White t-shirts are a fashion staple, but they are also a laundry room staple. Those bright white tees seem to be absolute stain magnets attracting coffee drips, spaghetti sauce spots, and salad dressing splashes. While detergent, Fels-Naphtha soap and vinegar and baking soda can remove a lot of stains, at some point every t-shirt is beyond saving. It’s not just stains that cause t-shirts to be tossed, they seemingly sprout holes, get stretched out or outgrown, and sometimes just go out of style. The question is what to do with them once they need to go.
Chucking them in the trash isn’t a great option, because landfills are full of old clothing. It’s also a waste of a great resource, because old t-shirts are incredibly handy. “T-shirts may seem worn out, but they’re full of potential,” says DIYer Andrew Ting. “All it takes is a little creativity to transform them into something new and useful.”
Old t-shirts are excellent for DIY projects, great for lint-free cleaning, and all sorts of arts and crafts. We spoke to some home decor, craft, and DIY experts for ideas for what to do with old t-shirts to give them an extra life.
Make Throw Pillows
“I had a stack of t-shirts I just couldn’t let go of. These weren’t just shirts—they were my greatest hits collection: concert tees that survived epic nights, souvenirs from vacations where I spent too much, reminders of work trips, and even a few I swiped from ‘friends.’ Even though I wasn’t wearing them anymore, throwing them out felt criminal. Each one of these shirts was quite literally part of the fabric of my life,” says Amy Acton of Acton Style Group. “So, instead of leaving them to gather dust in a drawer like a forgotten ex, I turned them into throw pillows. Now, they’re part of my daily life, lounging around my house like VIPs. Friends and family can’t resist asking, ‘Wait, is that the shirt from that one concert?’”
Make Yarn
“As a crochet designer, one of my favorite unexpected and creative way to give old t-shirts a second life is turning them into ‘t-shirt yarn’ for knitting, crochet, and other yarn crafts. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to keep textiles out of landfills while creating sturdy, one-of-a-kind projects like rugs, baskets, bags, and more!” says Ashley Parker of The Loopy Lamb. “The process is incredibly simple. By cutting t-shirts into continuous strips and giving them a gentle stretch, the fabric curls into a soft, versatile yarn. It’s perfect for chunky projects, adds great texture to designs, and can even carry a sentimental touch if you use old favorites from your closet.”
Make Rags
“If you’re not sentimental about them, you can easily cut them up into rags. I do this all the time instead of using paper towels—they’re perfect for quick cleanups and spills, and you can just toss them in the laundry when you’re done,” says Echo Wang, co-founder of Cool Travel Vibes.
Make Pet Toys
“Old cotton t-shirts make for great pet toys, just cut them into strips and tie them into a succession of knots and watch your dogs go to town. It’s a great form of recycling but it also means you are not exposing your pets to the harmful chemicals in plastic pet toys,” Aidan Charron, Associate Director, Global Earth Day, EarthDay.org
Wrapping Paper
“Old t-shirts are a goldmine for creative projects. One of my favorite uses is turning them into reusable gift wrap,” suggests Andrew Ting, a DIY Expert and founder of COHn Acrylics. “It’s as simple as cutting the fabric into squares or rectangles and tying it around a gift using the Japanese furoshiki method. It looks artistic, feels personal, and is completely waste-free.”
Make Reusable Shopping Bags
“Use your old t-shirts by turning them into reusable shopping bags. Simply cut the shirt into a desired size and shape, sew the edges together, and add handles. This is a great way to reduce plastic bag usage and contribute to a greener planet,” suggests Peter Martinez, Co-Founder & Fashion Stylist/Designer at Leather Skin Shop.
Make Drawer Liners
“For organization, cut the T-shirts to fit your drawers or cabinets as liners for tools, cushioning kitchenware or craft supplies, and add a flair of personality. Something as simple as an old T-shirt could have such a functional purpose in home improvement!” suggests Farook Member, Director, and Home Improvement Expert at QS Supplies.
Make Cushion Covers For Pets
“My little dogs can be rough on their things. I use old shirts to make them new doggie pillows and soft toys by stuffing them with cotton,” says Dr. Jarrett Manning, an Atlanta-based dentist.
T-Shirt Wall Art
“Give your old t-shirts a new life by turning them into unique wall art. Stretch the t-shirts over art canvases and display them on your wall. This is a great way to showcase your favorite band tees, vintage shirts, or any other t-shirt with sentimental value,” suggests John Smith, the Vice President of Design at Poshele.
Sewing Practice
“If you are a designer or tailor in making, use old t-shirts to fine-tune your sewing skills. You can practice different stitches, patterns, and techniques without worrying about ruining expensive fabric,” says Martinez.
Make Painting Supplies
“They’re great for adding texture to walls: crumple a T-shirt, dip it in paint or glaze, and dab it on walls for a unique faux finish,” says Member. Additionally, before you start painting, stop yourself from making a mess: “You can also use old t-shirts as small, reusable drop cloths to protect countertops, shelves, or floors while painting or doing messy DIY work in tight spaces where a large tarp won’t fit.”
