way to transform t-shirt strips into yarn is by using a spindle. A spindle is a simple tool that resembles a small stick with a weight attached to the end. To use this tool to create yarn, take the end of the t-shirt strip and tie it to the weight on the spindle. Begin twisting the strip by hand, until it is completely twisted. Once the strip has been twisted, release the weight and allow it to spin. As the spindle spins, gently pull the strip away from the spindle to create the yarn. Continue this process until you’ve created the desired length of yarn.

Using a Knitting Machine

Another way to create t-shirt yarn is by using a knitting machine. This method is perfect for creating long strands of yarn quickly. Simply thread the strip of t-shirt through the knitting machine and begin cranking the handle. As the handle is cranked, the machine will create the desired length of yarn.

Making Yarn by Hand

If you don’t have a spindle or a knitting machine, don’t worry! You can still make t-shirt yarn by hand. Take the unrolled strips of t-shirt and begin twisting them tightly. Twist until the strip is completely twisted and has the appearance of a cord. Once the strip is completely twisted, fold the strip in half and begin twisting them together in the opposite direction. Continue twisting until the twisted strip turns into a yarn-like cord.

Sewing Strips Together

For larger projects that require multiple strips of t-shirt yarn, consider sewing the strips together. Take two strips of yarn and lay them flat on top of one another, with the right sides facing each other. Use a sewing machine or hand needle and thread to sew them together, creating one long strip of yarn.

What materials you will need

Before you start making your own t-shirt yarn, you will need a few materials to get you going. Luckily, you probably already have some of these items lying around your house!

1. Old T-shirts

The first and most important thing you’ll need to make t-shirt yarn is, of course, an old t-shirt. You can use any old t-shirt you have lying around, or even pick up some cheap ones at a thrift store. Just be sure to choose t-shirts that are made from 100% cotton – the type of fabric that works best when making t-shirt yarn.

2. Scissors

You’ll also need a pair of sharp scissors to cut your t-shirts into strips. It’s best to use fabric scissors if you have them, but a regular pair of scissors will do the trick in a pinch.

3. Ruler

Having a ruler on hand will make it easier to cut your t-shirts into even strips. This is especially important if you’re planning on using your t-shirt yarn for a specific project, like a rug or a crochet basket.

4. Cutting Mat (optional)

If you have a cutting mat, it will help to protect your work surface while cutting your t-shirts. This is particularly useful if you’re cutting a lot of t-shirts, as it can prevent your tabletop from getting damaged.

5. Rotary Cutter (optional)

If you have a rotary cutter, it can make cutting your t-shirts into strips a lot easier and more efficient. However, a pair of scissors will work just fine if you don’t have one.

6. Straight Pins (optional)

If you’re having trouble keeping your t-shirt in place while cutting, you can use straight pins to hold it down. This is especially useful if you’re trying to create strips of a consistent width.

7. Seam Ripper (optional)

If your t-shirt has seams on the sides, you may want to use a seam ripper to remove them. This will make it easier to cut your t-shirt into strips, and will also give you more yarn to work with.

8. Iron (optional)

If your t-shirt is wrinkled, it may be helpful to iron it before cutting it into strips. This will help to ensure that your strips are even and straight, which is important if you’re planning on using your t-shirt yarn for a project.

9. Tape Measure (optional)

If you’re making t-shirt yarn for a particular project and need to know the exact length of each strip, a tape measure can be helpful. It will allow you to measure your strips precisely, which can be important if you’re trying to achieve a specific look or size.

10. Cutting Gloves (optional)

If you’re cutting a lot of t-shirts into yarn, you may want to wear cutting gloves to protect your hands. This is especially important if you’re using a rotary cutter or if you have sensitive skin.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make T-Shirt Yarn

T-shirt yarn is an eco-friendly and inexpensive material that you can make from your old t-shirts, and it’s perfect for a variety of crafts projects. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make t-shirt yarn.

Step 1: Gathering Supplies

To make t-shirt yarn, you’ll need a few supplies. First, you’ll need a clean cotton t-shirt. Choose a shirt with a fun print or a bright color so that the resulting yarn will be visually interesting. You’ll also need sharp fabric scissors, a rotary cutter or a cutting mat, and a ruler or measuring tape.

Step 2: Cutting the T-Shirt

Cut off the bottom hem of the t-shirt, and then use scissors to cut across the shirt, just under the armholes. This leaves you with a tube of fabric that’s open at both ends.

Lay the fabric flat on your cutting surface. Use your ruler or measuring tape to measure two-inch strips down the length of the fabric. Use your scissors to cut the fabric along the lines, creating long strips of fabric.

Step 3: Preparing the Yarn

Take one of the long strips of fabric and stretch it gently with both hands. The fabric will curl in on itself, creating a tube of yarn. Repeat this process with all of the other strips of fabric, making sure to stretch them evenly.

Now, take all of the strips of yarn and tie them together at one end. Braid the fabric strips together to create a more durable and attractive yarn. Once you have braided all of the strips, tie the end of the braid to secure it.

Step 4: Storing the Yarn

Now that you have your t-shirt yarn, it’s important to store it properly. You can wind it into a ball for easy storage, or you can wrap it around a piece of cardboard to keep it neat and organized.

Step 5: Using the Yarn

T-shirt yarn is versatile and can be used for a variety of crafts projects. Crochet baskets or rugs with t-shirt yarn to make an eco-friendly statement piece for your home. You can also knit or crochet a trendy tote bag or a chic scarf. The possibilities are endless!

Happy Yarning!

That’s it folks! You’ve learned a low-cost and eco-friendly way to spruce up your wardrobe or give your home decor a funky twist. Making t-shirt yarn is easy, fun, and is a great skill to have. Now, go ahead and show off your creations to your friends and family. Don’t forget to thank us by dropping some comments and sharing this guide with your network. We’d love to hear your feedback and see how you’ve used t-shirt yarn in your uses. Come back soon for more exciting and practical tips on how to live your life sustainably and creatively. Until next time, happy yarning!