18 T-Shirt Refashion and Upcycle Tutorials

heather handmade sewing

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Do something fun with all those extra t-shirts by using one of these fun t-shirt refashion and upcycle tutorials! Reuse something unwanted!

Either my husband or I have WAY too many t-shirts hanging around. T-shirts are always in abundance at the thrift store and easy hand-me-downs to come by, so I put together a round up of some awesome t-shirt refashion tutorials that you can do yourself!

There’s a tutorial for every problem you have: too large, too small, cover a stain, sew inexpensively, etc!

T-Shirt Refashion and Upcycle Tutorials

What is refashioning?

Refashioning is to fashion clothing again or differently. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing clothing to fit different or to look different, but the majority of the item stays the same.

13 T-Shirt Refashion Tutorials // heatherhandmade.com

What is upcycling?

Upcycling is to reuse material to create something better than the original. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing adult clothing into clothing for children or I’m sewing clothing into an accessory or house item.

Upcycling saves time, saves money, saves the environment, and saves memories.

Save time by reusing details from the original shirt. Save money by using something you already have.

Save the environment by keeping t-shirts out of the landfill. Save memories by reusing a favorite adult t-shirt for your toddler or child.

Do you love to refashion? Check out these lists of refashion ideas! There’s something for everyone!

Which one would you like to try?

T-Shirt Refashion and Upcycle Projects

ruffle tshirt refashion tutorial

DIY Ruffle T-Shirt Refashion Tutorial

Learn how to add a ruffle to the shoulders of a tee for the perfect t-shirt refashion. It brings the shoulders in for a more feminine look.

How to Refashion a T-Shirt That is Too Small

How to Refashion a T-Shirt That is Too Small

Learn how to refashion a t-shirt that is too small by removing your favorite graphic and putting it onto a larger t-shirt or shirt.

cropped-kid-tshirt-romper-12.jpg

Kid Upcycled T-Shirt Romper and Dress Sewing Pattern

Upcycle an adult t-shirt into a romper, jumpsuit, or dress for kids with this PDF sewing pattern. Upcycling is fun with this beginner sewing project. I’m so excited to share this pattern with you! The Kid Upcycled T-Shirt Romper and Dress sewing pattern is a beginner level sewing pattern that comes in seven child sizes.

13 T-Shirt Refashion Tutorials // heatherhandmade.com

How to Add Fringe to a Top

Learn how to refashion a t-shirt when you add fringe to a top! This is a great way to shorten a t-shirt or hide a stain!

free baby pattern

DIY T-Shirt Romper + FREE PATTERN

Upcycle an adult t-shirt into a baby DIY t-shirt romper with this free sewing pattern in size 6 mos. It’s a great way to save money and save time! Do you ever have a t-shirt that you just love, and you wear it out until it’s soft and comfortable? Turn it into a baby t-shirt

diy sunglasses case upcycled

Upcycled DIY Sunglasses Case

Learn how to make a DIY sunglasses case by upcycling a sleeve or pair of leggings. Reuse the hem for fast sewing and a scrap of fleece for cushion.

Upcycled T-Shirt Romper and Dress Sewing Pattern

Upcycle an adult t-shirt into a romper or a dress with this sewing pattern in toddler and baby sizes. There are three views with lots of different options. I’m so excited to share this pattern with you! The Upcycled T-Shirt Romper and Dress pattern comes with six baby and toddler sizes and three views. I

free baby leggings pattern

Free Baby Leggings Pattern

Learn how to make baby leggings with a free sewing pattern. Use either knit fabric or an adult t-shirt for a quick baby sewing project.

happy kids wearing capes

How to Make a Cape from a T-Shirt

Learn how to make a cape from a t-shirt for the easiest DIY cape! Add Velcro to the neck for an easy on and off option.

upcycled t-shirt leggings

How to Upcycle a T-Shirt into Leggings

Learn how to upcycle an adult t-shirt into baby and toddler leggings. This is a quick sewing project and the perfect baby gift!

upcycled t-shirt backpack

DIY Upcycled T-Shirt Backpack

Learn how to upcycle a t-shirt into a backpack. This is a great beginner sewing project to make a simple backpack!

Baby T-Shirt Pants Sewing Pattern

Baby T-Shirt Pants Sewing Pattern

Upcycle an adult t-shirt into loose fit pants or shorts with this sewing pattern in toddler and baby sizes. Cut the pants and shorts to reuse the graphic on the back.

How to add fabric to bottom of shirts

If your tee is too short or it shrunk in the wash, you can use this t-shirt refashion tutorial to give it another life.

Wrap T-Shirt Refashion

This wrap tee is stunning and easy to recreate! It would be great for any t-shirt that’s just a little bit too big.

No Sew Cardigan Refashion

Did you get a stain on the front of your tee or did it shrink in the wash? Make this no-sew cardigan to keep wearing it!

T-Shirt Refashion with Lace

Did you get a stain on the front of your tee shirt? Cover it up with lace! This lace t-shirt is stunning!

Reverse applique t-shirt refashion

Hide those bleach spots or stains with this cute applique refashion! I love the floral print showing through.

Easy lounge pants: tutorial with pattern

Use up those t-shirts you want to donate by turning them into baby pants. This tutorial even comes with a free sewing pattern!

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!

14 T-Shirt Refashion and Upcycle Tutorials
heather sewing

I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather

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I loved your re-fashioned coat story. I hoped to see it.
I made my own clothes when younger, now full-time fine art but still love sewing.
As a licensed therapist – on hiatus – I also loved the healing factor of making things.
Thank you!

Thanks for featuring my bow sleeve tee, love your site xoxoxo

Thank you so much for the feature! I am so glad you like my refashion. there are some wonderful ideas here. I paticulalry like the one with the bows on the shoulders 😀 xxx