How to Make Recycled T-shirt Yarn

**pollypurebred39** · 07-28-2010, 03:29 AM

Now this is a great way to use those old T-Shirts!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN1Nt9SAcRw&feature=player_embedded#]YouTube - How to Make Recycled T-shirt Yarn[/ame]!

**Syn D** · 07-28-2010, 03:42 AM

Interesting...

**nuisance26** · 07-28-2010, 09:01 AM

~I've seen this done for crochet but I like the look of the knit better! I don't have big needles like that. Wonder if I could use pencils?
I really like the technique they demonstrated for joining strips. How easy is that?!
Thanks for sharing the video!~

**Molemommy** · 07-28-2010, 11:59 AM

OHHHHHHH I will have to try this.... Have to visit GW for some of there 29 cent t shirts...

**SewCrafty** · 07-28-2010, 05:01 PM

Thank you! What a great way to reuse t-shirts!

**frugrrl** · 07-28-2010, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by nuisance26

~I've seen this done for crochet but I like the look of the knit better! I don't have big needles like that. Wonder if I could use pencils?
I really like the technique they demonstrated for joining strips. How easy is that?!
Thanks for sharing the video!~

I wouldn't use pencils. The lead would probably get on the fabric. You can make large needles with a dowel rod and a pencil sharpener, though.

**mauimagic** · 07-29-2010, 03:14 AM

What a great idea!! Mahalo for finding and sharing Polly!!

**Ceashels** · 07-29-2010, 07:50 AM

I have a pile of tees that are torn or stained. The idea of a floor mat sounds perfect for me.

**nuisance26** · 07-29-2010, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by frugrrl

I wouldn't use pencils. The lead would probably get on the fabric. You can make large needles with a dowel rod and a pencil sharpener, though.

~That's a good "point" but I wasn't planning to keep the points intact if I tried it!~

**Judi Dial** · 07-29-2010, 08:28 AM

I've seen the joining technique before, suggested in a rug making forum, but never thought about knitting old t shirts.

Thanks Polly!

Judi

**Ceashels** · 07-29-2010, 08:34 AM

I've done something similar with plastic bags and made squares to join into a small floor mat for the porch. The idea is when it gets dirty it can be hosed off and when it starts to come apart it can be recycled.

**nuisance26** · 07-29-2010, 08:00 PM

~I just had to try it out today. I cut up a sweatshirt and joined the strips(Love that technique! Can't believe I've never seen it before!)and started knitting using wooden spoons. Works pretty well! Someone will have to tell me how to join together "scarves" of knitting into a rug though because I haven't learned seams yet.
I think this is going to make a cute rug for the kids' room!
I'm new to knitting so are there other projects that this could be used for?~

**nuisance26** · 07-29-2010, 08:21 PM

~I think this is probably the fastest way to cut the shirts: Recycle Tutorial – Making Of T-Shirt Yarn | craftpassion.com ~

**Englishlady** · 07-30-2010, 10:29 AM

Thanks for that, I must be ahead of my time I was doing this 15 years ago and made some soft mats for the kitchen and bathroom!

They do wash nice and of course you can make some great dish washing rags doing this too.

I can only do basic knitting but I think if you had the skill, there would be a wonderful irony in making a great new jumper from old tea shirts

**mauimagic** · 07-31-2010, 04:49 PM

Just had to check this out again - this time with sound. For the first time I am really glad that I wore such large shirts = more yarn!! Has anyone tried this yet?