Every year, my family has a gift-giving tradition where everyone makes something handmade for each person in the family. It’s not elaborate, nor does it cost much, but these gifts are easily my favorite gifts of Christmas. There have been yummy goodies, hand-made cards, crafts, and the guys even get involved building home decor rods or garage storage hooks.
When you know someone has poured their thoughts and time into a gift, creating instead of buying, it becomes incredibly special.
This year, after watching an episode of Project Runway, I was adoring one of the contestant’s scarves. I’d never seen anything like it and I started searching the web for someplace to buy it. I figured it was probably some high-end designer scarf that I couldn’t afford. Well, to my pleasant surprise, it was completely hand-made from old t-shirts, making it free! Thus I set out making my handmade gift.
If you are looking for a quick, super easy gift that doesn’t cost a thing, this designer-inspired t-shirt scarf is perfect!
Materials needed:
old t-shirts (large or X-large) and fabric scissors (yep, that’s it!)
My hubby had an abundance of t-shirts that I knew he’d never miss (until he found the scraps in the garbage and groaned, “Hey, I loved that shirt!” Right, since he hadn’t worn it in years!
First, cut the bottom hem off the shirt, then cut right under the armpit.
Next, fold it in half (hot-dog way) so that the seams meet each other. Then cut 1″ or 1.5″ slits on the seam side. My cuts are 1.5″. Then cut all the way across the t-shirt at each slit.
After cutting, you should have fragments like this.
Take each segment and stretch. It will naturally curl, which is what you want.
After stretching, your pieces will look like this. Line them up with the seams together.
Since you don’t want the seams to show, wrap another scrap of t-shirt around the seams to resemble a small knot.
And, viola!
It can be worn long, or wrapped once around for a more bulky look.
It is fun playing with different color combinations. Get creative and bring out the inner designer in you!
I like this look, with braided t-shirt strands.
This great hand-made gift is surprisingly easy, fashionable and comes from the heart.
Happy creating!
debb says
I LOVE these! Thank you for sharing!
Missy says
That is so cute! I love those colors together. What a fun and easy homemade gift idea.
Carolina F says
Hi Missy I agree looks so cozy and very cute Im sure you have wonderful taste !!!
Kristi says
I’ve seen scarves similar to these around, but never imagined they would be so EASY to make! And that I don’t need a sewing machine! Not only do I need a new scarf, but I just got a pile of old T-shirts that my husband tossed in a pile for donating! Love love love!
Nicolette says
I know! If I don’t have to break out the sewing machine, count me in!
Shelley says
I love this tradition of handmade gifts. We need to start doing that in our family. So much more meaningful. 🙂 So cute!
Nicolette says
Agreed! Merry Christmas;)
Alysha says
Awesome tutorial! And SO cute!
Shelly Moorhouse says
Wow! I just made two of these in under 30 minutes following your instructions! So easy and cute!
Nicolette says
Oh good! I know, I’ve been whipping them out for the girls in my family…easy is my middle name (only in the right context of course!).
Ashley says
Love this idea! We make homemade gifts too. Ill have to try this.
Carolina F says
Hi Ashley. That’s so cool you make homemade gifts .Do you have any link or website ? Thanks you
Micki says
How did you do the braiding?
Nicolette says
I just cut one t-shirt into smaller strands and then braided them. I had to tie those together at the ends to match the rest of the scarf. Another way is to cut the strands at one of the seams. Tie a knot where you want to start braiding, then tie another when you are finished. Hope that makes sense. You can mess around with it to see what works best for you.
Tract says
Do I tie a little piece around both set of seams? Am I making sense? I love this tutorial. I actually could do it and I am a total clod in the daft department! 🙂
Tracy says
Auto correct! Ugh! In the *craft department!
Nicolette says
Funny:). You can wrap both seams, especially if you want to wear it long. I only covered one seam side and I wear the scarf doubled up and the seams don’t show. I’m wearing it now in fact!
Laura Florez says
I loved this tutorial! What a great idea, my husband has a lot of t-shirts that he does not wear anymore so this will be a blast and who knows how many I will have to give as gifts. Thanks so much for sharing.
Kathy says
I absolutely LOVE scarves and am a Project Runway fan so I know what you are talking about. Thanks for the tutorial. I “need” some new scarves but am trying to be a bit more thrifty these days. I can see how I can use interesting color combinations to make more of my clothes work together. THNAKS
Sara says
What a great idea! Love he last picture with the grey braids and thick yellow strips, very cute!
prasangeeka lal says
adorable and amazing idea
Willow says
Love the creativity of this craft! Makes a great gift for family!!! 😁