There is more than one way to wear a t-shirt. How about in your head? Once you learn the basics of turning t-shirts into yarn, yesterday's outfit can quickly become tomorrow's craft supply.
Jennifer perkins
Not all t-shirts are created equal and some work better than others for making t-shirt yarn. Shirts without side seams or designs will work best. Experiment with different colors and maybe try lacing up an old shirt before turning it into yarn. Also, remember that the bigger the shirt, the more thread it will make.
Watch this episode of DIY This with Jennifer Perkins To learn more about how to make t-shirt yarn..
Jennifer perkins
Jennifer perkins
Begin by folding the shirt in half, sleeve to sleeve. Do not overlap them edge to edge, place the top of the shirt one inch away from the bottom of the shirt as shown.
Straight cut under the armpits. The upper part of the shirt will not be used to make thread.
Jennifer perkins
Next, cut the bottom seam of the shirt.
Jennifer perkins
With the shirt still folded (make sure the top crease is about an inch below the bottom crease) start cutting the strips with scissors or a rotary cutter. Make cuts 1/2" to 1" wide.
Jennifer perkins
DO NOT cut through the fold of the bottom layer of the shirt. Just right above the top of the shirt.
Jennifer perkins
Carefully unfold to reveal the strips. One end will still be connected, this is where you will cut.
Jennifer perkins
With the first cut of your scissors, go at an angle from the top of the strip to the edge of the fabric. Then, to make a continuous strip of fabric, make the following diagonal cuts from the second bottom cut to the first top cut.
Gently pull on the thread and it will twist on itself creating thread. Now what to do with all that t-shirt yarn? How about wearing it!
Jennifer perkins
Cut t-shirt yarn into various lengths. Using a large eyed needle, thread the beads.
Jennifer perkins
Jennifer perkins
A little glue can be added under each lace to ensure it stays in place.
Jennifer perkins
Join all the pieces at the end with a large zipper closure. Add a bit of glue and press closed with tweezers.
Jennifer perkins
Add an extra chain and clasp to the end to make the size adjustable.
Jennifer perkins
Jennifer perkins
Start at one end of the headband and begin wrapping the t-shirt yarn around it, securing the yarn with hot glue as you go. Cover the entire band.
Jennifer perkins
Using two colors of t-shirt yarn, braid the yarn and wind it into pinwheels creating small round flowers. Use hot glue on the back to hold it together.
Use hot glue to attach the yarn flowers to a piece of felt so you have a large flower stain.
Jennifer perkins
Stick the patch on the headband. Glue the second smaller piece of felt that wraps around the headband and onto the larger flower-covered felt piece.
Jennifer perkins
Jennifer perkins
How else will you wear your shirts? Don't forget you can also crochet the t-shirt yarn to make a DIY hanging planter.
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