Trash to Treasure – T-shirt Scarf

I have been sewing lots lately and decided to use the fabrics that I have on hand instead of going back to the store to buy brand new, fancy fabrics.  Most of my on-hand fabrics are old, retired t-shirts.  I’ve seen many different varieties of a t-shirt scarf and here is my own version.

Supplies:  2 adult t-shirts, a sewing machine, pins, needle, thread, and scissors

Directions:

-Decide how wide you want your scarf to be.  I used a scarf I had on hand as a guide.
-Cut strips from your shirts.  I cut about 8″ wide strips starting from the bottom of the shirt (cute through both sides).  Remove arms and neck pieces.
-After I cut the width strips I cut those strips into 12″ lengths (approx. size only – all sizes can vary).
-Decide on a pattern and color scheme by laying the strips out the way you would like them on your scarf.
-Pin the front sides of two (2) pieces – continue this process all the way down the length of your scarf.  My length was about five (5) pieces – well over 6 ft total.
-Repeat these steps for the back side of scarf.  *My version has two (2) sides and at the end will look like a tube before it’s turned to the right side.
-Begin sewing where your pins are leaving about 1/4-1/2″ seam allowance.
-After you have the desired lengths sewn then you can begin sewing the front and back sides together.
-I sewed down one long side, one short side, and the other long side – leaving the final short side open – right sides facing (inside out).
-On the final short side sew 2/3 of the way across (still with right sides facing).
-Turn your scarf so right sides are facing out.  You may choose to iron the back side before flipping to allow the seams to lay nicely.
-Hand stitch the remaining hole closed using a blind stitch (which I’m not sure I’ve really learned or mastered but it looks good to me).
–You are now ready to wear your scarf!

The wilder the print on the t-shirt the more unique your scarf will be.  As you can see in the pictures above mine were pretty simple – but depending on how you wrap your scarf you can see different parts of the pattern.  I have plans to make a smaller version for my tot to use in her dress up box since she apparently likes mine.  I also have plans to make one for this falls football season to match our teams colors!

Did you make anything this week?  Add your link in the comments and I’ll come check it out!

Want me to make you a scarf using your favorite t-shirts?  Send me an email and we can coordinate the details.  I’m thinking of opening an Etsy store with some of my sewing projects – am I crazy?

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