If you’ve got old clothes that you don’t want to toss out or donate, repurpose them! Check out these 15 DIY projects for repurposing old t-shirts.
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I’m the sort of person who keeps wearing my clothes until I can’t anymore. This is often due to a particularly obnoxious stain, a hole/rip, or the fabric wearing thin. But even when this happens, it’s usually just one spot that makes the piece unwearable. No one else is going to want it, and it’s certainly not appropriate to donate it to a thrift store, but it feels wrong to throw it away.
But guess what? Those pieces don’t have to be thrown away. Fabric is expensive and there’s no point in wasting pieces that can be given a second life!
So, to encourage the minimization of waste, I’ve compiled this list of DIY projects for repurposing old T-shirts.
Of course, you can repurpose more than just T-shirts! Quilts, skirts, jackets, hoodies, and more are all also great options for finding fabric for these projects.
Let’s get into it!
Upcycled Fashion: 15 DIY Projects for Repurposing Old T-Shirts
01. Wristlet Keychain
You don’t need much fabric for this cute keyfob sewing pattern, which makes it perfect for repurposing old t-shirts! In particular, look for t-shirts that have a small pattern or fun print. T-shirts with big images aren’t recommended because the finished product is so small, you won’t see much of the image. Those kinds of shirts are better suited to other projects on this list!
02. Shopping Bag
It’s pretty easy to turn an old t-shirt into a shopping bag, provided the old t-shirt you’re repurposing isn’t full of holes! (Or if it is, you can sew cute patches over them!) This would be a great project for a t-shirt with large images, as you cut off very little of the shirt and almost all of it is visible. Plus, this is a shopping bag that can fold up really flat, which means it is easy to keep in your purse or your car!
03. Zipper Pouch
Can you really ever have enough zipper pouches? I think not. And this coin purse zipper pouch is small enough that you can probably get a few of them out of one t-shirt. Make your zipper coin pouches out of a shirt you spent far too much money on and hardly wear. I don’t know if necessarily ironic, but it’s definitely fun–and is a good story to tell when someone mentions how fun your little coin purse is!
04. Scrunchie
Now, I know you can never have too many scrunchies! Utilizing old T-shirts to make scrunchies is such a fun project! Plus, depending on the type of T-shirt fabric and pattern, each scrunchie will be different even if you use the same sewing pattern for every scrunchie that you make! Scrunchies are an easy sewing project suitable for all experience levels.
05. Fabric Bookmark
This is a great little project for book lovers. These fabric bookmarks are small, practical, and easy to make. You can make several of them out of just one T-shirt, so they’re great if you need a bunch of little gifts. Hand them out at book club, give them to your students, or make them and leave them out in libraries or bookstores for people to take and enjoy with their favorite book.
06. Lavender Sachets
If you love self-care projects, these lavender sachets are perfect. They’re small, easy to make, and will quickly become a favorite whenever you’re looking for a quick scrap-buster project. If you don’t like lavender, use flowers and herbs you do like! These are great additions to housewarming gifts and self-care baskets!
07. Fabric Rope Flower Pot
How cute is this? If you’re looking for a way to turn those old T-shirts into a piece of home decor, this is the project for you! I love the way all the different colors seem to blend to create a nearly un-replicable pattern. No matter how many you make, they’ll all look at least a little different.
08. Snap Coin Purse
While fewer people carry cash these days, there is still a place in your life for a cute coin purse. This snap coin purse can help keep the change you do collect nice and safe–and not rolling around in the bottom of your purse! (I don’t know about you, but that’s definitely a problem for me!)
09. No Sew Fabric Floral Garland
There aren’t a ton of no-sew projects on this list, but this is one of them! I love the homespun look of this no-sew fabric floral garland. It’s so pretty and would be a great make for outdoor weddings, your child’s nursery, or really any space that needs a hint of rustic decor.
10. Cord Keepers
Our lives include so much technology–and all that technology comes with cords. Charging cords, adapter cords, headphones, etc. Cord keepers help keep this mess of cords under control. Save yourself the time of trying to untangle a dozen different cords for different devices!
11. Fabric Twine
Take your old T-shirts and turn them into fabric twine that you can then use for other awesome DIY projects! This simple project doesn’t require any sort of specialized tools or equipment and is beginner-friendly. Make a stockpile of this fabric twine and then use it for macrame, wall hangings, and even knitting or crocheting other projects.
12. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Save your nice towels from makeup stains with these makeup remover pads. You’ll need some towel fabric along with your old T-shirt–but why not use some towels that have seen better days? Towels that have holes, or stains. Just cut around the parts you don’t want! This way, you’re repurposing two different things that were headed for the garbage.
13. Lipgloss Case
If you like to keep lipgloss or lipstick with you at all times, this lip gloss case is a great way to protect it from the other things in your bag. Make these adorable lip gloss cases with an old T-shirt that has a fun pattern. Why not make an extra pouch or two to give away to a friend?
14. Dog Bandana
Obviously, your dog needs a bandana… because how cute is this? (You can make one for your cat, too, although your feline friend is less likely to keep it on!) This easy sewing pattern is a fun project when you don’t want to take on something complicated but you still want something that can be shown off. Plus, your furry friend is going to love wearing something that carries your scent.
15. Fabric Envelope
I love the idea of fabric envelopes. Unlike paper envelopes, they can be used over and over again. You can use them for cash, gift cards, little candies, and cute love notes. They’re great for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and Christmas. They are also awesome for kids who love imaginative play. Make them a little mailbox and let them send each other letters over and over again!
Will you try any of these DIY projects for repurposing old t-shirts?
This list of projects brings new life to old T-shirts. I love repurposing old things and turning them into something new.
Which of these DIY projects for repurposing old T-shirts will you try? Let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget to check out my archive of free resources and patterns for more fun projects to try.
