Comments on: Making T-Yarn from Recycled Tee-Shirts

By: Mrs. Mobunny

Mrs. Mobunny — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:00:56 +0000

I have a big t-shirt rug I am working on. I live near a thrift store that has t-shirts for a DIME every day. I have been cutting them and it causes big knots…..but after seeing the way you did grocery bags, I did the t-shirt the same way. Cut thin strips while keeping the *circle*…..and pulling them together and it turns into a ball of t-yarn! I’ve been struggling with the t-shirts up until NOW! I am SO glad I came to your blog today and learn a new trick. I get the t-shirts at such a good price, it’s hard to NOT buy them. ( I also buy the largest ones possible! they’re not for wearing, but for cutting!) Thanks.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:34:51 +0000

Heather,
Thanks for sharing your method of cutting. I haven’t tried a rotary cutter yet as I usually cut my t-yarn outside so the bits can shed outside. I just eyeball my width but try to keep it as uniform as possible as I cut. If the width gets off a bit, it’s okay as it works itself out as you crochet the item. If my t-shirt material has corners, I usually work an oval shaped cut at the corner and then just stretch and trim any edges as appear. This allows my t-yarn to be a continuously long piece of material.

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:06:43 +0000

I’ve found that it’s easier for me to cut the strips with a rotary cutter (using a quilting ruler) to keep the widths even. Just don’t cut all the way to the end of one side. Leave 2-3 inches uncut and use scissors to cut the final bit at an angle – so it’s a spiral instead of loops.

By: Donna

Donna — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:14:46 +0000

I love the idea of the ‘tarn’ with the t-shirts. I recently lost a great deal of weight and have been donating my ‘big’ clothes. This would be a great project to do with my old t-shirts. A rug it is. Thank you for sharing your patterns and ideas!!!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:06:40 +0000

I love this idea! I have some old t-shirt sheet sets that I didn’t have the heart to get rid.
I can’t wait to try it. I’m not a expert at crocheting but that is definatly give me lots of yarn to practice with. Thanks!

By: 3 Frugal Ideas for Crocheters and Knitters | DiscountCoder.com Blog

3 Frugal Ideas for Crocheters and Knitters | DiscountCoder.com Blog — Fri, 27 May 2011 05:32:28 +0000

[...] old t-shirts and make yarn out of them. Learn more about T-shirt yarn (also called tarn) from My Recycled Bags. We all have old T-shirts that could use a new life so this is a great option for knitters and [...]

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 10 May 2011 12:04:46 +0000

For those who have a cutting board and a rotary cutter, you might want to try my “loopy” method. I do this with my plastic bags, usually 4-5 at a time, just stacked up. Don’t know if the stacking will work w tee shirts.

Cut straight across the tees, from side to side. Each cut will give you one round. When you’ve got enough, or just got tired, start looping the rounds together. Then just wind all this stuff up into a ball and start crocheting.

I’ve begun separating the white (or other solid color) rounds from the word/picture/logo/whatever rounds so I can make a solid white bag, and maybe have a yellow stripe around the top, or …..

There’s no reason why this won’t work with t-shirts as well as bags!

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:11:29 +0000

@Doris — Oh I do use the whole t-shirt. I cut the top portion around and when I get to a corner I just do a wide curve in my t-yarn strip. The little tag that is created as just crocheted under when I get to it. It hides real well and you don’t see the curved area in the project.

I like your idea of using the top for a cover-up too. Great idea and you could add a bottom like you described. Thanks for stopping by and sending me a message.

By: Doris

Doris — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:22:11 +0000

Looking at your pictures, thinking what a waste of the top (if it’s in good condition, top + sleeves). Why not turn them into “shoulder-upper arm protectors” to protect against sunburn while wearing a bathing suit?
Crochet around edges, sleeves, decorate as desired, match swim suits. Could even add a “bottom trim” by using a lacy st (shell?)as many rows as desired.
Just a thought, that occurred to me.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 03:34:33 +0000

Anita:
If you cut your tarn real thin you can use a smaller hook like maybe
a H or J hook. If its wider then use an N (9mm) hook. You can use what feels
best for you and the stitch size you like.