How to Make a Necklace and a Headband From an Old T-Shirt

There is more than one way to wear a t-shirt. How about on your head? Once you learn the basics of turning t-shirts into yarn, yesterday’s outfit may quickly become tomorrow’s craft supply.

Not all t-shirts are created equal and some work better for making t-shirt yarn than others. Shirts without side seams or designs will work best. Experiment with different colors and perhaps try tie-dying an old shirt before making it into yarn. Also, remember the larger the shirt the more yarn it will make.

Watch this episode of DIY This With Jennifer Perkins to find out more on making t-shirt yarn.

Start by folding the t-shirt in half, sleeve to sleeve. Don't overlap them edge to edge, lay the top of the shirt about an inch away the bottom part of the shirt, as pictured.

Cut straight across under the armpits. The top portion of the shirt will not be used for making yarn.

Next, cut off the bottom seam of the shirt.

With the shirt still folded (make sure the top fold is about an inch below the bottom fold) begin cutting in strips using either scissors or a rotary cutter. Make cuts about 1/2" to 1" wide.

DO NOT cut through the fold of the bottom layer of the t-shirt. Just to right above the top piece of shirt.

Carefully unfold to reveal strips. One end will still be connected, this is where you will cut.

With the very first cut your scissors, go at an angle from the top of the strip to the edge of the fabric. Then to make one continuous strip of fabric, make the next cuts diagonally from the second bottom cut to the first top cut.

Gently tug at the yarn and it will turn in on itself creating yarn. Now what to do with all that T-shirt yarn? How about wearing it!

T-Shirt Necklace

Cut t-shirt yarn in various lengths. Using a large-eyed needle, thread the beads.

A bit of glue can be added under each bead to ensure it stays in place.

Join all the pieces at the end with a large clasp closure. Add a bit of glue and crimp shut with pliers.

Add an extra chain and a clasp on the end so that the size is adjustable.

T-Shirt Flower Headband

Start at one end of the headband, begin wrapping it with t-shirt yarn securing the yarn with hot glue as you go. Cover the entire band.

Using two colors of t-shirt yarn, twist yarn together and roll it into pinwheels creating small round flowers. Use hot glue on the backs to hold it together.

Use hot glue to attach the yarn flowers onto a piece of felt so you'll have one big patch of flowers.

Glue the patch onto the headband. Glue the second smaller piece of felt underneath wrapping around the headband and onto the larger flower covered felt piece.

How else will you wear your t-shirts? Don’t forget you can crochet with t-shirt yarn too to make a DIY Hanging Planter.