Would you like to turn an old T-shirt into something fashionable or at least wearable? Check out these DIY t-shirt ideas that will give you very much-needed inspiration for your wardrobe upgrade!
1. Sassy Collar On A Plain T-Shirt
Sassy halter collars can jazz up a plain old t-shirt in no time. So, dig into your stash of scrap fabric, or find some lace or ribbon.
Make sure you sew on a patch on both sides and not just around the neck for the best possible outcome!
2. No-Sew DIY Cut-Shirt
Plain old shirts don’t have to be boring. With a pair of scissors, you can upcycle your old shirts into something trendy and cool.
3. Bleached Stencil Shirts
Do you want this bleached shirt with that stenciled pattern on it?
First, lay out some newspapers before you get started because this DIY project might get messy. Next, you’ll need a spray bottle to mix a solution of one part bleach and one part water.
Please be careful when you’re handling bleach!
4. DIY Ruffle Shirt
I love a good one-shoulder shirt, don’t you? But what’s really cute here are those ruffles.
Would you believe me if I told you that this girly shirt used to be a basic men’s sized shirt?
Now all you have to do is grab your fabric scissors and the roll of elastic band. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a new shirt to wear on your next night out.
5. Criss Cross Shirt
With summer just around the corner, you’ll want to bring out your summer clothes from hibernation. T-shirts are a staple, but they don’t need to be a monotonous staple.
Here’s a criss-cross cut to try out on your own tees. It’s not as complicated as it looks, but you’ll want a good pair of fabric scissors and some tailor’s chalk.
6. Workout Shirt
You can never have too many shirts for when you hit the gym. But I always feel like my gym clothes are baggy and unattractive.
If I had any toned muscles, they’d hardly be flattering in these old rags. Nothing says chic like this casual racerback t-shirt to add some character and flair to a plain old baggy gym shirt.
Don’t forget to save a strip of the fabric to make a matching headband!
7. T-Shirt Market Bag
I hate having to pay those extra cents to buy plastic bags at the grocery store. They’re such a waste and not at all eco-friendly or biodegradable.
I think this upcycled bag out of old t-shirts is the perfect solution. You get to re-use them; just pop them into the washer, and they come out clean as a whistle.
Plus, they’re sustainable and eco-friendly: a win-win!
8. Recycled Skull T-Shirt
Is Halloween around the corner? No? So you just want to wear a skull t-shirt? You know what, that’s actually pretty cute.
Let’s get started. Find a washable marker to help you draw the eye sockets, nose holes, and that toothy grin. Next, find your pair of sturdy fabric scissors and get cutting.
It’s a little risque to wear on its own, so don’t forget to layer it with another t-shirt.
9. Boxy Crop Top From An Oversized Tee
Crop tops on a summer’s day are as perfect as hot chocolate is on a cold winter’s evening. So grab the measuring tape and find a flat work area.
If you’ve got a t-shirt with a design upfront, be careful not to cut it off halfway. You can always give your crop top some curvy layers if it means you don’t distort the design.
Hey, why not go for the frayed-crop look? I bet they’d look perfect with denim cut-offs.
10. Out With The Old, In With The New and Upcycled
I’m all for t-shirt dresses and crop tops. If you tell me that I don’t have to spend a pretty penny to get either one, I’m all in.
Do you have some color-coordinated designs in mind and a flair for bringing those colors together to make a modern and chic outfit?
Then this is the perfect upscaling project for you.
11. Off-Shoulder Eyelet Top
I honestly can’t believe that you can make a gorgeous blouse from an old black tee, but there you have it.
You’ll need to buy this kit to help you with that row of eyelets running along the neck of this shirt. You’ll also need to save the scraps of fabric you cut off your shirt.
12. Peek-A-Boo Lace T-Shirt
A lace-sectioned bodice does wonders for a boring old tee. And, here’s how you do exactly that.
It all comes down to the lace you use. For just five bucks, you’ve got everything you’ll need for this DIY refashioning project.
Why not give a thin trim of lace around the armholes while you’re at it?
13. No-Sew Bow-Sleeve T-Shirt
I’ve always held a secret fascination with bow sleeves. They’re such a cute way to turn a plain old t-shirt into a fashion statement.
14. T-Shirt To Tank Top
This project is all about the skill you have with cutting fabric. But, at the end of the day, even if your edges are frayed, just call it grungy-chic, and you’d still have a fabulous tank top.
For the best possible cut and clean edges, use a sewing machine. Take a few safety pink or fabric pins and pin the flaps in place while you sew the edges and seams.
15. DIY Off The Shoulder T-Shirt
Here’s another no-sew reconstruction project for you to try: off-the-shoulder t-Shirts! I love off-shoulder blouses, but I never find that right fit, and they never stay, well, off the shoulders.
Perhaps making one, or rather, upcycling one from an old shirt is the solution.
16. DIY No-Sew Crop Top
Crop tops are really in vogue right now, just like upcycled clothes. So, when you’re choosing a shirt to crop for this project, just make sure you pick something flowy.
It’ll help you get that perfect amount of sway when you move and does wonders to keep you cool on a hot summer afternoon.
17. DIY Macrame Halter Tee
Check out that snazzy back on that t-shirt. Who would have thought that you could do macrame on the back of a tee?
You’ll need a grid-cutting mat to help you measure and cut off the back of your tee into thread-like strips.
Maybe, just maybe, with this trendy tee, I’d be motivated to hit the gym.
18. DIY Muscle Tank
I might not have muscles, but by God, I’ll have a dozen muscle t-shirts in every color possible in my closet. Also, this one has a no-sew pattern, doesn’t require elaborate cutting, and has no long-drawn-out sewing project.
All you need are a pair of scissors, measuring tape, fabric glue, tailor’s chalk, and one soft, billowy t-shirt. But, of course, you’ve already got all that in your sewing kit.
19. DIY Rug From T-Shirt Strips
Forget making shirts out of shirts. I’m moving on and trading up to these funky floor rugs. The possibilities are endless.
I can already see it: dozens of coasters, pot holders, table runners, placemats, rugs, and…maybe even a full-sized throw! If it means tearing up all the shirts in my closet, then so be it.
20. No-Sew Tote Bag
Don’t you think these tote bags are perfect for taking with you to the beach? They’re big and roomy: you can slip in a couple of beach towels, sunscreen, some snacks, and a good book.
Speaking of books, why not use them as book bags? If you’ve got t-shirts with funky images printed on them, or beautiful patterns, I bet they’d look even better as a bag.
