5 Ways to Reinvent a T-Shirt

Ever find an awesome new t-shirt at a thrift store that you really want to get, only it’s a few sizes too big or too small? There is a solution. It’s known by many names and terms: upcycling, DIY, repurposing, reinventing - the list goes on. One of the most trendy, fun, and simple DIY projects you can try is creating a new project out of an old shirt. All you need is a thrift store t-shirt and some imagination. There are hundreds of ways to reuse t-Shirts - we’ll get you started with five:

1. Tote Bag

Tote bags are super versatile for your household. Even better, they are easy to make yourself. Use them for trips to the library, the farmers’ market, a picnic, groceries and more. Personalize them for kids with bright colors, cartoon characters, or fun quotes!

Check out these ideas and tutorials:
No Sew T-Shirt Tote
Cinch Backpack Bag from T-Shirt
Market Produce Bag

2. Crocheted Pieces

Turning fabric scraps into T-Shirt yarn can create durable and useful items for your home. It is super easy and an excellent way to ensure that you get the most use out of your closet. Once you have T-Shirt yarn, you can crochet it together to make small items like coasters, trinket bowls, or a pencil holder, or you can make larger items, like rugs and baskets.

Check out these ideas and tutorials:
Crocheted Rug
T-Shirt Crochet Basket
T-Shirt Coasters

3. Throw Pillows

A well-worn and well-loved T-Shirt is always made of the softest cotton. Reuse this soft fabric to make a pillow for your playroom, couch, or bed. Alternatively, stitch shirts together to make a blanket. This is an excellent way to preserve your favorite shirts from childhood, school, college, or your favorite sports team.

Check out these ideas and tutorials:
DIY T-Shirt Quilt
Buttoned-Up Pillows
T-Shirt Pillows

4. A New Outfit

That’s right. There are tons of ways to transform a T-Shirt, but why not transform your T-Shirt into another T-Shirt, cover-up, or dress? Whether it’s a matter of cutting, braiding, embellishing, tie-dying, or stitching something new together, you can easily transform an old t-shirt into a new summer outfit.

Check out these ideas and tutorials:
41 Summer T-Shirt Ideas
DIY Tie-Dye Swimsuit Cover-up
Colorblock Dress

5. Accessories

Now that you’ve got a brand new outfit, how about adding some accessories? By simply braiding or turning old T-Shirt scraps into T-Shirt yarn, you can create a variety of fun and playful accessories including necklaces, bracelets, headbands, scarves, or belts. You can even use braided T-Shirt fabric scraps to make an exciting toy for your pet.

Check out these ideas and tutorials:
Fabric Flower Hair Clips
Jersey Knit Bracelets
DIY Dog Toy


Use these fun tutorials to get crafty this summer. Stop by Thriftworks! To pick up all the shirts you need to create a fun summer wardrobe, beach accessories, and more. And for all those T-Shirts that didn’t get a crafty treatment, ThriftWorks! offers convenient drop-off locations for gently used donations.

DIY for the Fourth of July

Decorating for any holiday can be difficult and expensive, especially if that holiday is only a weekend celebration. Many people would rather spend most of their time and money on food for a Fourth of July party, but these 5 DIY décor projects are easy, inexpensive and will bring out your patriotic spirit!

1. Patriotic Mason Jars

Some adorable red white and blue mason jars make the perfect centerpiece for your 4th of July party. This DIY project has two easy steps, first painting the jars, second arranged the pieces how you prefer.

2. Patriotic Wreath

Add some spirit to your front door with this Patriotic Wreath! You will first need clothespins, wood cutout stars, and a wire wreath frame. Next, separate the clothespins into 3 piles to paint red, white and blue. Arrange all of the blue clothespins together, followed by a pattern of 5 white then 5 red clothespins. Paint the stars white and glue them onto the set of blue clothespins. Your wreath is ready to hang for the summer!

3. Lollipop Centerpiece for the Kids

If you have kids attending your 4th of July party this Lollipop Centerpiece will be a great addition to the table. This quick and easy project can be made in just 10 minutes. All you need is a bucket, a foam ball and 40 red and blue large lollipops or cake pops. Push the sticks into the foam ball, set the foam ball into the bucket and ta-da!

4. Flag Table Runner

This flag table runner adds the perfect patriotic touch for your 4th of July party! It’s simple, easy, and best of all involves No sewing! This burlap flag runner can be as long or as short as you want to cover all tables or just one. It is affordable and easy to do. Once completed you can fray the edges for a rustic look or fold the edges over for a finished look.

5. Patriotic Shutter

This two-step patriotic shutter is a great addition to your front porch or lawn.  All you need is a shutter and paint - it’s that easy! Tape off the stars and stripes and paint away. When completed, put it up for your Fourth of July party or leave it all summer long!

There is still time to create fun, festive projects for your Fourth of July party. Step up your spirit and try out a few of these fun and simple projects. Be sure to check out ThriftWorks! for all your project supplies, and have a safe and happy Fourth of July!