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An Easy Repurpose of a T-shirt into Wall Art

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Today I have a super quick project. Now I know that normally I don’t do these quick projects, but in this case it was necessary. If you’re looking for a diy craft project for your old tshirts or other clothing, learn how to easily upcycle a t shirt into wall art.

upcycled tshirt placed into the embroidery hoop and hung on the wall.

My sweet daughter made this t-shirt years ago.  

Oh did I ever tell you the girls had a t-shirt business? The older one was in charge of the finances and the younger one was the creative genius.  She would sit there and painstakingly copy images onto t-shirts. It was a lot of work, and she burned out after a few months of doing it. But it was her first taste of running a business. 

Back to the tshirt. Of course she’s all grown up now and she doesn’t wear it any more. She wanted to get rid of it. But I, being the proud mama, was not about to let her throw it out!  Instead I did an easy tshirt upcycle and made fun wall art. 

Old white tshirt with a circle and an image of a girl character in the middle.

Just look at that cute face!  No way was that going into the recycling bin!

Close up of a head of the character on a tshirt.

I noticed a stain on the t-shirt and instead of doing the logical thing and washing it, I covered it up instead.  In my defense, it was a nasty smudge, so I don’t know if it would have come out.

Instead I sewed some pretty buttons on top of the smudge.

Close up of three buttons sewn onto the white t-shirt.

How to Upcycle a Tshirt into Wall Art

I had this embroidery hoop lying around the house and figured I’d use that.

I used to do a lot of embroidery when I was younger (read before kids) but now I don’t have time at all.  It was always a fun and relaxing activity for me.

Wooden embroidery hoop.

I placed the tshirt through the hoop and tightened it.  I didn’t even bother to cut it into a circle. But I did fasten the fabric in the back with a stapler. This ensured that it wouldn’t be flying all over the place.

upcycled tshirt placed into the embroidery hoop and hung on the wall.

​I also added a brown cord and a black ribbon so I could hang the hoop on the wall. The brown cord matches the wood of the hoop and of course the black goes with her drawing.

Cord and ribbon added to the top of the hoop.

You have to admit, I did a pretty good job of hiding the smudge on the tshirt.

Close up of three buttons sewn onto the white t-shirt.
Close up of the girl character drawing on a white tshirt.

How could she have thought I’d let her throw out this little masterpiece?  

Close up of hoop wall art made from an upcycled tshirt. It shows a girl character and three sewn on buttons.

And so the day was saved and so was that awesome (according to me) tshirt that I easily repurposed into wall art!  

​Now spill the beans!  I know your kids or nieces and nephews create masterpieces all the time.  What do you do with them? Are you a hoarder like me or do you get rid of little gems like this?

For additional t shirt upcycle ideas, check out this easy upcycled tshirt bag as well as t shirt yarn you can make!

Close up of hoop wall art made from an upcycled tshirt. It shows a girl character and three sewn on buttons and text overlay "T-shirt easily repurposed into wall art"

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Marjan Hoebeke-Pfaff

Wednesday 22nd of February 2017

It would have been a shame to throw that pretty t-shirt away! How fortunate you came up with this idea and knew how to preserve this memory. Have a great day, Marjan

Mary

Friday 24th of February 2017

Marjan, I was lucky because I had that hoop just taking up space really. Till one day it hit me that I had to find a place for the t-shirt and then it all came together.

Lynn Spencer

Wednesday 22nd of February 2017

Mary, how perfectly charming! Not only the drawing, but that you were able to save it as a wall hanging. That girl of yours has some serious talent, so I don't blame you at all for holding on to it. Several of the pictures hanging in my home are art work that my children did in elementary school and that I framed. I never get tired of seeing their artistic adventures. Neither of them have pursued art since elementary school, so I'm glad that I didn't wait! Have a fantastic day my friend. Hugs, LYnn

Mary

Friday 24th of February 2017

Lynn, to me they are little moments in time. You are capturing a small window of how they were and will never be again. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. But I know your home is full of beautiful and heartfelt artwork.

krista

Wednesday 22nd of February 2017

It turned out nice. The buttons actually added to the texture appeal. Some day she will be glad that you saved it!

Mary

Tuesday 28th of February 2017

I hope so Krista. They don't appreciate anything till they get older.

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