Fringed T-Shirt Crafts

Fringe an old T-shirt to turn it into a new outfit.

Most T-shirts are made of knitted material that does not unravel when cut and are therefore suitable for making no-sew projects such as a fringed T-shirt. Cutting a fringe around the bottom of a T-shirt turns it into a stylish outfit that is fit to wear for any informal occasion. However, you can be more creative with the fringed T-shirt and use it to make different crafts that you can wear, or you can turn an old favorite T-shirt into a durable tote bag that you can use for a long time.

Make a Fringed T-Shirt

Any old solid or printed T-shirt that needs a new look can be used to make a fringed T-shirt. First, you'll need to decide on the length and width of the fringe, which will depend somewhat on the size and shape of your tee. Then, simply make cuts around the bottom of the T-shirt straight up from the hem of the shirt to the desired length of the fringe. Knot beads onto the fringe for a more elaborate look, or curl the fringe by pulling each fringe gently. You can wear your fringed T-shirt by itself, or layer it over a long tank top.

Fringed T-Shirt Necklace

Make an unusual piece of jewelry by making a necklace out of an old solid or printed T-shirt. Trim along the back neckline of a crewneck T-shirt to remove the back of the shirt. Cut the front of the T-shirt to the desired shape of your necklace, such as semi-circular, V-shaped or rectangular. Make the fringes by cutting along the length of the shape to just below the front neckline. Wear the printed or solid-colored necklace over a tee in a contrasting color that will highlight the fringe, or make the necklace more elaborate by decorating the neckband with sequins or lace, or even adding sequins or lace along the length of the fringe.

Fringed T-Shirt Scarf

A beaded, fringed T-shirt scarf is an easy way to give new life to an old T-shirt and dress up any outfit. Simply trim away the hem of the T-shirt and then cut a band about 10 inches wide along the bottom of the shirt. Cut through the band at one seam to make one long piece of fabric, or leave it in one piece to create an infinity scarf. To make the fringe, cut at half-inch intervals from the bottom of the circular band to the desired length of fringe. You may want to cut off every other fringe piece if it starts looking too bulky. You can stretch each fringe to curl the fabric, thread and knot pony beads onto each fringe or even make a lattice out of the fringe for added elegance. Pull the scarf over your head and wind it once or twice around your neck.

Fringed T-Shirt Bag

If you are done wearing a T-shirt but can't let it go, turn it into a tote bag. Make the handle of the bag by cutting off the sleeves and neckband of the T-shirt. Cut fringe at the bottom of the tee and tie knots using corresponding fringes from the front and back of the shirt to make the bottom of your tote bag. You can decorate your new T-shirt bag with beads, buttons, iron-on transfers or fabric paint to give it a unique look or just leave it as is and let your former shirt's glory shine through. Go green with this versatile tote bag and use it as a book bag, a beach bag or as a reusable grocery bag.