T-Shirt Crafts abound on the internet. If you’re looking for a fun craft to do with a t-shirt, you won’t be hard-pressed to find one on Pinterest or on the tons of sewing and craft blogs out there.
But, now comes the time for a little self-reflection. Is it really a good idea to make all this stuff from t-shirts?
Of course, it’s great to recycle and reuse. T-shirt fabric is suitable for a lot of projects, but sometimes it’s not the perfect material and the projects featured won’t last the test of time and use.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about T-shirt fabric.
1.) It stretches! That’s why you like to wear it! What does this mean for your crafts? It means that if you re-shape the neckline or the hem by just cutting it into a new shape- it won’t stay. You must stabilize seams, hems and necklines on knits- or you’ll get a funky product.
2.) T-shirt fabric is thin! Some T-shirts are thicker than others, I know, but thinner t-shirts are popular and have been for a few years. So, if you’re going to make a skirt out of a t-shirt, take a look in the mirror first and make sure you’re not giving anyone a free show. T-shirt fabric was originally intended for t-shirts, just keep that in mind while you’re cleverly redesigning them
3.) Can these fabric features be good- YES! That’s why we love them, just don’t expect t-shirt fabric to act like anything other than what it is.
Do you want something to be be stretchy and soft? Like a t-shirt scarf? Go for it with a tutorial like this one from HelloGiggles.
Do you want to use up those t-shirts and be green about cleaning? Check these washcloths out on My Bit of Earth.
And then there are t-shirt bags. Normally, these don’t really turn me on- but they could be useful. And the author at DeliaCreates does a great job of showing how to sew with t-shirt knit!
The point is this: Don’t get disappointed if your t-shirt craft doesn’t work out, you may have been doomed from the beginning. Just keep in mind how the t-shirt fabric will act when you’re upcycling into your next project!
Have you made anything from a t-shirt? How did it go?
In high school I got this big idea to make one of my concert tees into a crop-top. Cut it off at hem, made casing, ran elastic thru. Tried it on and immediately sank into deep depression. It was too short and my mom wouldn’t let me wear it!! (Like I was gonna wear it anywhere anyway!) Haven’t made the no-measure mistake again.