Brainstorming: what would you make with a bunch of (gently used) t-shirts?

[quietserena]

DH wears nice T-shirts to work and as soon as they start to look 'shabby' they get pulled out of his closet.

I used to donate them but lately I've learned what Good Will does with stuff like that that doesn't sell that well (oh and it's a whole rant, let me tell ya...) so instead I decided to keep them and sew something out of them. We're talking 20-30 various solid colored t-shirts here. Loads of fabric! We're talking that 100% cotton thin knit.

I already have plans to make DD some pants, contemplating sewing some diapers for the new one, saw some instructions on making dresses using a toddler shirt and extra fabric.. but what else? I know I had a bunch of ideas at one point but they're escaping me now!

I did look at that book Generation T but most of it was modifying t-shirts in fasionable ways that I wouldn't wear and woudln't fit on a toddler anyways.

TIA

[ellemnop]

I like to make stuffed toys out of t-shirts... but maybe if they're only gently used it would be best to make them into something that is still worn, like diapers as you mentioned, or add some kind of embellishment to give them new life. I still probably would use the material to make something else like a stuffed toy, or a t-shirt quilt.

Take care,
El

[Tilia]

Travel playsets!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php...ng_id=16175559
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php...ng_id=14455993

Crayon rolls like this one

Bean bags

A little bag with a small chalkboard and a piece of chalk for your DD

T-shirt grocery bags

I know there is a ton more ideas out there. I actually buy cotton t-shirts at Goodwill to use in sewing projects!

[jlpumkin]

I would use fern and faeries pattern (on Hyena cart) to make diapers and training pants. I used the training pant pattern and loved it! I'm sure the diaper one works equally well.

Have fun!

[quietserena]

Thanks guys!

I've started a long list of 'to sew' things that's going into my sewing box. I figure, that's probably the best way to keep track of everything.

Those playsets are adorable!

I didn't know you can make grocery bags out of t-shirts so I looked it up. Very interesting! We have plenty of totes that we use for grocery shopping but I figure a t-shirt bag will do nicely to wrap a gift and then the person can actually use it for something.

[milehighmonkeys]

If you're going to make diapers, go for pockets, unless you're going to use something besides t-shirt material for the internal soaker. Six layers of t-shirt material in a fitted takes forever to dry.

[katmann]

You can sew back to back panels of t-shirt material to make reusable baby wipes, dust cloths, hankies, etc. It seems like the material would be hard on your nose, but I've used these with very little irritation. Just cut out a bunch of 5 x 8 inch panels (or whatever size suits you) and zig zag stitch around the edge (or serge, if you have a serger). The material will roll a little, but it won't fray in the wash.

[skybluepink02]

I love tee-shirt diapers. They're so stretchy and comfy. I've been making mine with three layers in the body and two 3 layer soakers. They dry fast and are cheap and easy.

[riverside knitter]

Adding to the list...

Yoga pants for the little ones

Toddler & baby dresses (I have some fun t-shirts that are a little juvenile for me that I plan to do this with)

Tie-nappies

Stuffed toys

Unfortunately, my DH wears his t-shirts until they are holey & threadbare, so my big t-shirt reconstruction projects are limited.

[frogger]

boxer undies

[orangefoot]

We all blow our noses on squares of t shirt and it is waaaay nicer than blowing your nose on tissue.

I've made some night dresses from dh's old t shirts by lengthening this pattern In fact lots of stuff on this site can be made from old t shirts.

[Pariah]

Originally Posted by quietserena

Thanks guys!

I've started a long list of 'to sew' things that's going into my sewing box. I figure, that's probably the best way to keep track of everything.

Those playsets are adorable!

I didn't know you can make grocery bags out of t-shirts so I looked it up. Very interesting! We have plenty of totes that we use for grocery shopping but I figure a t-shirt bag will do nicely to wrap a gift and then the person can actually use it for something.

I've been making grocery bags out of old tees for awhile now, they work great! We dye and/or use fabric paint on them, too.

[Magelet]

This doesn't work so well with thin t-shirts, and not at all with ones that stretch a lot (the thick, barely stretchy kind are better), but I LOVE this project. What you do is cut the t-shirt into about 1 inch thick strips (any way you like, I do vertical usually), tie them together, and start knitting. I cast on about 6 inches worth, and knit for about 4, sometimes more sometimes less. These make the BEST sponges/dish cloths/scrubbies. I started making them because I found that dish cloths knit with yarn were too "holey", and these are perfect. Sturdy, and of course, unlike sponges, you can throw them in the wash and reuse, and none of that pesky blue or yellow bits on your dishes.

[jerri]

Lucky you! I love t-shirt fabric, but hubby wears them until they turn to dust. I've recently made some great diapers from the Darling Diapers newborn free pattern. I've also used the fabric to make boxers for hubby, nightgowns for myself and the girls, patchwork lounge pants for the girls, contrasting raglan t-shirts for girls, stuffed toys/dolls, throw pillows, pregnancy belly band, crib sheets, bassinet sheets, baby clothes (bubble suits- one piece type things with snaps at the shoulders) Oohhh the possibilities!

[courtenay_e]

Originally Posted by Magelet

This doesn't work so well with thin t-shirts, and not at all with ones that stretch a lot (the thick, barely stretchy kind are better), but I LOVE this project. What you do is cut the t-shirt into about 1 inch thick strips (any way you like, I do vertical usually), tie them together, and start knitting. I cast on about 6 inches worth, and knit for about 4, sometimes more sometimes less. These make the BEST sponges/dish cloths/scrubbies. I started making them because I found that dish cloths knit with yarn were too "holey", and these are perfect. Sturdy, and of course, unlike sponges, you can throw them in the wash and reuse, and none of that pesky blue or yellow bits on your dishes.

this is great! I'll have to try it.

I also have used t-shirts for grocery bags, actually just made 8 for my mom and sister!

[Magelet]

jerri, I don't usually have as many t-shirts as I can use in other ways either, though I have the sneaking suspicion that lies in the large number of no longer fitting clothes in my drawer.... still, most of them are not suitable to the dish scrubbies, so I buy cheap t-shirts at goodwill occasionally. I don't have quite as many scrubbies as I would like, because I would feel more comfortable having enough to throw them in the laundry bin every night and wash them with the rest, rather than them being reused for many days (I figure this is more sanitary) so they are currently in rotation with regular sponges. I do have some t-shirts with small holes though. I don't think they're moth holes but they certainly look like it...

courtenay, t-shirt grocery bags? I love it!

[KaraBoo]

Originally Posted by frogger

boxer undies

Yeah, I was going to suggest underwear. That is one of my New Year's resolutions: learn to make my own undies. I plan on using dh's old Tshirts

[Code Name Mama]

I'm reviving this old thread b/c I have a bunch of old t-shirts and want to do something with them. I did a reversible tote using the link from a pp (the I Love NY tote), but I'm not crazy about it (I should have cut some from the bottoms of the shirts, the tote is just too big to be useful).

Several people mentioned making toys, but I can't find any good tutorials after a quick Google search (and I've searched here in this forum).

I have a 15 month old ds, I think I'm going to make a pair of pants for him but I'd love to hear other clothing/toy ideas.

Anything else? I'd love some fresh ideas for all these t-shirts!

[mama_daba]

anyone have a link for the fern and faeries pattern for training pants? i googled it but didn't find the shop. i am very interested in making training pants for my son!
this is a great thread.

[*Jessica*]

Originally Posted by moonfroggy

anyone have a link for the fern and faeries pattern for training pants? i googled it but didn't find the shop. i am very interested in making training pants for my son!
this is a great thread.

Here you go! Fern & Faerie T-shirt Trainers Pattern