Recycle Old T shirts

With a little creative thought it is possible to recycle old t-shirts into a wide variety of other items.

Turn t-shirts into something new.

T-shirts are such a versatile garment and one that is worn by all age groups and by people of all backgrounds around the world. They can range from t-shirts featuring iconic images worn by trendy fashionistas through to tiny pastel t-shirts worn by babies. With the vast number of t-shirts purchased every year, it is only to be expected that many end up being thrown out before they are worn out. However, next time you have a t-shirt that you no longer want or find some t-shirts for sale in a thrift store or garage sale, think about other ways that you could use them.

Often a t-shirt has a story to tell. It may have been bought as a souvenir of a music concert or for a special vacation. Recycling t-shirts not only gives them an extra lease on life, it also a great way to keep special memories alive.

Old clothes and t-shirts offer a wonderful source of cotton fabric. T-shirts are often printed with designs and this can be a slogan, image or even a photograph. The combination of strong colors and attractive designs means that t-shirts can be recycled to produce a wide range of unusual items. If you are looking to recycle old t-shirts then options include:

• T-shirt pillows – this is one of the simplest ways to recycle old t-shirts and requires very little in the way of sewing. Simply cut a square from the front and back of the t-shirt (making full use of a printed image on the t-shirt if required) and sew up the sides leaving a space to add a pillow insert. This project can be sewn by hand if you don't have access to a sewing machine. T-shirt pillows are a great way to add style to a room.
• T-shirt bags – t-shirts can make great reusable shopping bags and this is a great way to recycle old t-shirts. Sew the bottom of the t-shirt to form the base of the bag and cut off the arms and create handles from left over fabric. If the t-shirt fabric is thin or stretchy then it might require stabilizing. There are many fabric grocery bag patterns that can be adapted.
• T-shirt quilts – a t-shirt quilt can be a great way to use up unwanted family t-shirts while also making a quilt that holds special memories. One of the most effective ways of making a t-shirt quilt is to use the images or designs from the front of t-shirts. This produces an interesting all over effect. T-shirt quilts often require lining to give them extra strength.
• Refashioning – many t-shirts can be refashioned. A sleeveless t-shirt can be created by taking the arms off a t-shirt with sleeves. A halter-neck t-shirt can be created by cutting a conventionally styled t-shirt into shape.

Here are some tips to help you get the most from recycled t-shirts:

• Make sure that the t-shirts are in reasonable condition. A poor quality t-shirt won't get any better because it has been recycled. Very poor or worn t-shirts can be used as rags or cloths.
• Wash t-shirts before they are recycled. Colors can run and this can spoil the overall effect of a quilt or other item that uses multiple pieces of fabric.
• Use a fabric stabilizer to remove the stretch from t-shirt material. This is typically ironed onto the back of the fabric.
• Consider dying white or light colored t-shirts. This can often give them a new lease on life and is easy to do at home.

Recycling or repurposing an old t-shirt can be a great way to produce new and unique items while also reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

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