3 Ways to Upcycle T-Shirts for Boys

Learn simple ways to upcycle t-shirts for boys. I love that these simple sewing tutorials add the perfect touch to a plain boys t-shirt.

Well, has the quick project bug bitten you yet?! I have been working on these projects all month, so I’m so excited to finally be sharing them with you. These projects were so fun to think up and make!

Do you love to upcycle? Make one of these upcycle projects for kids! T-shirts are one of my favorite items to upcycle and refashion since they are easy to find and versatile!

It’s pretty easy to make simple things for girls, but let’s not leave out the boys! I’ve got three boy’s tees upcycles to inspire you today!

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.

Zipper tee upcycle

First up, the zipper tee. You need a basic tee and a zipper.

Pin the zipper from the neckline to the sleeve hem along the shoulder seam. Fold both ends under the shirt.

Sew the zipper on with a straight stitch and fold both ends. Done!

pocket tee upcycle

Next, the pocket tee. You need a basic tee and a pocket from a men’s button up shirt.

1. Remove a pocket from a men’s button up shirt.

2. Pin onto the shirt and sew. Done!

*I did fold the sides and bottoms and extra 1/4″, so that it wasn’t too overwhelming on the shirt. I really like the large off-set pocket on the tee.

leather tee upcycle

Lastly, the leather trimmed tee. You need a basic tee and leather or faux-leather strips.

1. Cut the leather into a 3/4″ long strip. Cut it into three pieces that will fit across the side chest and shoulders.

2. I cut mine extra long so I could pin the ends then go back and trim them after.

3. Sew on with a straight stitch. Trim ends. Done!

I really love these basic tees and think they look so great on my son! They were so easy, but they’re so trendy and fun for boys!

Which one is your favorite of the three?

If you upcycle t-shirts for boys using this tutorial, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!