5 Ways to Use T-shirt Cord/Yarn

There was an elastic shortage during the 2020 mask making time, and people started to get really creative with other found materials that would work in place of elastic. T-shirt yarn or cord was one of those materials that got a little bit of time in the limelight again. But, it’s such a great way to upcycle and conserve resources.

This very short video shows you how easily you can make yards upon yards of t-shirt cord. One of my least favorite materials to sew is t-shirt jersey knit, because once you cut it, it wants to roll up. That makes it challenging to sew with, even if you stabilize the edges. But, that is also what makes it so fabulous for t-shirt cord.

You can make an “endless” cord or just cut across the bottom of the t-shirt. If I want a ball of yarn without breaks, I use this method. There are lots of videos and tutorials, but this is the first one I found. Continuous t-shirt yarn tutorial video.

5 uses for t-shirt yarn

I upcycle t-shirts that we might otherwise send to thrift or discard and there are way lots of ways I use the cord.

*In the garden - I always have a ball in my ATV to use in the garden. Whatever needs to be tied, can be tied with t-shirt yarn. Since I used 100% cotton, I especially love using it where I want it to rot over time.

*You can crochet, knit, weave, do macrame with t-shirt yarn. Make potholders out of that favorite t-shirt that isn’t wearable anymore.

*Knot lengths of t-shirt yarn together to make cat toys and save your money at the pet store. Or wind t-shirt yarn into a tight ball, tie a good knot, throw it into a bag with dried catnip to absorb the scent.

*Braid or just use a length to keep your hair back. I do this all the time if I get outside and forget a ponytail holder. I cut a length of t-shirt yarn and make an impromptu headband.

*Use it in camping to tie sleeping bags, keep a broken backpack zipper closed, wrist band, fire starter.

Anywhere you need to tie something around the house, campsite, or garden, think about using upcycled t-shirt yarn. Obviously, you don’t want to use it to tie down a heavy load on your trailer, for instance, but around the house, it’s an incredibly useful material!


Your friend,
Anne Dovel