How to make T-shirt yarn Tutorial (T-Yarn)

Update: 04/06/2020  T-Shirt yarn is a suitable substitute for elastic when making cloth face masks.

Do you have old t-shirts! Don't throw them away! Repurpose them into t-shirt yarn! Our video tutorials show how to transform old t-shirts into yarn that can be used to crochet, knit, weave, or braid.  T-shirt yarn can be used as an elastic substitute when making face masks.

After making the yarn, do you need project ideas on what to make with the t-shirt yarn? The yarn can be used for many home decor and other projects, including rugs, placemats, coasters, necklaces, baskets and more. T-shirt yarn is suitable also for macrame.  Our T-shirt Yarn Crafts page has a list of many free craft projects.

Watch this video and read on for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions on how to make t-shirt yarn which is also known as T-yarn.

What is T-Yarn?

Basically it is a yarn that is made out of an old t-shirt.  However, many stores sell t-yarn which is simply yarn made out of jersey fabric.

DIY t-shirt yarn tutorial

• T-shirts
• A pair of sharp Fabric Scissors

HELPFUL TIPS when making t-shirt yarn

• The tee shirt should not have any side seams.
• If the tee shirt has printing, only use the unprinted portion.
• To cut the t-shirt yarn, use sharp fabric scissors.
• If you want to make t-yarn but have no old t-shirt, t-shirts can be purchased from craft stores and dollar stores.

STEP 1: Cut Off Top and Bottom

Start by placing the tee-shirt out flat on a work surface. Cut off the sleeves by cutting a horizontal line directly under the armhole.  If the t-shirt has a printed logo, cut horizontally below the printing. Then, cut off the hem at the bottom of the shirt. Place the sleeves and hem aside to use for another purpose.

After removing the sleeves and hem you are left with the middle section which is a rectangular tube. Fold the t-shirt from fold side up toward fold side, leaving the top fold sticking out about 1".

STEP 2: Cutting Strips

Start cutting strips but do not cut through the top fold. You can mark the strip width with a chalk pencil or eye-ball it. The width of the strips will determine the thickness of the yarn. The strip widths are normally one to two inches. The minimum width should be about ½”.
After all the strips are cut, it should look like the following picture.

STEP 3: Making One Continuous Strip of Yarn

To make one continuous t-shirt yarn strip, referring to the above photo, unfold the t-shirt.  With a scissors cut diagonally from the top of the first slit to the left side of the fabric. Then cut from the top of the second slit to the bottom of the first slit. Continue cutting diagonally across the entire t-shirt.  

Now you will have a single long strip of continuous t-shirt yarn.

STEP 4: Stretch It

Next is to turn the strip into a tubular yarn.  Beginning at one end of the strip and stretch it between your hands. The fabric will magically curl on itself.  Keep stretching the entire length of yarn.

STEP 5: Wrap Yarn Into a Ball

After the t-shirt yarn is stretched, roll the t-yarn into a ball.

The t-shirt yarn is ready to use. This yarn can be used as you would any other yarn in crochet and knitting projects.  Have fun making a project with your t-shirt yarn!

Interested in more things to do with t-shirts?  Check out our T-shirt recycling page.

How to Join T-Shirt Yarn 

You may have to join two pieces of t-shirt yarn together. The following videos will show two methods for joining the yarn together.

METHOD #1No-Sew Method - This video shows how to join two pieces of t-yarn together without sewing.

METHOD #2 Stitched Method - Watch this video showing how to join two pieces of t-yarn together with a few small hand stitches.