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How To Turn T Shirts Into T Yarn For Rag Rugs

DebsCrochetEtsy by DebsCrochetEtsy
Last updated: 01/21/2012

How To Make T Yarn From Old T Shirts

Let's face it, yarn is getting expensive. I wanted to find a way to save money and I even managed to accomplish some recycling.I have made some great items like totes and rugs from old cotton t shirts that i purchased from my local thrift store.(sales proceeds go to area food banks-another plus) Here I will explain how you can make T Yarn . Be warned, i got a nasty blister on my thumb when i first started this. You need a good sharp pair of scissors!

How to make t yarn

The best t shirts i find to use are cotton ones with no side seams and no transfers. You start by cutting the t shirt in half just below the arms.Now starting at the cut part of the bottom half of the t shirt, start cutting. I use my thumb nail as a width guide as i cut. Work in a spiral until you get to the hem at the end of the shirt. End cut, leave the seam aside.
Now if you don't have a blister from all that cutting, take the end of your cut strip you just made and pull it a little with both hands to stretch it out. working your way to the end. You will see it curl up on itself ( your t yarn is born) Repeat this process a billion times more (give or take) for your desired project.

The cutting

Making the "yarn"

Something Old into Something New

Rag rug close up made with t shirts

This is a close up of one of the rugs i made with t shirt yarn. I found that a size N hook worked the best. I also work over the ends instead of sewing together and it comes out fine. I use single crochet stitches. After i finish my rug i take it out on my deck and hose it off. This helps get rid of any loose fibers and shapes it nicely. I then hang it over my railing to dry.

Hexagon Rag Rug

Hexagon Rag Rug crocheted from T shirts 

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DebsCrochetEtsy

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