This week I am sharing with you some photos of my experiments / works in progress using yarn made with old t-shirts.
My first attempt was that small yellowish coaster. I actually struggled coping with the number 9mm hook while crocheting the centre. The oblong mat was my second attempt; I haven't collected enough material to finish it yet 😆 This is recycling.
I was much happier with the look of the small potholder above. It is just white at the moment but I need to add a few more rows. I think it looks neater and the difference with the oblong mat is that I started using a size 6mm hook.
I recently started making this striped bag. The grey colour was nice to crochet with but it didn't go far so I added some red hoping to continue in that colour but the red had to have a number of joints and they didn't look that great so I continue with that mottled white (mottling because there was a design in the t-shirt).
My first attempt at making t-shirt yarn wasn't that successful. I have added this photo so you can see. It was too variable in width, but it will not be wasted.
I have also been given 'proper' fabric yarn from the Tiger Shop. It is extremely slippery so I reckon it's viscose material... I haven't really used this for anything yet because it was bought for 'research' purposes to check the width 😉.
If you ever cut your own t-shirt yarn I recommend using one of those 'tubular' t-shirts so you can avoid joining. Nothing wrong with joining as that is also part of recycling of course. I would also recommend cutting strips about 1.8cm in width - this will depend on your project, but this is what I have found.
I have also briefly prepared some photos to show you how I do it. Here's an old video (not by me) showing you the proper way measuring and using rulers - I'm more of a free spirit when it comes to that...
In the photo above, I have already got rid of the sleeve / chest area.
The next thing I do is to cut off the hemline because I can't use that section.
I then fold the piece but not in half; I leave about 6cm. I aim to cut the strips up to that point only and the photo below shows you more clearly.
I then open the 'mess'. Everything is still joined at that uncut section. As I start cutting, I remember not to just join the cuts because then I would be making hoops. The first cut must be at a slant or diagonal line and does not join to anything.
The other consecutive cuts join across the uncut section.
The photo above shows the nearly finished t-shirt yarn which has not been stretched yet. When you stretch it slightly it will naturally curl and then it's done.
Not perfect but it will do and it's recycled. I only recycle when I am sure that nobody else will want to wear the item. Locally there are three charity shops and a couple of textile banks for when I feel there's still 'life' in a garment.
Have you used t-shirt yarn before ? What do you make with it ?
