DIY Guide: Upcycle Old T-Shirts into Yarn for Custom Necklaces and Headbands

There's more than one way to style a t-shirt—why not wear it as a necklace or headband? As crafting expert Jennifer Perkins demonstrates, turning old t-shirts into yarn transforms yesterday's wardrobe into today's chic accessories. With years of experience in upcycling, Jennifer shares proven techniques for endless creative projects.

Jennifer Perkins

Not all t-shirts are ideal for yarn-making—opt for seamless ones without prints for the best results. Experiment with colors, and note that larger shirts yield more yarn. Jennifer's hands-on tips ensure professional-quality strips every time.

Watch this episode of DIY This with Jennifer Perkins for a full tutorial on creating t-shirt yarn.

Jennifer Perkins

Tools and Materials

T-shirts
Scissors (or rotary cutter)
Big-eyed needle
Pearls with large holes
Jewelry findings

Pliers
Hot glue gun
Sealant
Two small pieces of felt

Jennifer Perkins

Fold the shirt in half, sleeve to sleeve, positioning the top about one inch from the bottom as shown.

Straight-cut under the armpits—the upper portion won't be used.

Jennifer Perkins

Next, remove the bottom seam.

Jennifer Perkins

With the shirt still folded (top crease one inch above bottom), cut 1/2- to 1-inch-wide strips using scissors or a rotary cutter.

Jennifer Perkins

Don't cut through the bottom fold—stop just above it.

Jennifer Perkins

Unfold to reveal connected strips. Start at one end, cutting diagonally from strip top to fabric edge, then alternate diagonals for a continuous loop.