Community

Upcycling a T-shirt into a Four Strand Plaited Belt

Forestwood

If you are anything like me, you tend to accumulate a lot of T-shirts. The ones made in China and Bangladesh, stretch out of shape oh so quickly. You can still wear them around the house, or as pyjamas, but there is still often too many. There is a way to use them up.

Cut up the pre-loved T- shirt into strips depending on how thick you want the belt. I used 4 strips each about  5-6 cm wide. The stretch fabric rolls back onto itself and narrows somewhat so four strands of this width make a four strand plaited belt approximately  4 cm wide. Use a t- shirt cut width-wise or sew several shorter strands together. You need at least 4 strips, each 130cm long to make a belt about 60 – 70 cm in length.

 

Oversew the ends neatly and attach to a ring/ doorknob or hook. Something that will hold the ends fast. A heavy tin, an old nappy pin or a door handle.

IMG_20140417_164202

Begin twisting the four strands of knit fabric along these lines.

 

Image

Try to maintain an even flat plait as one with lumps and bumps won’t look as nice.

Oversew the ends, sewing one end of the belt one over two ‘D’ rings, and ‘voila’… a trendy belt.

Recycling/Upcycling: Something to Ponder About.

 

 

 

Published by Forestwood

A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word. Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, a writer and I enjoy photography and crafts, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.

9 thoughts on “Upcycling a T-shirt into a Four Strand Plaited Belt”

  2. Very good idea! You can also cut t-shirts in squares and stitch them together in a lap quilt. Use the wrong side as the right side because the material will curl and will make a nice looking piece of patchwork.

    Like

    1. Another great idea for recycling. I have a gunna-do project like that only with denim patches from cut up old jeans. It is going to be Tiffany’s rug for the back seat of the car.

      Like

Comments are closed.