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.
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!
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.
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.
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