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Writer's pictureHeather Rafool

Need to Upcycle an Old T-Shrit? Here Are Fun Ways to Cut a Shirt

Whether in your closet and bought brand new, t-shirts are a staple in everyone's wardrobe. But don't let the drab style turn you off. Here are fun ways to cut a shirt.


Keyword(s): fun ways to cut a shirt; how to cut the bottom of a shirt, how to cut a tee shirt, t shirt neckline cutting ideas, how to cut your shirt, cut up tee shirts #Oldtshirt #DIY #CutShirt #RetroTee

The classic t-shirt is a wardrobe staple around the world. In the U.S., over 90% of people have a favorite t-shirt. That's a lot of t-shirts in a lot of wardrobes!

What do you do when your favorite t-shirt gets old? Upcycle it into something else!

There are so many ways to cut a shirt and turn it into something fun and fashionable.

Read more to learn the best ways to cut a shirt.

Upcycling is Recycling

Upcycling is a great way to recycle.

Instead of throwing that old shirt away, you can turn it into something else. Sometimes all it takes is a few precise cuts with a sharp pair of scissors.

Other ways are a little harder, but the results are great.

There are step-by-step directions all over the web for most of these methods.

Fun Ways to Cut a Shirt

Fringe is fun, and it's in. And it's easy to do!

You can start at the hem and cut straight up in vertical cuts for a great fringy bottom. Or, make some cuts higher than others to create a great triangle shape.

Try mixing and matching long vertical cuts with shorter cuts for something different. Be creative and come up with your own design.

You can leave the sleeves plain or give them some fringe too.

A fringed t-shirt makes a great coverup for your next pool party.

Cut that Collar

This is a simple change but makes a world of difference.

Do you have one of those old band t-shirts with the high crew neck? Find it restrictive and uncomfortable, but you love the shirt?

Take a pair of scissors and carefully cut the neck out.

Take it a step farther and cut a deep V if you like the V-neck look.

This is a great way to update your vintage t-shirt without losing the screen print or logo.

Best Scarf Ever

Here's something fun for a shirt with a hole.

You can turn it into a slasher scarf. Take an old t-shirt and a pair of sharp fabric scissors.

Lay the t-shirt out and cut it from one arm across to the other to cut the top off. Go ahead and cut down one side to make a long rectangle.

Start at the bottom and fold the shirt to the top in an accordion style.

Make the folds as even as possible. Make the accordions several inches across.

Once the shirt is folded, cut slits down one side of the t-shirt. Don't cut too deep.

Make cuts down the other side of the t-shirt, staggering them between the cuts you already made.

After you've made all the cuts unfold the shirt. Go ahead and stretch out the holes one at a time.

Once all the holes are stretched, you've got a slasher scarf!

It's fashionable and fun, and a great way to upcycle an old t-shirt!

Cut and Slice

Here's a fun one. Take an old t-shirt and cut the collar off, as above.

Then cut off the sleeves.

Don't stop there! Fold the shirt in half vertically toward the front. The back is showing.

Then, near the top of the shirt, cut three or four horizontal lines of different lengths.

When you unfold the shirt, you'll have several slits running across the back near the top of the shirt! The slits add an interesting and unique detail to the back.

T-Shirt Quilt

Here's something unique and interesting, and it makes a great conversation starter.

It's a t-shirt quilt.

This one takes some definite cutting and sewing skills.

But, if you have the skill, this is a great project for upcycling your old t-shirts. You'll use several of your favorite old t-shirts.

You get to preserve them in a fun quilt.

Wait until your friends see all your old t-shirts in a quilt!

If you're up for this project, find directions here.

Ombre Is In

If quilting and sewing isn't your style, there are still plenty of options. How about a simple ombre t-shirt?

This doesn't require any cutting or sewing at all. This works best for an old basic white t-shirt.

Use your favorite color Dylon dye. In a paint tray or large glass casserole dish, mix a quarter of the dye powder with 4 tablespoons of salt and 4 cups of warm water.

Make sure the powder is mixed in and then fill the tray the rest of the way with tap water until the color is diluted.

Hold the t-shirt over the tray and dip it down into the colorful water. Don't dip down too far. You only want the bottom six or eight inches of the t-shirt to be colorful.

Hold the t-shirt in the water for about a minute. Let the color wick up into the t-shirt.

Drain and then rinse the t-shirt in the sink under cold running water.

Let the t-shirt hang to dry for about 15 minutes.

When the shirt is damp, but not dripping, lay it down on a flat surface.

Sprinkle the leftover dye powder onto the bottom of the shirt over the dyed areas. This makes a great speckled look.

Hang to dry.

Once the t-shirt is completely dry, rinse it again and hang again to dry.

Your friends will ask where you got the cool t-shirt!

Give It an Edgy Look

Maybe you've got a brand-new band t-shirt, but you want it to look different from everyone else.

Cut the neck off. At the top of the sleeve, make a cut from the sleeve to the neck. Don't cut all the way through.

Take some scrap fabric and use it to gather up the sleeve and the neckline at the top of the shoulder. Tie the fabric in a knot or bow.

If you don't have scrap fabric, safety pins will work.

Now you've got some edgy sleeves that hang down and look great.

Need a New Belt?

Lay the t-shirt out on a flat surface. Starting at the bottom, cut three vertical strips of fabric.

Pin the strips to a board to hold them in place. Then braid the strips.

Tie the belt around your waist!

So Many Great T-Shirts!

There are so many great t-shirts, and there are so many fun things to do with them.

Now that you know some fun ways to cut a shirt, it's time to make a few cuts of your own.

If you're looking for more cool t-shirts, take a look here.

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