Why T-Shirt Yarn Should Be Your Next Craft Obsession
Every year millions of cotton tees end up in landfill while crafters buy new yarn. Recycled t-shirt yarn closes that gap: one adult shirt produces 25–35 m of soft, washable, stretchy "yarn" in minutes. The strip curls in on itself, hiding raw edges and creating a smooth tube that glides on hooks or needles. Best of all, the price is zero and the environmental bragging rights are priceless.
What You Need—Probably Already in a Bedroom Drawer
- One clean cotton or cotton-blend T-shirt. Avoid seams, heavy graphics, or spandex workout tops.
- Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.
- A ruler or any straight edge.
- Thirty minutes of Netflix time.
That's it. No loom, no swift, no special needle.
Step-by-Step: Cut a Continuous Strip in One Snip
1. Prep the shirt
Lay it flat, smooth wrinkles, cut off the hem and the top section above the armpits. Keep the main tube of fabric.
2. Mark your strips
Fold the tube so the side seams align. From the bottom edge, draw horizontal lines every 2 cm (¾ in). Stop 2 cm from the opposite folded edge. Thicker lines make chunkier yarn; finer lines create lace-weight.
3. Cut—but not all the way
Snip each line through both layers, creating fringe that is still attached at the top fold.
4. Create the diagonal join
Unfold the tube. Starting at the first slit, snip diagonally to the next slit on the opposite side. Repeat down the row. You now have one absurdly long spiral ribbon.
5. Stretch and roll
Hold one end and pull: the cotton jersey will curl inward like a sock. Wind the resulting yarn into a ball. The more you stretch, the thinner and springier it gets.
Troubleshooting Common Beginner Mistakes
- Shirt won't curl: Your fabric is probably a polyester blend. Stick to 100 % cotton or bamboo jersey.
- Yarn snaps: You stretched too aggressively. Go slower or cut wider strips.
- Knotty mess: Did you forget the diagonal cut? Straight cuts leave separate loops instead of one strand.
Calculating Yardage: How Many Shirts for That Rug?
A women's size L tee yields roughly 30 m (33 yd) of 1 cm-wide yarn. Chunky crochet stitches eat about 5 m per 10 × 10 cm square. So a 60 × 90 cm bathmat needs six to seven shirts. Plan accordingly before you raid the closet.
Colour Play: Stripes, Ombré and Patchwork Effects
Alternate two contrasting shirts every ten stitches for instant stripes. Or collect tees in graded shades—navy to sky blue—for an ombré scarf. Because the yarn is free, bold experiments cost nothing.
How to Join New Yarn Without Knots
Cut a small slit in the end of both old and new strands. Feed the new strand through the old slit, then pass the tail of the old strand through the new slit. Pull gently; the friction creates a secure, almost invisible join. No bulky knots to ruin your drape.
First Projects: Instant Gratification for Beginners
Jumbo Crochet Coaster
Chain 4, join, work 12 double crochets into ring. Finish in ten minutes. You've just saved a T-shirt from landfill and protected a table.
Arm-Knit Necklace
Use two fingers as needles, cast on 5 stitches, knit 20 rows. Bind off, add a wooden bead. Total time: the length of a podcast.
No-Snag Produce Bag
Crochet 40 chain, join, work in the round with mesh stitches (chain 2, skip 2, single crochet). Add handles. Folds into a pocket at checkout.
Level-Up: Finger Crochet a Statement Rug
Finger crochet uses your index finger instead of a hook—perfect for super-bulky t-shirt yarn. Work 100 chain, turn, single crochet in each chain. Continue back and forth until the rug reaches the size of your shower mat. Slip-stitch the last row to the first for a seamless oval.
Washing & Care
Cotton jersey yarn survives machine washing, but skip hot dryers; heat contracts the stretch. Lay flat to dry or tumble on cool. Mild detergent keeps colours bright.
Teaching Kids: Turn Craft Time into a Green Lesson
Let children mark the lines and snip with blunt-tip scissors. They see waste become something useful while practicing fine-motor skills. Finish with a collaborative pet tug-toy: braid three strands, knot ends.
Where to Source Shirts When Your Closet Stages a Protest
- Thrift store clearance bins (often $1 each).
- Local race events—organizers give away leftover participant shirts.
- Freecycle or Buy Nothing groups.
- Friends who Marie Kondo their wardrobes.
Ask for light stains; they disappear when yarn curls.
Pairing Tools: Hooks & Needles That Love T-Shirt Yarn
Opt for 8 mm–15 mm hooks or 12 mm–20 mm needles. Plastic is fine; wood grips the tube yarn, preventing splits. Skip delicate lace hooks—they will bend.
Mixing Media: Combine with Macramé, Weaving or Basketry
Turn your yarn into chunky macramé plant hangers using basic square knots. Weave it on a simple cardboard loom for wall art. Coil and stitch in spirals to craft a coiled basket around jute rope.
Storage Tips
Roll each colour into a separate ball, drop into a clear shoe box. Add a cedar block to deter moths (they rarely touch cotton, but why risk it?). Label balls with masking tape noting yardage so you can grab the right amount at a glance.
Beyond Shirts: Other Free Yarn Sources
Once you master tees, upcycle jersey bed sheets (huge yardage), old leggings (for thinner stretch yarn) or even thin fleece jumpers (fluffier, warmer yarn). Each fabric behaves differently—experiment on swatches.
Common Questions Answered
Does the print show? Vinyl graphics remain stiff; cut around them. Soft water-based inks curl inside the tube and disappear.
Will colours bleed? Pre-wash in hot water with a colour catcher sheet; reds and blacks are the usual culprits.
Can I dye my finished item? Absolutely. Use fibre-reactive dye for vibrant hues. The cotton takes colour brilliantly.
Final Thoughts: Wear the Change, Then Craft It
Recycled t-shirt yarn is not a trend; it is a tiny rebellion against fast fashion. Each ball diverts fabric from landfill, saves money and fuels creativity. Start tonight—one shirt, one hook, one planet-friendly stitch at a time.
Disclaimer: This article was generated by an AI language model for general informational purposes. Verify measurements and fabric content before cutting valuable garments.