What to do with old T-shirts can be a big question for many people. You might feel sad seeing your favorite shirts just sit in a drawer or take up a lot of space in your wardrobe. Instead of throwing them away, there are many fun and creative ways to reuse them! Don’t let these old clothes go to waste. Read our article for the best ideas for giving your old T-shirts a new life!
What To Do With Old T Shirts? 30+ Ideas You Can Try At Home With Ease!
Got a pile of old T-shirts lying around? Don’t toss them! With these 30+ easy and creative ideas, you can transform your worn-out shirts into something useful and fun right at home.
1. Transform Your Old T-Shirts into Cozy Rugs
It’s very simple: cut old shirts into strips, then braid or crochet them together. Soon you’ll have a cute, bright rug that makes your room stand out. And the best part? You’re giving those old shirts a second chance! You can even work on it while binge-watching your favorite shows.
Repurpose old t-shirts by crafting them into soft, cozy rugs Source: DIY Joy
2. DIY Braided Rugs from T-Shirts
Cut your old t-shirts into long strips, then braid them together. When it’s long enough, just twist it into a circle and sew it down. Ta-da! You’ve got a cute, rustic rug for your home. And hey, you’re recycling AND cleaning up your closet – talk about a win-win!
Create DIY braided rugs from old t-shirts for a unique, eco-friendly project Source: Craft Ideas
3. Eco-Friendly Produce Bags You Can Make Yourself
You can also make eco-friendly produce bags! Simply cut up the old t-shirts and stitch them into little bags. They are ideal for shopping or heading to the farmers’ market! And the greatest part? You may make them as colorful and charming as you like. It’s a fun way to say “bye-bye” to plastic!
Make eco-friendly produce bags from old t-shirts for sustainable shopping Source: All Things G&D
4. Stylish Reusable Bags: A Great Way to Go Green
Turning t-shirts into reusable bags such as Tote bags is such a wonderful concept! Right? So, how to cut a T-shirt properly? Just cut off the sleeves and neckline, then tie the bottom to make a strong bag. These bags are incredibly light, washable, and perfect for shopping or beach items. Plus, you’ll look trendy and be eco-friendly at the same time!
Stylish reusable bags offer a fashionable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic Source: DIY & Craft
5. Create Beautiful Hanging Planters with Old T-Shirts
If you enjoy gardening, here’s a fun and simple project! Cut some old t-shirts into strips and put them around the plant pots. They bring color to your plants and may be hung indoors or outdoors. It’s a simple way to make your space look more alive – so cute!
Transform old t-shirts into beautiful hanging planters for sustainable decor Source: Jenifer Perkins
6. Upcycle T-Shirts into Comfy Boot Socks
Cut the sleeves off and use the fabric to create snug socks to wear with boots. This is especially great for colder months! They’re soft, warm, and a perfect way to give those old t-shirts a cozy new purpose.
Upcycle old t-shirts into cozy, comfy boot socks for winter Source: Planq Studio
7. Turn Old T-Shirts into Trendy Throw Pillows
Have you ever thought about turning those old T-shirts into super trendy throw pillows? Just cut your T-shirts into squares or any shape you like, sew them together, and pop some soft stuffing inside. You can totally mix and match different colors and designs to give your home a personalized touch.
Turn old t-shirts into trendy throw pillows for a stylish home Source: Scratch & Stitch
8. Give Your Bed a Makeover with a T-Shirt Headboard
Want your bed to look awesome? Use sports jerseys, camp shirts, or those old clothes your kids don’t wear anymore. Just throw them together in a colorful pile, and boom – new headboard! It’s comfy, cool, and full of memories.
Give your bed a makeover with a creative old t-shirt design Source: Pinterest
9. Explore the Art of Natural Tie-Dye with Old T-Shirts
Do you have a shirt with a stubborn stain you just can’t get rid of? No stress! You can use stuff like berries, beets, or onion skins to make your own natural dye. It’s fun, good for the planet, and gives your favorite shirt a fresh look!
Explore natural tie-dye art with old t-shirts for unique designs Source: T Shirt Plus
10. Design Your Own Custom Jersey from an Old T-Shirt
Turn that old T-shirt into a stylish custom jersey! You can add your team’s name, player numbers, or any other fun design you want with fabric paint or iron-on transfers. It’s a unique way to show your team spirit and make every outfit you wear stand out!
Revamp your old tees into trendy, custom-made sports jerseys
11. Make a Fashionable Headband from T-Shirt Scraps
Don’t toss those leftover T-shirt scraps! Instead, turn them into a cute headband! Just cut the fabric into strips, braid or tie them, and bam – you’re ready! You can mix colors and patterns to match your outfits and keep your hair looking stylish.
Create a fashionable headband from t-shirt scraps for a stylish look Source: Youtube
12. Repurpose T-Shirts into Handy Cleaning Rags
Just cut them into squares or strips, and voilà – you’ve got reusable clothes for all your chores! T-shirts are made of cotton, so they’re soft and super absorbent. Perfect for dusting, wiping surfaces, or cleaning spills. Who knew old tees could be so helpful?
Turn worn t-shirts into cleaning rags for a sustainable solution Source: All Rags
13. Create Fun Pet Toys from Old T-Shirts
How about turning old shirts into amusing toys for your dog? It’s a terrific way to keep your furry companion happy without spending much! Just cut your shirts into thick strips and braid them together, tying big knots at each end. Mix and match colors for a bright, chunky toy! Your pup will love it!
Repurpose old t-shirts to craft fun, durable toys for pets Source: Small Green Things
14. Unique Wrapping Paper Ideas Using Old T-Shirts
Old t-shirts are awesome for creative projects! One of our favorites is turning them into reusable gift wraps. Just cut the fabric into squares or rectangles, then use it to wrap around a gift. It’s such a cute, personal touch – and super eco-friendly too!
Wrap gifts with old T-shirts for a fun, eco-friendly look Source: Swoodsonsays
15. Craft a Cotton Strip Mop from T-Shirt Fabric
How about this cool DIY mop idea? Alright, grab that old T-shirt and chop it into long, skinny strips. Then, tie those strips onto a broomstick or mop handle. Boom! You’ve got yourself a floor cleaner or surface wiper that works like a charm. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and saves fabric from going to the trash.
Save money by crafting a cotton strip mop from old T-shirts Source: Youtube
16. Design a Dream Catcher with T-Shirt Strips
Dreamcatchers are a popular decoration for any room, and they make a fun DIY project for anyone wondering what to do with old T shirts. All you need is a simple hoop. Just cut the T-shirts into strips and add some decorative touches to make a beautiful piece for your window!
Craft a dreamy, personalized dream catcher using old t-shirt strips Source: A Crafty Mix
17. Upcycle T-Shirts into Hair Towels
Did you know your old t-shirts can make awesome hair towels? Instead of using those rough regular towels or spending money on fancy ones, just grab a clean cotton t-shirt! (Avoid polyester though – it’s not as absorbent.) After a shower, wrap your hair like a turban, and let it soak up the moisture. It works just like any regular towel! So simple and effective!
Create functional hair towels by cutting and upcycling old t-shirts Source: Youtube
18. Turn Old T-Shirts into Stylish Aprons
This idea is super simple and doesn’t require any crafting skills! You can let your creativity flow or keep it completely basic – no need for ruffles, pom poms, or bells. All you need is an oversized old shirt, some scissors, and ties. You can make as many aprons as you like and enjoy wearing a new one every day!
Make stylish aprons by cutting and sewing old t-shirts creatively Source: Bee In My Bonnet
19. Use T-Shirts as Hair Curlers for Natural Curls
Cut the T-shirt into strips and roll them around sections of damp hair. Tie the ends of the strips to secure them, and leave them in overnight. The result? Soft, bouncy curls without any heat damage! It’s a natural alternative to harsh styling tools.
Wrap t-shirt strips around the hair to create beautiful, natural curls Source: Youtube
20. Donate Old T-Shirts to Those in Need
If crafting isn’t your thing, no worries! You can always donate your old shirts to those in need. Lots of charities and shelters accept gently used clothes, and even a simple t-shirt can really help someone who doesn’t have enough. It’s such an easy way to give back while clearing out your closet!
Give your gently used t-shirts to charity and support others Source: BetterWorld
21. Make DIY Yarn from Old T-Shirts for Craft Projects
How to make t shirt yarn? Take your old T-shirt, cut it into long strips, and stretch them out. Ta-da! You’ve got yourself a soft, chunky yarn. You can use this cool yarn to make scarves, blankets, or even bags. It’s a fun way to give your old T-shirts a whole new purpose!
Use old t-shirts to make yarn for custom craft projects Source: Youtube
How To Upcycle T Shirts? M ore 10+ Ideas to Craft Beautiful, Useful Items
Got old T-shirts lying around? Let’s turn them into something cool! Discover more than 10 fun ways to upcycle them into useful stuff. Ready? Let’s go!
22. Craft a Fun Superhero Cape
Not all heroes wear capes, but your child will feel like one when you make a fun cape from an old T-shirt! You can make them an awesome cape by cutting and shaping a plain black tee! Add a cool Batman logo for that extra touch, and boom – you’ve got a homemade superhero cape that’ll make them feel super special!
Upcycle t-shirts into fun superhero capes for imaginative kids’ play Source: The Tip Toe Fairy
23. Transform Old T-Shirts into a Cozy Quilt
Here’s another quilt idea that’s perfect for old t-shirts and looks amazing! If you love sewing, you can totally make it yourself! Check out these super detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make a T-shirt quilt to make it easy!! Or, for a fun surprise, have someone else do it and turn it into a special gift for your kids.
Make a cozy, personalized quilt using your favorite old t-shirts Source: SportStitch
24. Create Custom Laundry Organizers
Simply cut the t-shirts into strips and braid them into strong cords. Then, coil the cords into a basket shape and sew them together. You can make different sizes depending on your needs – one for socks, one for delicates, or even a bigger one for towels or your clothes.
Use old t-shirts to create personalized laundry organizers for simplicity Source: TS Designs
25. Build a Puppet Show Stage from T-Shirts
Here’s a fun idea! We love this concept! Stretch an old T-shirt over a wooden frame to make a cool backdrop. Then, use other T-shirts to make colorful puppets. It’s a super fun, eco-friendly craft that’ll keep the kids busy and give your tees a new job.
Make a DIY puppet show stage using upcycled t-shirts creatively
26. Make No-Carve DIY Pumpkins for Fall
For the fall season, make no-carve DIY pumpkins using T-shirts. Just stuff old T-shirts with cotton or fabric, tie them up to make a pumpkin shape and stick a little twig on top of the stem. You can paint them, or get fancy with ribbons and fun stuff. Easy, cute, and perfect for fall!
Craft no-carve pumpkins from t-shirts to celebrate the fall season Source: Sadie Seasongoods
27. Style Up with a Trendy Infinity Scarf
Turn those old T-shirts into infinity scarves! They’re a stylish and eco-friendly way to spice up your outfit and keep warm on cold days. And the best part? No one will even guess those scarves were once old tees!
Upcycle t-shirts into infinity scarves for a fashionable, eco-friendly accessory Source: BuzzFeed
28. Create Friendship Bracelets with a Personal Touch
Grab a plain T-shirt, tie-dye it, and turn it into adorable friendship bracelets for your child to share with their best friends! Your kids will love having their own unique bracelets, and you’ll definitely earn some major “cool mom” points in the process!
Make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind friendship bracelets from upcycled T-shirts Source: Reddit
29. Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree from Old T-Shirts
Just cut the T-shirts into strips and wrap them around a cone or any tree shape. You can make it even fancier by adding buttons, ribbons, or a splash of paint. It’s a fun way to recycle and add some extra holiday cheer!
Design a cozy, upcycled Christmas tree using old T-shirts Source: Pinterest
30. Make a Cute Braided Basket from Old Shirts
Start by cutting your old T-shirts into long strips, then braid them into sturdy stands. Once you have enough, coil them into a basket shape and sew them together. You can make the basket any size you want – perfect for organizing small stuff or just as a cute decorative piece!
Upcycle T-shirts into a stylish, eco-friendly braided storage basket Source: Youtube
31. Design Makeup Remover Wipes
Start by washing your T-shirt to ensure it’s clean and soft. Then, cut it into small round shapes for the perfect size. Make sure to use soft, comfortable parts of the fabric, like the sleeves or body. You can use the fabric as-is or sew around the edges to prevent fraying. Store your wipes in a reusable container for easy access!
Make sustainable, gentle makeup remover wipes with upcycled T-shirts Source: Oho Deco
Final Words From Yes T-Shirt
Alright! Yes T-Shirt has already shared the many ways to help you to know “what to do with old T shirts”. You can cut them into fun designs, like a new top or bag. If you don’t want to DIY, donating them is a great choice.
Old T-shirts can also be used for cleaning or crafting. Reusing them is a good way to help the environment and reduce waste. So, instead of throwing your old T-shirt away, try giving it a second life with these easy and creative ideas!
