DIY Old Teen Shirts

Create a shag rug out of T-shirt strips instead of yarn.

If you or your teen has outgrown or worn out a T-shirt, you don't have to throw it out, especially if it is an old favorite. Instead, repurpose sentimental tees into functional items, home decorations or other apparel. With a sewing machine or a needle and thread, you can easily create a new piece that won't be found in any shopping mall. Reuse a T-shirt from your own adolescent days or your teen's sentimental apparel into something completely new.

Things You'll Need

• Old T-shirts
• Scissors
• Needle and thread or sewing machine
• Clothing elastic
• Mesh rug canvas (1/4 inch square holes)
• Woven fabric or flannel backing
• Cotton batting
• Canvas
• Staple gun

Instructions

New Lives for Old T-shirts

1. Transform an old T-shirt into a skirt by first cutting slits in the neck of the t-shirt at the shoulders so the opening will fit snugly around your waist. Sew the arms of the shirt closed and flip them inside out to create pockets. Sew a piece of clothing elastic inside the former neck of the T-shirt and put your new skirt on.

2. Create a shag rug by first purchasing mesh rug canvas of the size you would like the rug to be, with 1/4 inch square holes. Cut numerous T-shirts into strips, 3 inches long and a 1/2 inch wide. Fill the rug by weaving each strip through the holes and tying knots at the base of the mesh canvas. The strips should not lay flat on the rug but project outwards.

3. Make a quilt out of patches from your favorite old T-shirts. Cut squares of equal sizes that showcase your favorite aspect of each tee. Sew them alongside one another on a quilt backing, such as woven fabric or fleece of the size you would like the quilt to be.

4. Create a throw pillow by first cutting across the T-shirt below the armpits to form a rectangular shape. Sew shut one of the open ends of the rectangular piece and fill the inside with cotton batting. Sew the other end shut.

5. Make a piece of wall art by stretching an attractive T-shirt print over a canvas. First, cut the portion of the shirt you find stimulating and select a canvas that fits the fabric piece's size. The canvas should be small enough so that parts of the fabric overlap the edges of the canvas. Staple the edges of the fabric over one side of the canvas. Stretch the T-shirt fabric to the opposite side and staple. Repeat for the two remaining sides.

References

• "Wise Bread"; 15 Ways to Recycle and Reuse Old T-shirts; Mikey Rox; 2011
• Care 2 Make a Difference; 8 Ways to Reuse Your T-shirts; Becky Striepe; 2010
• CuteCircuit: How to Make a Skirt in 30 Seconds
• Kansas State University, ATID Sustainability Research Lab: ReDesign Project
• Apartment Therapy: DIY Rag Rug