My husband ripped a nearly new shirt that had pink flamingos on a navy background. I thought, “I can use that fabric,” and took it to my sewing room. Next thing I know the grandkids saw it and immediately wanted me to make something out of it for them! I didn’t even know using thrift shirts was a “thing” until today, but it makes tons of sense. My husband just retired and has lots of dress shirts he will never need, and our church rummage sale is coming up. Opportunities!!
Also thrifted 100% wool blankets for the batting. And 100% cotton sheets for the back of the quilt. Great video thanks. Very useful. Love your channel 😻❤️❤️❤️
Just found you and subbed. I sewed my kids clothes when they were little (40+ years ago) so starting sewing again. Making pet beds/sleeping mats ? mostly) and I use small cut up scraps of worn out towels, sweat clothes etc like the size you tossed for filling inside them. Shirts and larger dresses are a great idea. Can use those kind of scraps too. Either way I have to travel about 30 miles to get to a place like WM or Joann's. I pass the S.Army before I get to the plaza, so thanks for the video 👍🏻, never even gave it a thought. ❤ the ideas you put out.
I have been using shirts, recycled sheets for awhile. I save the buttons as well. This year I have been giving the buttonhole strips to my daughter for tying back her tomatoes.
Love this! Thank you for teaching everyone! When I go to a thrift store I don’t see suit coats, shirts, jackets, summer dresses, old table wear. I see linen, cotton, leather, wool, silk. Like my grandmother’s used to see. They were poor farmers who made beautiful things out of “garbage”. Stuff that couldn’t be worn anymore or went out of fashion. Every piece I create has the same title: “This is Garbage”.😅 Because I will never buy new fabric again. Not with all the fabric waste clogging up beaches and landfills around the world.
The entire cuff can just be left intact & used for projects as-is. No need to take it all apart for a tiny scrap. Cuffs are nice, thick pieces with many uses. Can be sewn together to make larger mats of fabric. Excellent thick pieces & so sturdy & nice! Hot pads, purses, wallets, cushion covers, chair pads, vests, etc...
Thank you! You have me thinking! My husband used to have business casual dress code but now he works remote. He is 6’5” and only wore XXL Talls. I’m going to be shopping in his closet later today!😃
I never considered using clothes for fabric, but this is an excellent recycling opportunity. I plan to schedule a visit to my neighborhood thrift store. Thanks for the tutorial 😊!
Thank you for this video!!! This way, we are saving money, as well as saving the planet by making new wonderful things out of "pre-loved" fabric. I have to thank you for teaching me in a previous video that my VERY old 100% Egyptian Cotton (!!!) sheets could be foundations for string blocks. I'm a charity quilter, so it's all about giving joy to others. You are helping us to not only be more creative, but kinder people. Grateful to you as always, from the Rockies in Canada.
@@lutkeone Hi Newbie!!! A string block is made from sewing strips of scrap fabric onto a foundation. It's a no waste super easy way to quilt. The best video is Merry Mabel Market from a year ago, Making String Blocks out of Scraps. The video is 13:03 and has all the info you need. Hope you try it as it's super fun. All the best to you.
I have a friend who makes amazing quilted pot holders out of thrifted fabric. She also lines them with thrifted wool blankets- they are so much nicer than any you can buy in the store- she makes a nice income from them.
My husband was a big guy 4X 5X and wore shirts like that. I was going to do a hand quilt, hand sewn but his friend was up ( husband passed away) and he and his girlfriend make quilts in the winter when they can't get outside as much. It took them a year but they made me the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen and yes they included the pockets, they also made 2 throw pillows out of the same shirts. I had sent 2 storage tubs home with them, they live in TN I live in Ohio. They used a embroidery machine and spelled out "In Memory Of with his date of birth and death, one shirt my husband had been baptized in? They made a long Cross down the quilt out of that fabric. Anna In Ohio
The best part is these fabrics are different from what you can find in a fabric store. So whatever you make will be one of a kind & unique. Tiny checks & plaids are great for baby quilts. Thanks for sharing.
Oh! I've been upcycling men's button-up shirts for 10 years now! When I was in college, I couldn't often afford fabric, and I loved thrift store shopping. I noticed a lot of shirts that were a little beat up--missing buttons, a few paint stains, etc. Just things that I figured probably wouldn't sell. And I'd buy those and cut them up for quilts! 😊 Thank you for the helpful video!
Love this! I have just bmade two quite large quilts from a pile of our old pyjamas, and my sons' old children's shirts. My mother-in-law liked them so much I am making a quilt out of her recently deceased husband's shirts. It's quite a sad process because a few weeks ago he wouldn't have imagined all his clothes being chopped up but hopefully I will create something that mum-in-law will cherish.😊
A hug from him that will last forever. I too have made memory quilts like this. They mean so much to his loved ones. Best wishes as you sew this. It's deep therapy.
It's a way to remember Him. And you really don't want to just toss them or give them away because others may also feel you don't care. Doing this shows you do care 💛
Great way to get some very affordable quality cotton for quilting. I don't do quilting anymore, and am selling most of my stash. But I still love quilting fabrics and seeing the great ideas people come up with to reuse things and turn them into something else beautiful!
❤ Thank you , some of us just don’t have money for the expensive material. I’ve made my daughter a quilt out of m shirts and bedding . Made with love x can’t beat that❤❤❤
I make memory bears from shirts like this. I have been taking shirts apart for years, but you have taught me a few new ways to go about it. I had not thought to actually buy fabric like this. Thanks.
I've been 'shopping" for fabric at the thrift store's men's shirts for quite some time. I LOVE doing so. Sometimes a 3x or 4x shirt will yield a nice top, or a smaller one an apron. Scraps get pieced into 12" squares for a tote bag front, and some wait for that baby quilt project. Right now I'm shopping/piecing coordinating shirt fabrics to "make fabric" for a dress.
I really enjoy your channel! I love your descriptions of “happy fabric,” “fabric friends,” “holding hands,” and so on. I’ve made your baby “trip around the world” pattern twice and both mamas loved them! 💕
I also HAVE!!! WAY TO MUCH FABRIC. Very small "unassigned" , fabric comes in the door, it gets looked at matched up with what's available.. assigned a pattern, notes added & put in a zip lock bag. Yes, too many "kits", but no "just piles/totes of random fabric. Everytime I complete 6 "kits", I get to pick 6 more. It's like winning the prize drawing sometimes. I grab a tote, take the 'kits' out & tada, great fun.
If you find yourself overwhelmed with 100% cotton fabric (new, repurposed, a funny feel, a funky color once viewed at home ...), consider making then gifting or donating crib sheets. They take about 69"'s worth of 45" wide fabric, 2 to 3 yards of 1/4" elastic, about 1 to 4 hours cut to finish, and a safety pin for threading elastic. If you're clever, you can use 8" and 9" wide strips for the drop down from the top and/ or pieced strips and/ or simply different fabric from the top that covers the top of the mattress. BTW - Crib and toddler bed mattresses are the same size.
Hi from Australia...... Thanks very much for showing how to cut up a shirt :) I went thrifting this morning and large shirts were $15 so they stayed there :( I did pick up a lovely quilt and a nice linen ladies shirt :) Thanks for the storage idea also. 😊
Whoa--this only has the "dislike" icon and I clicked on it unthinkingly! Sorry, I REALLY, REALLY like this video! Shirts are a great way to fill in gaps in a stash, or get a particular color, geometric, or plaid pattern fabric. And yes, the amount available from a 2X or 3X shirt is astonishing!. Thanks for sharing your breakdown method too, I love learning new things.
I just left a comment about using thrifted wool blankets and cotton sheets for the rest of the quilt sandwich, but I can't find my comment now. I wanted to add that any scraps from thrifted items, I chop up and use as stuffing for cat toys, along with cereal plastic (that your cereal comes in). It makes the toys 'crinkle' and the cats love it. I always put "made from recycled materials" on any labelling for the cat toys. ❤❤❤ Love your channel
Your video reminded me about how much clothing ends up in the landfills and/or collected and shipped off to another country. Lately, I've been struggling with even buying fabric from my local op shops (thrift) and have been wondering about different means of getting more fabric cheaper and environmentally sustainable. Thank you for making this video.
This! I cringe at the number of pounds of fabric that goes to landfills daily. I restrict myself to second-hand fabric or reclaimed fabric like this. I buy in bulk other quilters stashes on fb marketplace.
@ladysecretz you could also just advertise in local paper that you accept donations. You would get more if it used for charity. There are a lot of quilters that pass away and their families are trying to get rid of their fabric stashes.
Hello lovely, this is the best video ever!!! I have watched it 3 times, I just love your voice and your brilliant way of empowering us all. I have an idea for a video that I think all your subscribers would enjoy- tell us about your gorgeous sewing machine, thread type and management, you bobbins etc.and machine maintenance, if any. Loads of love Rachel xxxx
I make personal sized quilts for a women's shelter. I never thought of thrifting fabric with men's shirts!! I have gone and bought quality sheets and blankets at thrift stores. Now I have something new to look for at the thrift store! thank you for this tip!
I love turning Mens shirts into jewel neck pullover tops. I also look for long sleeves, and because I live in Florida, cotton is a must. There are a lot of nice rayon shirts out there too, but I’m not an expert sewist yet, and rayon frays a lot. I pick all the seams apart very carefully, though. No just lopping off the collar for me. It’s so much fun!
I found two wedding dresses at Goodwill. Harvested all the beautiful trim, etc. was so much fun to do. I am eying a gray wool coat to harvest and felt. That would be a heavy project
Hi. New to your channel, just watched your green crumb block video, loving your enthusiasm for using up as much fabric as possible. Men's shirts often yield very good quality cotton, I buy clothing for fabric from charity shops, and often find some treasures on their £1 sale rail. Working the shirt pocket into a quilt is a brilliant idea. I've used small fabric pieces to make small items like shoe toe stuffers - include a loop for pulling, pack firmly with toy filling, stitch up the gap - keeps your shoes in good shape. Colour co-ordinated crumb blocks is something I've never thought of. I shall be hunting through the charity shops soon. Lovely videos, thank you. E❤
W😮w I just started to play with fabric for my paper projects and small bags... this is a game changer. Thanks for sharing! Also, keeps textiles out of the landfill or dumped in other countries for just a bit longer. God bless you! And thanks for sharing. 😊
As a new quilter since July, the first fabrics I bought, were bed sheets and duvet covers from charity shops, as we call them here in the UK. Love your tutorials 💞
Confession time. I buy men's shirts for myself to wear. I cut the collars off leaving the bands and the cuffs. Zig zag stitch around those cut edges and there's a work shirt for me. But, I i usually get permanent press as the sweat dries quicker. I have used yard sale shirts in smaller sizes to make a pioneer skirt. Incorporating the pockets of some of them. Fun around the house outfit.
I did not think of that!! I’m super new to sewing and quilting, I’m gathering info to make my first quilt and this is so cool!! I know she’s talked about wanting to have someone make a quilt from her late mothers clothes that she saved, I think it would be fun to try after I’ve attempted a few quilts before hand so I can have an idea of what I’m doing! I’ll be making a quilt for her (or trying to) out of fabrics I used for all the old enough grand babies aprons I’m making for the holidays!
As a clothing & home dec sewer, xlg men's shirts are great to take apart & cutout women's tops! Also I use sheets & pillowcases for clothes or home dec - great amount of material to make outfits! ❤ I'm currently working with a men's denim shirt & a lovely flannel plaid shirt to combine to make a shacket for my self!
I love men’s shirts for fabric! I think I need to put a limit on number of tubs like you do….I’ve lost track of what all I have. That Nas for the tips.
I started this during the fabric shortage when everyone was sewing masks and slipped into a fabric collection habit that I just wont break! I have gathered so many great woven (not printed) fabrics. Good to see how you handle them. I've started cutting up polar fleece cast-offs to use as layers between cotton for coasters and small projects too.
@@candykammerzell3919 I think there should be a section at the thrift store with stained and ripped clothing and sheets for upcycling, painting drop cloths, and times when you need grungy clothes. I'm not that hard on my clothes so I can't really downgrade that many.
What a great way to recycle shirts! I'm not much of a quilter, but can see the value in repurposing -- they would also be so useful for making children's clothing. Thank you for a well presented video and sharing your ideas with us.
I also use a lot of thrifted men's shirts in quilts. I do keep the usable fabric from the cuffs and the collar. They can be used for English paper piecing, or to make rag rugs. I also keep all of the longer cutoff seams. If the same pieces are too short, I throw them away. I plan to use all of the seams in a braided rug, eventually. Thank you for this video! It's good to see people being thrifty and up cycling!
My ggd loves the comfort of cotton knit shorts,the fabric is hard to find here where I live,so I went to a newly opened thrift store and they had tons of men's brand new t shirts.I bought several,and like you bought the largest size which was 3x.The shirts were $3.99 each,so it only cost me that to make each pair of her shorts. Like you I also buy the men's cotton,button down shirt to make blouses for myself.I .ove plaids and stripes and men's shirts have a lot of both.Glad to meet another,smart,savvy sewer/seamstress.
Girl, you are one after my own heart!!! I have been thrift shop buying for years mainly for repurposing clothes. Thanks for sharing this so others can know what can be done 😊❤
Love your efficient way of deconstructing - have made many memory pillows for our local hospice and always struggle with the best and quickest way to get the most fabric out of the shirts and sometimes jeans and cargo pants. Love the keep the pocket and buttons to incorporate into a project. Thanks!!!!
My Salvation Army is one of my go-to sources for fabric. In addition to cotton clothing finds, it also has a section with donated yardage where I have scored a lot. I also grab up the good denim, not the newer stretchy crap.
"Harvesting"! Love that! I call it "Rescuing!"... I have only ever thrifted fabric for myself...then cotton sheets for my mom for her charity drawstring bags, that get filled with essenstials for Overseas. It is getting harder, as everyone is doing the same...either for sewing/quilting, or necessity. Our thrift stores are marking items to the point where we can go to Walmart and purchase new! CatBird Quilting on YT also thrifts mens' shirts for quilting...such a great idea!
I’m not a quilter but what a great way to get quality cotton fabric at an affordable price! You have a great eye for putting colors and patterns together 🫶
I definitely need to focus on sewing for a season but I appreciate knowing how break down the shirt. My grandma used to make postage size quilts. I needed permission to throw out scraps.
You have my permission to send your scraps to a new home. (Bag them for your local thrift store or throw them out!) OR - here are crumb blocks. A fun way to use them up? ua-cam.com/video/gxhILCY7b7M/v-deo.html
You can use the cuffs to make little pouches. Sew up the sides, leave a flap to fold over and fasten. The flap can have the button holes and you can relocate the buttons to fasten the pouch. You can use the pouch for money, makeup, a small sewing kit to travel with you.... the sky is the limit. You can put the pouch in your pocket book. The interfacing in the cuff makes the pouch sturdier and the pattern of the shirt makes the pouch decorative.
Fascinating. Shirts are also good for crafting and small item sewing like bags, even poly cotton shirts will be good - wash/sponge bags, or cosmetic pouches (line with pieces of cheap plain shower curtain). Cuffs with applied stabiliser can be made into zip pulls, tabs, d-ring tabs, hanging loops, small grab handles. I have some shirts from charity shops (from the reduced rail, at just £1 each) they can be made into shopping totes /linings, children's shorts, toe stuffers to keep shoes in shape. Using stabiliser it's possible to make small dressing table boxes to keep various things in, like hair accessories. I unpick seams wherever possible, save all buttons, and try to use the pocket. Shirts that are "slim fit" /tailored through shaping and darts present a challenge for quilting or making bigger craft items, but patchwork and quilting can overcome that. Wall hangings and bunting in the nursery - all easily made from shirts. Happy sewing, everyone. UK. E ❤.
@@merrymabelmarket thank you for your reply. I really enjoy all these channels devoted to quilting, crafting, recycling ( thrifted) clothing, fabrics, bedding - furnishing materials can be very expensive looking. I learn a lot from these channels about techniques - I'm a good dressmaker but do very little now, so smaller items, perhaps to give as gifts, will be fun. Best wishes. UK. E ♥️
Thanks! I haven’t wanted to use shirts because it looked like such a hassle! Well, you took that excuse away! And, I love your attitude! I like to do charity quilts, and I do hunt for nice sheets to use as quilt backs. If I buy the complete sheet set, I can gift the pillow cases and one of the sheets with the quilt.
I do this all the time as our local charity shop sells everything for £1 and that’s a LOT of cotton for £1! I save extra cute cuffs, leave the button on it and then sew it up the sides to make a button-up embroidery scissor or lipstick holder for my handbag!
I like that your video was right to the point. I also get shirts at my local thrift store, They are a $1 a piece, some times 2 for the price of one, so very good value.
Great video. I invested in some electric scissors and they work so well for this job. I also harvest flannels for cozy quilts. I ALWAYS wash thrifted clothing.
My husband ripped a nearly new shirt that had pink flamingos on a navy background. I thought, “I can use that fabric,” and took it to my sewing room. Next thing I know the grandkids saw it and immediately wanted me to make something out of it for them! I didn’t even know using thrift shirts was a “thing” until today, but it makes tons of sense. My husband just retired and has lots of dress shirts he will never need, and our church rummage sale is coming up. Opportunities!!
Also thrifted 100% wool blankets for the batting.
And 100% cotton sheets for the back of the quilt.
Great video thanks. Very useful.
Love your channel 😻❤️❤️❤️
Save his favorite shirt and make a teddy bear. It makes a great keepsake.
@@stigyanblue1442. I like this idea
I rarely comment on videos but i just have to say i love this straight to the point no nonsense, all valuable information, keep it up
Thank you for your sweet comment!
Me too! Just found this channel and I'm definitely subscribing!
Just found you and subbed. I sewed my kids clothes when they were little (40+ years ago) so starting sewing again. Making pet beds/sleeping mats ? mostly) and I use small cut up scraps of worn out towels, sweat clothes etc like the size you tossed for filling inside them. Shirts and larger dresses are a great idea. Can use those kind of scraps too. Either way I have to travel about 30 miles to get to a place like WM or Joann's. I pass the S.Army before I get to the plaza, so thanks for the video 👍🏻, never even gave it a thought. ❤ the ideas you put out.
I saved my late husband's shirts for quilting. I incorporate pieces of his shirts into quilts for our family.
Brilliant!! I love the thought of his shirts....woven into a quilt hug.
That's beautiful!
My son did this and made a lap quilt for each member of the family. There was so much it often makes a random appearance in other quilts too!❤
Sheets make great backing for quilts & no piecing , second hand sheets are also way better prices
And softer! I love using second hand sheets for my quilts.
Have you ever asked a local hotel or hospital for used sheets? Long ago I know they disinfected them then donated to a local charity.
I have been using shirts, recycled sheets for awhile. I save the buttons as well. This year I have been giving the buttonhole strips to my daughter for tying back her tomatoes.
Love this! Thank you for teaching everyone! When I go to a thrift store I don’t see suit coats, shirts, jackets, summer dresses, old table wear. I see linen, cotton, leather, wool, silk. Like my grandmother’s used to see. They were poor farmers who made beautiful things out of “garbage”. Stuff that couldn’t be worn anymore or went out of fashion. Every piece I create has the same title: “This is Garbage”.😅 Because I will never buy new fabric again. Not with all the fabric waste clogging up beaches and landfills around the world.
The entire cuff can just be left intact & used for projects as-is. No need to take it all apart for a tiny scrap. Cuffs are nice, thick pieces with many uses. Can be sewn together to make larger mats of fabric. Excellent thick pieces & so sturdy & nice! Hot pads, purses, wallets, cushion covers, chair pads, vests, etc...
❤❤❤i thought only "i" did this!
i have 4 large containers full of textile "treasures" i've collected for the last 15 years.
❤❤❤
Brilliant!!
Thank you! You have me thinking! My husband used to have business casual dress code but now he works remote. He is 6’5” and only wore XXL Talls. I’m going to be shopping in his closet later today!😃
Brilliant!!
I never considered using clothes for fabric, but this is an excellent recycling opportunity. I plan to schedule a visit to my neighborhood thrift store. Thanks for the tutorial 😊!
You are welcome! Enjoy your thrift store visit!
Thank you for this video!!! This way, we are saving money, as well as saving the planet by making new wonderful things out of "pre-loved" fabric. I have to thank you for teaching me in a previous video that my VERY old 100% Egyptian Cotton (!!!) sheets could be foundations for string blocks. I'm a charity quilter, so it's all about giving joy to others. You are helping us to not only be more creative, but kinder people. Grateful to you as always, from the Rockies in Canada.
You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind words!
Newbie. What's a string block?
@@lutkeone Hi Newbie!!! A string block is made from sewing strips of scrap fabric onto a foundation. It's a no waste super easy way to quilt. The best video is Merry Mabel Market from a year ago, Making String Blocks out of Scraps. The video is 13:03 and has all the info you need. Hope you try it as it's super fun. All the best to you.
The other thing you can do with sheets is make cot sets for babies and toddler cribs. Plenty of mothers would appreciate the quality gift.
I have a friend who makes amazing quilted pot holders out of thrifted fabric. She also lines them with thrifted wool blankets- they are so much nicer than any you can buy in the store- she makes a nice income from them.
That is awesome!
@@ritaeagle …and you can either incorporate any stains or cut them out
My husband was a big guy 4X 5X and wore shirts like that. I was going to do a hand quilt, hand sewn but his friend was up ( husband passed away) and he and his girlfriend make quilts in the winter when they can't get outside as much. It took them a year but they made me the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen and yes they included the pockets, they also made 2 throw pillows out of the same shirts. I had sent 2 storage tubs home with them, they live in TN I live in Ohio. They used a embroidery machine and spelled out "In Memory Of with his date of birth and death, one shirt my husband had been baptized in? They made a long Cross down the quilt out of that fabric. Anna In Ohio
What a wonderful story and gift.
@@buckeyedav1 beautiful story🥳
The best part is these fabrics are different from what you can find in a fabric store. So whatever you make will be one of a kind & unique. Tiny checks & plaids are great for baby quilts. Thanks for sharing.
Oh! I've been upcycling men's button-up shirts for 10 years now! When I was in college, I couldn't often afford fabric, and I loved thrift store shopping. I noticed a lot of shirts that were a little beat up--missing buttons, a few paint stains, etc. Just things that I figured probably wouldn't sell. And I'd buy those and cut them up for quilts! 😊
Thank you for the helpful video!
Thanks for sharing!!
Love this! I have just bmade two quite large quilts from a pile of our old pyjamas, and my sons' old children's shirts. My mother-in-law liked them so much I am making a quilt out of her recently deceased husband's shirts. It's quite a sad process because a few weeks ago he wouldn't have imagined all his clothes being chopped up but hopefully I will create something that mum-in-law will cherish.😊
A hug from him that will last forever. I too have made memory quilts like this. They mean so much to his loved ones. Best wishes as you sew this. It's deep therapy.
I'm sorry for your loss.❤
It's a way to remember Him. And you really don't want to just toss them or give them away because others may also feel you don't care. Doing this shows you do care 💛
Great way to get some very affordable quality cotton for quilting. I don't do quilting anymore, and am selling most of my stash. But I still love quilting fabrics and seeing the great ideas people come up with to reuse things and turn them into something else beautiful!
i love this soooo much. i am definitely gonna rummage around charity shops to find the large shirts and patterns i like
Please do!
❤ Thank you , some of us just don’t have money for the expensive material. I’ve made my daughter a quilt out of m shirts and bedding . Made with love x can’t beat that❤❤❤
Wonderful!
So many wonderful things can be done with other's discarded clothing! Thanks for another great idea.
You are so welcome!
I make memory bears from shirts like this. I have been taking shirts apart for years, but you have taught me a few new ways to go about it. I had not thought to actually buy fabric like this. Thanks.
That is awesome!
I've been 'shopping" for fabric at the thrift store's men's shirts for quite some time. I LOVE doing so. Sometimes a 3x or 4x shirt will yield a nice top, or a smaller one an apron. Scraps get pieced into 12" squares for a tote bag front, and some wait for that baby quilt project.
Right now I'm shopping/piecing coordinating shirt fabrics to "make fabric" for a dress.
Sounds like such fun project !
Love saving money when it comes to fabrics.
Me too!
I think I am so smart about all things quilting, but I ALWAYS learn something from you! Thank you ❤
Happy to help!
Yes! Man's shirts are the best❤
Agree. Thanks for watching.
Thrifted clothes should washed as soon as you bring them into your your home!
I really enjoy your channel! I love your descriptions of “happy fabric,” “fabric friends,” “holding hands,” and so on. I’ve made your baby “trip around the world” pattern twice and both mamas loved them! 💕
Oh thank you!
Me too! This is totally "my speak" as well... kindred spirits for sure....!
I also HAVE!!! WAY TO MUCH FABRIC. Very small "unassigned" , fabric comes in the door, it gets looked at matched up with what's available.. assigned a pattern, notes added & put in a zip lock bag. Yes, too many "kits", but no "just piles/totes of random fabric. Everytime I complete 6 "kits", I get to pick 6 more. It's like winning the prize drawing sometimes. I grab a tote, take the 'kits' out & tada, great fun.
If you find yourself overwhelmed with 100% cotton fabric (new, repurposed, a funny feel, a funky color once viewed at home ...), consider making then gifting or donating crib sheets. They take about 69"'s worth of 45" wide fabric, 2 to 3 yards of 1/4" elastic, about 1 to 4 hours cut to finish, and a safety pin for threading elastic. If you're clever, you can use 8" and 9" wide strips for the drop down from the top and/ or pieced strips and/ or simply different fabric from the top that covers the top of the mattress. BTW - Crib and toddler bed mattresses are the same size.
What a great idea!
Thanks for these ideas,! I'm a cotton snob too.
WOW! I had no idea the long sleeves had so much fabric.
Thank you! Your video answered a quilting question I had. Excellent resource for fabric!
Wonderful!
Loved to see the fabric storage along with the breakdown process. Great video!
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! 😊
Hi from Australia...... Thanks very much for showing how to cut up a shirt :) I went thrifting this morning and large shirts were $15 so they stayed there :( I did pick up a lovely quilt and a nice linen ladies shirt :) Thanks for the storage idea also. 😊
Thrifting is always an adventure! 😊
Straight to the point and very helpful! Thank you!
Whoa--this only has the "dislike" icon and I clicked on it unthinkingly! Sorry, I REALLY, REALLY like this video! Shirts are a great way to fill in gaps in a stash, or get a particular color, geometric, or plaid pattern fabric. And yes, the amount available from a 2X or 3X shirt is astonishing!. Thanks for sharing your breakdown method too, I love learning new things.
Thanks so much for your feedback! I love that you comment!
I just left a comment about using thrifted wool blankets and cotton sheets for the rest of the quilt sandwich, but I can't find my comment now.
I wanted to add that any scraps from thrifted items, I chop up and use as stuffing for cat toys, along with cereal plastic (that your cereal comes in). It makes the toys 'crinkle' and the cats love it. I always put "made from recycled materials" on any labelling for the cat toys.
❤❤❤ Love your channel
Sounds great!
Recycling IS the best
So fun!!
Your video reminded me about how much clothing ends up in the landfills and/or collected and shipped off to another country. Lately, I've been struggling with even buying fabric from my local op shops (thrift) and have been wondering about different means of getting more fabric cheaper and environmentally sustainable. Thank you for making this video.
This! I cringe at the number of pounds of fabric that goes to landfills daily. I restrict myself to second-hand fabric or reclaimed fabric like this. I buy in bulk other quilters stashes on fb marketplace.
@ladysecretz you could also just advertise in local paper that you accept donations. You would get more if it used for charity. There are a lot of quilters that pass away and their families are trying to get rid of their fabric stashes.
Hello lovely, this is the best video ever!!! I have watched it 3 times, I just love your voice and your brilliant way of empowering us all. I have an idea for a video that I think all your subscribers would enjoy- tell us about your gorgeous sewing machine, thread type and management, you bobbins etc.and machine maintenance, if any. Loads of love Rachel xxxx
What a fun idea!
I make personal sized quilts for a women's shelter. I never thought of thrifting fabric with men's shirts!! I have gone and bought quality sheets and blankets at thrift stores. Now I have something new to look for at the thrift store! thank you for this tip!
That's wonderful!
I love thrifted shirts for quilts!
I do all of this, made so many quilts with thrifted fabric.
It's so great!
I love turning Mens shirts into jewel neck pullover tops. I also look for long sleeves, and because I live in Florida, cotton is a must. There are a lot of nice rayon shirts out there too, but I’m not an expert sewist yet, and rayon frays a lot. I pick all the seams apart very carefully, though. No just lopping off the collar for me. It’s so much fun!
Thanks for sharing!!
I found two wedding dresses at Goodwill. Harvested all the beautiful trim, etc. was so much fun to do. I am eying a gray wool coat to harvest and felt. That would be a heavy project
Most of my "wool" supply was harvested from excellent wool clothing. Such an amazing savings if you love working with wool like I do.
This is great. I am 69. Have quilted for years off and on for years. I am from west Virginia
welcome to our channel!
Hi. New to your channel, just watched your green crumb block video, loving your enthusiasm for using up as much fabric as possible. Men's shirts often yield very good quality cotton, I buy clothing for fabric from charity shops, and often find some treasures on their £1 sale rail. Working the shirt pocket into a quilt is a brilliant idea. I've used small fabric pieces to make small items like shoe toe stuffers - include a loop for pulling, pack firmly with toy filling, stitch up the gap - keeps your shoes in good shape. Colour co-ordinated crumb blocks is something I've never thought of. I shall be hunting through the charity shops soon. Lovely videos, thank you. E❤
So glad you found us. Sounds like you have GREAT plans.
W😮w I just started to play with fabric for my paper projects and small bags... this is a game changer. Thanks for sharing! Also, keeps textiles out of the landfill or dumped in other countries for just a bit longer. God bless you! And thanks for sharing. 😊
Thank you SO MUCH for commenting! Best wishes on your fun projects.
Don't forget the pit sniff test before buying a used shirt. I made that mistake once... and only once.
As a new quilter since July, the first fabrics I bought, were bed sheets and duvet covers from charity shops, as we call them here in the UK. Love your tutorials 💞
Love that!
Confession time. I buy men's shirts for myself to wear. I cut the collars off leaving the bands and the cuffs. Zig zag stitch around those cut edges and there's a work shirt for me. But, I i usually get permanent press as the sweat dries quicker. I have used yard sale shirts in smaller sizes to make a pioneer skirt. Incorporating the pockets of some of them. Fun around the house outfit.
I love it when you confess!
I can buy fabric at my thrift store, never thought about men's shirts, thanks for that idea
You bet!
I did not think of that!! I’m super new to sewing and quilting, I’m gathering info to make my first quilt and this is so cool!! I know she’s talked about wanting to have someone make a quilt from her late mothers clothes that she saved, I think it would be fun to try after I’ve attempted a few quilts before hand so I can have an idea of what I’m doing! I’ll be making a quilt for her (or trying to) out of fabrics I used for all the old enough grand babies aprons I’m making for the holidays!
Fun. Learning to quilt is such a great idea. It is so satisfying and gives great opportunity to create!
Just found your tube! I made a quilt out of thrifted shirts during covid! It is great!!
Wonderful! Welcome!!
Great video. I use the cuff from the shirt with the button as a coffee cup sleeve. 🎉
Love that!
As a clothing & home dec sewer, xlg men's shirts are great to take apart & cutout women's tops! Also I use sheets & pillowcases for clothes or home dec - great amount of material to make outfits! ❤ I'm currently working with a men's denim shirt & a lovely flannel plaid shirt to combine to make a shacket for my self!
Sounds SO fun!
So smart and creative
I love this!! Thank you for sharing how you salvage the shirts. I think the pockets would be great to use for a little pocket on purse linings.
Great tip!
Going to head to the closet and grab my husband's shirts and mine to recycle. What a way to clean out the closet!
Love that!
I love men’s shirts for fabric! I think I need to put a limit on number of tubs like you do….I’ve lost track of what all I have. That
Nas for the tips.
A limit does help me.
I started this during the fabric shortage when everyone was sewing masks and slipped into a fabric collection habit that I just wont break! I have gathered so many great woven (not printed) fabrics. Good to see how you handle them. I've started cutting up polar fleece cast-offs to use as layers between cotton for coasters and small projects too.
Wonderful!
I started cutting up antique linens working around stains. Amazing how much fabric was in a huge tablecloth and napkins!
@@candykammerzell3919 I think there should be a section at the thrift store with stained and ripped clothing and sheets for upcycling, painting drop cloths, and times when you need grungy clothes. I'm not that hard on my clothes so I can't really downgrade that many.
What a great way to recycle shirts! I'm not much of a quilter, but can see the value in repurposing -- they would also be so useful for making children's clothing. Thank you for a well presented video and sharing your ideas with us.
Thank you for watching and commenting. So kind.
I found 100% cotton queen sz sheets in aqua, buttery yellow and a pretty floral..bought every single one for future sewing. Lucky find!
HOORAY!!!
I also use a lot of thrifted men's shirts in quilts. I do keep the usable fabric from the cuffs and the collar. They can be used for English paper piecing, or to make rag rugs. I also keep all of the longer cutoff seams. If the same pieces are too short, I throw them away. I plan to use all of the seams in a braided rug, eventually. Thank you for this video! It's good to see people being thrifty and up cycling!
Great tips.
Totally agree 100% cotton ONLY. Sourcing quality & unique fabrics with men's shirts & bedding! Been doing this for years. TY for your instruction!
Yes!
Wow. Very good idea. Its very hard to find cotton fabric at my place and its usually expensive. I will go to thrift store and apply your tips
My ggd loves the comfort of cotton knit shorts,the fabric is hard to find here where I live,so I went to a newly opened thrift store and they had tons of men's brand new t shirts.I bought several,and like you bought the largest size which was 3x.The shirts were $3.99 each,so it only cost me that to make each pair of her shorts. Like you I also buy the men's cotton,button down shirt to make blouses for myself.I .ove plaids and stripes and men's shirts have a lot of both.Glad to meet another,smart,savvy sewer/seamstress.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
These are great to make double folded bias tape! Thank you for these wonderful tips. Who knew?
Girl, you are one after my own heart!!! I have been thrift shop buying for years mainly for repurposing clothes.
Thanks for sharing this so others can know what can be done 😊❤
Love that!
Love your efficient way of deconstructing - have made many memory pillows for our local hospice and always struggle with the best and quickest way to get the most fabric out of the shirts and sometimes jeans and cargo pants. Love the keep the pocket and buttons to incorporate into a project. Thanks!!!!
Sounds like you are doing great work.
This is a great information! Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for watching!
My Salvation Army is one of my go-to sources for fabric. In addition to cotton clothing finds, it also has a section with donated yardage where I have scored a lot. I also grab up the good denim, not the newer stretchy crap.
Yes! The Stretchy crap is my favorite to wear - but NOT sew with!! I'm glad you have that great fabric source.
"Harvesting"! Love that! I call it "Rescuing!"... I have only ever thrifted fabric for myself...then cotton sheets for my mom for her charity drawstring bags, that get filled with essenstials for Overseas. It is getting harder, as everyone is doing the same...either for sewing/quilting, or necessity. Our thrift stores are marking items to the point where we can go to Walmart and purchase new! CatBird Quilting on YT also thrifts mens' shirts for quilting...such a great idea!
Thank you for commenting!
I can’t tell you how much I love this video. It was actually a wild ride. Thanks! Going to go thrifting tomorrow.
Have fun!
I’m not a quilter but what a great way to get quality cotton fabric at an affordable price! You have a great eye for putting colors and patterns together 🫶
Thank you so much!
I definitely need to focus on sewing for a season but I appreciate knowing how break down the shirt. My grandma used to make postage size quilts. I needed permission to throw out scraps.
You have my permission to send your scraps to a new home. (Bag them for your local thrift store or throw them out!) OR - here are crumb blocks. A fun way to use them up?
ua-cam.com/video/gxhILCY7b7M/v-deo.html
Just the video I needed. Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge and personality.
So glad!
You can use the cuffs to make little pouches. Sew up the sides, leave a flap to fold over and fasten. The flap can have the button holes and you can relocate the buttons to fasten the pouch. You can use the pouch for money, makeup, a small sewing kit to travel with you.... the sky is the limit. You can put the pouch in your pocket book. The interfacing in the cuff makes the pouch sturdier and the pattern of the shirt makes the pouch decorative.
Sounds Smart,
Love it! Great idea! I always think about sheets, but never thought about big men’s shirts!
Glad it was helpful!
Such good information in this video. Those little pieces that might go in the trash are great to use in an animal bed.
What a fantastic idea!!! Definitely going to be looking for very large mens shirts!
Yes!!
Fascinating. Shirts are also good for crafting and small item sewing like bags, even poly cotton shirts will be good - wash/sponge bags, or cosmetic pouches (line with pieces of cheap plain shower curtain). Cuffs with applied stabiliser can be made into zip pulls, tabs, d-ring tabs, hanging loops, small grab handles. I have some shirts from charity shops (from the reduced rail, at just £1 each) they can be made into shopping totes /linings, children's shorts, toe stuffers to keep shoes in shape. Using stabiliser it's possible to make small dressing table boxes to keep various things in, like hair accessories. I unpick seams wherever possible, save all buttons, and try to use the pocket. Shirts that are "slim fit" /tailored through shaping and darts present a challenge for quilting or making bigger craft items, but patchwork and quilting can overcome that. Wall hangings and bunting in the nursery - all easily made from shirts. Happy sewing, everyone. UK. E ❤.
All True!
@@merrymabelmarket thank you for your reply. I really enjoy all these channels devoted to quilting, crafting, recycling ( thrifted) clothing, fabrics, bedding - furnishing materials can be very expensive looking. I learn a lot from these channels about techniques - I'm a good dressmaker but do very little now, so smaller items, perhaps to give as gifts, will be fun. Best wishes. UK. E ♥️
Yh i do this, its a great and cheaper way to feed yr sewing/quilting addiction.
Thanks! I haven’t wanted to use shirts because it looked like such a hassle!
Well, you took that excuse away!
And, I love your attitude!
I like to do charity quilts, and I do hunt for nice sheets to use as quilt backs. If I buy the complete sheet set, I can gift the pillow cases and one of the sheets with the quilt.
Sounds lovely!!
What a fun and inspiring video! Will start doing this and filling my tubs!!
Have fun!
My boyfriend has given me his old shirts for me to make into something. I made a pillow with the polyester/rayon one that is cute!
FUN!!
Thanks for the great video. !!! I luv recycling with fabrics !!!
Me too!!
4 tubs? I admire your resolve. I love the idea of incorporating a ready made pocket. Thank you.
You bet!
Straight to the point ! Thankyou❤
Great video! I love your four tub rule! Thank you🤗💗
Great video.
I do this all the time as our local charity shop sells everything for £1 and that’s a LOT of cotton for £1! I save extra cute cuffs, leave the button on it and then sew it up the sides to make a button-up embroidery scissor or lipstick holder for my handbag!
Very good idea must do on my list, I have so much .
Go for it!
Love this! So insightful!
Nice recommendation
I'm so glad you liked it!
Great tips. Thank you for sharing.
Good idea 💡
I like that your video was right to the point. I also get shirts at my local thrift store, They are a $1 a piece, some times 2 for the price of one, so very good value.
Fabulous Value!!
Use the cuffs and little strip you cut off the sleeve for a kitchen towel holder.
Great video. I invested in some electric scissors and they work so well for this job. I also harvest flannels for cozy quilts. I ALWAYS wash thrifted clothing.
Smart!! I generally wash them too. If they look smell and feel clean, I will wait and wash them after the quilt is made.
I go to the french bins one a year. I take the biggest number of 100 % cotton men shirts what ever thé size, the color ...
I enjoy this kind of video
Sounds brilliant!