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!

Baby leggings. My baby can have one in every single color and every single pattern. I love them.

I’m pretty sure she loves this baby leggings tutorial because they are so comfortable and perfect for being a busy body. They are great for warmth in the winter and protection from the sun in the summer.

The baby leggings pair perfectly with dresses and perfectly with tees. And they can be made in about half an hour or less when you reuse the hems of an adult tee shirt!

What t-shirt works best?

My favorite t-shirts to use for upcycling is men’s t-shirts. It’s always easy to find a men’s t-shirt in my house or at the thrift store!

They are more often made from stronger and thicker knit fabric while still being soft and stretchy. They are never too stretchy or have too much drape.

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. I love to upcycle so much!

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 make t-shirts into leggings? Buy this Upcycled Leggings and Shorts pattern to get multiple sizes and views

How to Upcycle a T-Shirt into Leggings

Supplies Needed:

• Adult tee
• Sewing tools
• Leggings pattern
• Sewing machine

Baby Leggings Tutorial

Draw the hem allowance onto the leggings pattern piece.

Line up the drawn line with the hem of the t-shirt.

Cut out the pattern piece. You will cut out two patterns pieces that are mirrored since the t-shirt will be laying flat with the wrong sides of the fabric together.

Sew the leggings as the sewing pattern directs.

Find the big list of all the upcycling tutorials I’ve created!

Share any upcycle inspired projects for your children with the hashtag #upcycledkid!