Recycled Textile Idea

Over the weekend I attended a textile recycling class at a local non-profit called The Giving Tree and they showed me a really great way to use those old shirts and rags that are taking up useless space in your closet and make them into new things such as bags, rugs, or... coasters. But you do need to have a basic knowledge of knitting or crochet.

1) First, extract that old shirt out of your husband's fingers, because he never wears it, despite his pleading. (Just kidding, Hubby actually gave me this one, but I have plans for some of the others with holes in them.)
2) Trim off the hem at the bottom, the sleeves, and the collar. You can use a regular fabric scissor, obviously, but I found it to be much faster and easier to use a rotary cutter and a mat.

3) Then cut the fabric into one continuous piece, about 3/4" thick using a zigzag motion. (I was cutting parallel to the seems.)

4) Once you're finished, wrap the fabric into a ball and you are ready to knit or crochet.

I used large knitting needles for this project. I'm not sure what size, but they are 10.0 mm thick.

One shirt produces 3 coasters, with a bit leftover. I wasn't ready to do a whole rug so these worked out well. Other ideas are pot holders, reusable grocery bags, rugs, or heavy blankets for the foot of your bed on cold winter nights.

So dig out those old shirts, rags, or sheets and remake them into something new! It's really easy if you already have a basic knowledge of knitting and crochet, and it's a inexpensive way to make gifts.