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A brunette woman wearing white pants and a white T-shirt tied at the waist holds her cell phone to her ear

Turning old into new: three cool ideas for upcycling T-shirts

Why not turn your old T-shirt into a skirt instead of throwing it in the bin? Or into a tote bag? Or into a pillowcase? Upcycling old clothes, such as an old T-shirt, is not only a lot of fun, but also a great way to do something about the fashion industry's environmental pollution.

1. DIY idea: turn a T-shirt into a skirt – without sewing

In just ten minutes, you can turn an old T-shirt into a simple skirt for hot summer days thanks to this upcycling idea. And the best thing about it: it's really easy and requires no sewing skills.

What you need:

  • an old T-shirt
  • a pair of scissors
  • a safety pin

This is how it works:

Step 1: Fold your T-shirt lengthwise, then use the scissors to cut a straight line from sleeve to sleeve. Put the bottom half of the T-shirt to one side.

Step 2: Take the top half of the T-shirt and cut a 2.5 centimeter thick strip from it. This will serve as a drawstring for the skirt. Attach one end to the safety pin.

Step 3: Stitch a small hole through the hem of the lower part of the T-shirt and thread the drawstring through with the safety pin.

And you're done! Have fun with your new skirt!

Instructions on how to cut a skirt from a T-shirt

2. DIY idea: turn a T-shirt into a tote bag – without sewing

This colorful and practical carrier bag is the ideal shopping bag. Compared to the hideous plastic bags from the supermarket, this is a really great solution. You're also protecting the environment by doing away with plastic bags and giving your old T-shirt a new lease of life. Just like the first upcycling tutorial, this one is also super easy.

What you need:

  • an old T-shirt (the thicker the fabric, the more robust the carrier bag will be)
  • a pair of scissors
  • a safety pin

This is how it works:

Step 1: Cut off the sleeves (put them to one side) and cut out the neckline of the T-shirt. Tip: This will be the opening of the tote bag. So if you plan to buy larger pieces (watermelon or larger), cut the opening accordingly.

Step 2: Now the sleeves come into play. Cut a two centimeter wide strip from the sleeves. This will be used as a drawstring to close the hole in the lower part of the T-shirt.

Step 3: Stitch a hole in the hem of the T-shirt and thread the drawstring through it with a safety pin.

Et voilà! Thanks to upcycling, your old T-shirt has become a pretty and practical carrier bag.

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE A BAG FROM A T-SHIRT

3. DIY idea: turn a T-shirt into a cushion cover

There's probably a funky T-shirt hiding in your closet that you've never worn before. You probably bought it in the heat of the moment during a city trip or festival visit. Even if it doesn't make you happy, you don't have to throw it away. Simply convert it into a fancy cushion cover for the couch.

What you need:

  • an old T-shirt that you once bought as a souvenir
  • a cushion for the cover
  • pins
  • a sewing machine or needle and thread
  • scissors

This is how it works:

Step 1: Turn your T-shirt inside out, slide the cushion inside and pin the fabric at the top and sides of the cushion. Pull out the cushion.

Step 2: Now sew the pinned hem together using a sewing machine or needle and thread and cut off the excess fabric. Leave the underside as it is.

Step 3: Turn the T-shirt right side out again and then over the cushion, folding the excess fabric on the underside inwards. Top tip: If you feel like it, you could sew on a zipper or buttons.

Sit back and reminisce.

Instructions on how to make a cushion from a T-shirt

Tip: Turn your old T-shirt into something cool new in no time thanks to our upcycling ideas. Fancy trying out even more? You can also find out how to turn old T-shirts into tops, convert a sweater into a jacket or easily make your own denim shorts. Have fun with it!

Image credits:
Header image: Blaublut

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