Get Kids to Recycle Old T-Shirts

Instead of throwing out those favorite t-shirts that you got from a special event or that you just bought because it was fun and colorful, keep them. You can turn them into throw pillows. It's easy, fun and really cheap to do. Your kids will love helping you turn their old t-shirt into a soft pillow for their bed or favorite chair.

You can look at this as duo recycling project. First, if you have any old tattered pillows you can use them as a starter. If not, you can buy fiber fill, polyester fill or a piece of foam to get you started on stuffing your t-shirt. If you do have an old pillow you would like to cover start with a t-shirt that fits with the pillow size. In other words, if you have a small pillow start with a child's t-shirt or a baby-t if necessary. You will want to make sure that you use as much of the t-shirt as possible.

If your t-shirt has a fun logo or character on the front you will want to be sure that the shirt size will accommodate the size of the pillow. Slip the t-shirt over the pillow and adjust it so your logo or picture is centered. Cut away any excess fabric, but don't toss it away there are other uses for it. Next, pull together the neck opening and pin with stick pins. You can cut the sleeves and pin the openings close. Hand stitch to close all openings using a colorful thread that matches the t-shirt. And you are all done redecorating an old pillow.

If you decide to stuff your old t-shirt with filling you will want to make sure all openings are stitched shut. You can close the ends of your sleeves and stuff those as well or you can cut them and recycle them. If you don't wont to stitch the bottom of you t-shirt just tie it in a big not or use some fun colorful ribbon at the bottom. When you are done just toss the pillow on the bed or in a favorite chair.

If you have any t-shirts that are just to worn and stained, simply cut them or shred them and turn them into shops rags. Shop rags come in handy for messy spills in your garage. They are also great for cleaning dashboards, windows and even car rims. If you don't have a use for them in your own garage, you can sell them or give them to your local mechanic or even a neighbor. Happy recycling!

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