For most ladies, it seems like every time a new season falls upon us gives us a new excuse to go shopping for new clothes. It’s normal to ignore all the perfectly fine clothes you already have in your closet and go buy new ones. It’s a never ending cycle that’s really hard to break.
It’s not that we need new clothes (because we don’t), it’s more of the desire to have new and different clothes to wear. But obtaining new clothes for your wardrobe doesn’t necessarily mean you have to purchase them.
Instead of ignoring those old t-shirts you no longer have any use for hanging around in the back of your closet, why not try transforming them into something you’d actually want to wear.
Check out some of the t-shirt DIY projects below that are perfect for the summer.
#1. T-Shirt Headbands
If you have a t-shirt that you no longer care for but love the color of, try turning it into a headband! It’ll be great hair accessories for the season.
#2. Lace Insert T- Shirt
Cut any shape you want into the back of your shirt and fill it with lace of your choice. If you don’t know what shape to cut out, this crescent moon looks like a super cute way to go.
#3. Diamond Back T-Shirt
This cool ripped back tee made from a boring over-sized tee is a perfect swimsuit cover-up and super easy to make if you’re good with scissors.
#4. Grommet Shoulder Top
Doesn’t it look like it was bought from the store this way? All you need is an old t-shirt and a eyelet grommet pliers set or a metal grommet trimming. It’s a nice way to show skin some skin without exposing too much.
#5. Side Crocheted Tank
Cut the sides off of a t-shirt you like and sew lace onto the sides of it to give it pizazz. It’ll be a nice upgrade.
#6. Lace-Up Side Tank
Just cut off the arms of the t-shirt, cut the sides, snip some small holes, and lace-up the sides with some braided string. Voila!
#7. Lattice Shoulder Cutout Tee
Recreate this fancy lattice look on your t-shirt by cutting vertical lines on the front of your shirt and then stud the pieces together.
#8. Lace Collar Tank
Turn a plain t-shirt into a cute one by adding a lace peter pan collar to it. Simply sew the lace on!
#9. Bow Back Tee
Add a bow to the back of your shirt by cutting out pieces and turning it into a bow and sewing it back onto the back of the shirt afterwards.
#10. Cut-Out Back Tee
Tie-dying a shirt has always been a fun and easy DIY to do but take it up a notch by adding a cut out to the back.
#11. Tee Turned Strapless Dress
Who says your t-shirt has to stay a shirt? If you have an oversized shirt, turn it into a dress!
#12. Strap-Back Tank
To make this unique strap-back tank, cut up the back of the shirt and braid the pieces together.
#13. Slashed Tee
For this grungy look, just cut vertical lines on the back of your shirt and stretch out the material carefully.
#14. The Rib Cage/Spine Tee
If you want a challenge, try recreating this rib cage/spine backing to your t-shirt as it takes more intricate braiding.
#15. Side-Tie Tee
This muscle tank top couldn’t be any easier to make. All you need to do is cut down each side and tie it at the bottom.
#16. Tie-Back Beach Cover-Up
Another tie-dye cut up DIY, but this time with a braided back! This would make a great and fun cover-up for the beach.
#17. Gucci-Inspired Neck Cutout Top
Cut out shapes around the neck collar and on the sleeves to recreate this creative top.
#18. T-Shirt Bag
Transform a shirt that is no longer of any use to you into a reusable bag that you can take along to all of your grocery trips.
#19. Woven-Back Tee
To recreate this look, cut horizontal lines on the back of your shirt and literally weave each line to the one on top of it one by one.
#20. Crocheted Back Tee
If you’re good at crocheting, put your crocheting skills to use on the back of a t-shirt to recreate this unique look.
#21. Tie-Back Tank Top
Cut off the sleeves and neck collar of an old shirt you don’t care for to turn it into a tank top. Then use a ribbon to tie the back of the top to recreate this look.
#22. Ombre Tank
Turn your shirt into a tank and dip it into fabric dye (a color of your choice) to create an ombre tank!
#23. Graphic Word T-Shirt
Want a specific word or words on your shirt but can’t find it anywhere in stores? Custom make it yourself and create the graphic tee of your dreams.
#24. Ruffled-Top Tee
Transform an old plain t-shirt into a tube top with some ruffles to show off those arms you’ve been working so hard to tone.
#25. Butterfly Twist-Back Tee
To make this beautiful butterfly twist in the back, just cut the shoulder and side seams of one side of the sleeveless shirt, twist the shirt, pin the seams together and sew.
Bonus: DIY Ideas for Old Jeans
Denim Wine Bag
Bringing wine as a gift is always a great gesture. Repurpose distressed denim to create a denim wine bag. Using scissors, snip denim and sew the bottom to ensure the glass bottle is supported. Pro tip: if you’re not great at sewing, use a stapler to get the job done.
Denim Passport Carrier
This is perfect for those who love to travel. Construct this simple denim passport carrier, without sewing. Simply use hot glue to paste denim pieces together, and add a snap button for additional security.
Denim Pumpkin
Halloween is here! Greet trick or treaters with denim pumpkins, repurposed from old denim. This is a perfect craft for the Fall season, and is a great way to spruce up your porch.
Denim Pot Holders
Keep hands protected by fashioning denim pot holders for cooking. The denim’s handy pockets serve as a perfect place to slip hands into, ensuring a solid grip.
Denim Wall Art
Recreate a unique piece of wall art using recycled denim. Simply cut up denim in different shapes and sizes, artistically creating your own design.
Denim Snack Bag
Forgo the traditional brown paper bag, and opt for a fashionable denim snack bag to carry your lunch or other snacks. Trust us, this snack bag will make quite a statement in the lunchroom.
Denim Baby Bib
It’s inevitable that babies will drool, spill, and just make a mess. But, there’s no need to worry! Craft an economical, denim baby bib using old jeans.
Denim Lampshade
Create this striking lampshade by weaving together pieces of repurposed denim. This unique lampshade is eye-catching, and sure to be the centerpiece any room.
Denim Wreath
Welcome and wow guests by crafting a denim wreath. Use circular foam as a base, cutting and folding denim in a flower-like pattern. Use hot glue to layer the flower pieces on top of one another.
Denim Plush Toy
How cute! Use soft denim and intermediate sewing skills to craft this adorable plush toy.
Denim Bracelet
Braid strips of old denim to craft this stylish bracelet. And, add additional embellishments for sparkle.
Denim Coasters
Create fun drink coasters using the pockets of distressed denim. Simply cut denim pockets and use immediately. If the edges are frayed, no problem, it’s part of the vintage aesthetic.
Denim Backpack
Craft a eco-friendly backpack by upcycling old denim. This DIY may take a little more time, but the outcome is so worth it.
Denim Bulletin Board
Organize photos and your favorite memories by crafting a denim bulletin board. All that’s needed is a cork board, worn denim, and hot glue. Love this!
Denim Quilt
Sew various pieces of denim together to construct this eclectic denim quilt. With the durability of the denim, the quilt can withstand the outdoors and can easily be washed.
Denim Apron
The kitchen can get messy. Reuse old denim to make a denim cooking apron. Bon appetit!
Denim Shirt Pillow
Cover a worn pillow with a denim shirt, without having to cut it. This creative DIY is sure to have friends and family ask where you purchased this unique pillow.
Denim Bookmark
Craft this cute and creative denim bookmark using recycled denim.
Denim Basket
This denim basket can be used to hold various items. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need more than one pair of jeans.
Denim Beaded Ring
Craft a colorful beaded ring using distressed denim. This is a perfect slumber party activity as it’s fun and easy to make.
Denim Christmas Ornaments
Create one of a kind denim Christmas ornaments. Craft different shapes and sizes for varied assortment.
Denim Table Setting
Host a memorable dinner party by creating table placemats from old denim. Utilizing the pocket as a utensil holder, this craft is sure to wow guests and have them asking where you got them from.
Denim Handbag
While this DIY looks complicated, it is actually fairly simply. Convert old, unused denim into a fashionable handbag. Add fun patchwork to personalize the accessory.
Denim Accessory Hanger
Hang your favorite accessories using recycled denim. Construct this accessory hanger using shower curtain hooks and a hole punch to create a useful appartus. Let the organization begin!
Denim Cutoff Shorts
Love your denim jeans, but the ends are tattered and torn? Simply cut jeans to convert them into stylish denim shorts.
Denim Book Cover
Repurpose used denim by covering your favorite novel or notebook. Simply sew or staple the hem to fit the book accordingly.
Denim Bean Bag
How awesome! Sit back and relax in this chic denim bean bag.
Denim Christmas Stockings
Christmas is right around the corner. Craft a unique Christmas stocking this holiday season using old denim.
Denim Scarf
This DIY is perfect for Fall’s changing seasonal weather. Cut and crochet denim to craft a one of a kind denim scarf.
Denim Duffle Bag
The durability of denim makes it a great material to use as a duffle bag. Now, you’re ready to break a sweat.
Denim Hair Accessories
Customize hair accessories by reusing old denim. Simply trim belt loops from your denim piece and hot glue the loop to hair clips. Once dried, clip the hair accessories into hair and enjoy.
Denim Rug
Craft a cool denim rug for your home or office using old denim. Simply sew various denim pieces together in a pattern of your choice. This is a great way to add color to any room.
Denim Phone Charger
Charge your cell phone conveniently using a denim pocket. Simply trim the pocket, using the excess material to hang around the base of the charger while it’s plugged into an outlet. This is an awesome hack!
Denim On-The-Go Carrier
This useful carrier is perfect for carrying a picnic quilt, or even a yoga mat, on-the-go. Quickly roll up your favorite blanket or mat and head out the door.
Denim Napkin Rings
This is country chic at its finest. Impress guests at your next dinner party by crafting these unconventional napkin rings made from upcycled denim cuffs.
Denim Bins
Construct denim bins in a few easy steps. These bins are so versatile, and can be used for anything you may need.
Denim Slippers
Look, and feel, adorable around the house by crafting these stylish slippers. Print out pattern pieces and sew denim accordingly.
Denim Necklace
Make this cute denim necklace by simply trimming unused denim to comfortably fit around your neck. Add rhinestones or embellishments to enhance style.
Denim Tool Belt
Keep tools on hand by crafting a denim tool belt. Cut along the leg seams, leaving the waistband intact and hemming the edges.
Denim Camera Bag
Cameras can be very expensive. Keep camera or other favorite equipment safe by crafting a camera bag from recycled denim.