Curled T-Yarn Trivet Hotpad
Here is my first curled T-shirt yarn or T-yarn project. Curled T-yarn is created by cutting an old recycled tee-shirt into strips and then stretching the strip so it curls in on itself. This creates a circular-type yarn from the t-shirt strip. Here is my picture tutorial on how I make recycled curled T-shirt yarn. My finished project is done in a basic motif granny stitch pattern. This trivet hotpad is not only very frugal as it didn’t cost me anything, it’s also an excellent way to upcycle old tee-shirts into a new cool reusable item.
All photos are clickable to supersize them
Here is a closeup of the T-yarn once its cut and stretched.
Free T-Yarn Motif Hotpad Crochet Pattern
Materials needed:
One large t-shirt without side seams (blue) – Cut and stretched into approx. 65 yards of T-yarn
Small amount of contrasting T-Yarn (white)
Hook: J U.S. size metal crochet hook
Finished Hotpad Trivet: 7 inches wide
With center color Ch 4, Sl St to form ring.
Row 1
Ch 2, (counts as 1 Hdc) in ring work 2 Hdc,
Ch 1, 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, Ch1, 3 Hdc
Ch 1, Sl St to top of Ch 2. (4 corners & 4 shells made)
Fasten off and weave ends under on back side of Motif.
Row 2
With main color (blue shown) attach in any Ch 1 corner space.
Ch 2, 2 Hdc, Ch1, 3 Hdc, all in the same ch 1 corner space.
*Sk next 3 Hdc, 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the next Ch 1 corner space.*
Repeat between * 2 more times, Sl St to top of the beginning Ch 2.
Row 3
Sl St across remaining Hdc’s to corner.
Ch 2 (counts as 1 Hdc) 2 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the corner space.
*Sk 3 Hdc, make 3 Hdc in between shells, Sk next shell, make 3 Hdc, Ch 1,
3 Hdc in corner.* Repeat 2 more times then Sl St to top of first Hdc.
Row 4-6
Continue in the established pattern. Fasten off and weave ends under on back side of Motif.
Edging:
Using white T-yarn, attach in a corner stitch space. Ch 3, Dc in sm st, Sk 1 st, and Sl st in next st or space opening. Repeat by working *Ch 3, Dc in sm st, Sk 1 st, Sl St in next st* around motif. Sl St into base of 1st Ch 3 to finish off. Weave under ends.
If you have any questions or find discrepancies in this pattern, please email me using contact tab above.
Abbreviations:
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Ea – Each
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Rnd – Round
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sm – Same
St – Stitch
T-Yarn – T-Shirt Yarn
This pattern is copyrighted by Cindy of My Recycled Bags {dot com} and may only be used for private individual use. No commercial sales or use of this pattern or photos are permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable and appreciated. ©2009
****Please do not copy my patterns on your blog site or post my patterns on Internet sites. I do not allow my patterns to be republished without expressed written permission. Posting of my patterns, without written permission is in violation of my copyrights and is content theft.
Tags: free-pattern, t-yarn, tee-shirt yarn, upcycling
Jun 07, 2009
That made up into a really nice looking trivet.
I’m hoping that in a couple of months I’ll be able to get back into my creative groove. My hubbie has is buying me a shed that I’m planning on setting up as an Art/Craft Studio. Over the years I’ve gotten disorganized and I need to get all my craft material into one location. So I’ve got a lot sorting and cleaning to do before I can even get started, but I’m getting excited about the whole process. 🙂
Moonshadow’s last blog post..Small Town Snapshot Sunday #1
Jun 07, 2009
Unfortunately, I can’t knit–but I do crochet!
Jun 08, 2009
That’s really pretty Cindy!
I’m still so amazed at how nice the texture looks 🙂
I really have to try it (soon as I find some old T’s).
Rachel’s last blog post..I Hate Being Sick 🙁
Jun 08, 2009
I really enjoy all the creative ideas you come up with. My first recycling creation years ago was with t-shirts long before I starting using plarn. It’s something that you can never get tired of finding uses for.
You are such an inspiration to all recyclers.
Jun 09, 2009
Hey Cindy,
Nice one! Don’t you love the fresh colours you get from T-shirt yarn?
Astrid’s last blog post..Mosaic Table Tops
Jun 09, 2009
I’ve just recently started experimenting with t-shirt yarn, and making non-stretchy “yarn” from other clothing as well. Thanks for a really good clear explanation of the process 🙂
Cyndi L’s last blog post..Twisted fabric painting
Jun 09, 2009
i truly enjoy your blog! i’ve just posted an article about your blog on my blog. hope you’ll enjoy it.
jd
Jun 09, 2009
hi, just popped by & thought I’d say hello 🙂
cathie’s last blog post..It’s Tuesday and I can’t wait…..
Jun 10, 2009
I absolutely love it!
Ok, ok, I said the other day that I was going to give the T-yarn a try and I haven’t yet, but now that you’ve given me another incentive, I’m definitely going to give it a try.
Marie Anne’s last blog post..Did You Know Mice Liked Apples?
Jun 11, 2009
[…] or tarn as she calls it. Isn’t that neat? And look at the cute things she makes with it; trivets, scrubbie/dishcloths, and even a purse! I love that purse! These aren’t knitted, but crocheted […]
Jun 12, 2009
What a great idea! I’ve experimented w/ plarn, but never actually finished a project. I’d like to try this to make bathroom mats-soft, absorbent, washable and not as thick as a braided rug for easy drying.
Aug 27, 2009
Very cute, thx for sharing!
Sep 26, 2009
Cindy, Thank you for sharing this pattern & the instructions for making the curled t-yarn. I’ve made several of hotpads using your pattern and just love how they turned out. You ROCK! =)
.-= Jamie ´s last blog ..Flower Plarn Handbag =-.
Mar 21, 2011
Join enough squares and you have a “beach blanket” or picnic ground cover.
Soft and washable……….My thoughts must be turning to summer!!
Apr 07, 2011
I’ve never seen curled T-Yarn before, but it looks fantastic. I would never guess how it was done by looking at the end result.
Probably the best part is the fact you can use old material and recycle it, even use other people’s cast off’s for your new creations.
Thanks for showcasing this technique here, and it seems others are already using for themselves. I’ve learnt something new today, thanks alot.
Apr 11, 2011
That looks great, the ideas i have going through my head for different things i can make! Only problem i have is that i am just a beginner so it may take me a while to complete anything….. Suppose you have to start somewhere though!
Apr 23, 2011
This idea do two major benefits for making some creative things. First it tell us that how we can use recycled tee shirts and similar cloth and secondly that how to make handy and beautiful items from it. Thanks for this help.
Aug 12, 2012
I am glad that I came across your website, as I have tee-shirts that I want to recycle as well. I thought I would start off with a small project like your Hotpad, but I plan to use it as a dishcloth. These posts seem old, do you update your website ?
Aug 12, 2012
@Chocolatequilts — Yes I update my blog several times a month with a new project and post. You are just looking at one of my archived posts of a T-yarn hotpad. I hope you enjoy the project and check back for a visit to my blog in the future.
Aug 29, 2012
I have just found your site, and it is sooo neat. I have been hearing about plarn, but didn’t really know what it was. My Grandmother taught me to crochet before I started school. I also have been a quilter for about forty years.I have seen the t-shirt quilts, and that didn’t interest me, so, I’m sorry to say, I didn’t pay attention to the crochet plarn. Wow, I’ve really missed out!
I’m saving your tutorial and some of your patterns(only for my use!), to come back to. I love the hotpads!
Thank you so much for sharing all your talent, and for all your patterns.
Lisa in Alabama
Feb 26, 2013
I love this! I am emailing all my friends to start saving their old T’s for me, along with your website so they can see your beautiful work! Thank you!
Jul 19, 2013
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