Can you believe I never did any tie dye as a kid? I'm pretty sure this means my childhood was incomplete and I will need years of therapy to compensate. To rectify the situation I got a bucket and some old T-shirts and had fun making different designs. This led to lots of cool tie dye shirts in bright and funky colors that I don't actually want to wear (at least out in public). So I cut them up to make an infinity scarf and a head wrap!
Tie Dye T-Shirt Infinity Scarf Instructions
Tie Dye Tips
I wanted stripes horizontally across my T-shirt so I laid it flat and scrunched it from top to bottom and added rubber bands along the length.
Use more of the dye in the dye bath than you think you need. The color will fade as it dries and the more intense colors look better.
T-Shirt Tips
Cut off the hem and then cut as close to the arm sleeves as possible so the scarf is as wide as the length of your shirt. If it's too small, see below on how to salvage.
Obviously you don't have to tie dye the T-shirt before turning it into a scarf - you could cut up any cotton shirt in your closet. But the bigger the shirt the better as you want it to stretch enough to make two loops.
A cotton or jersey fabric T-shirt works best as the ends naturally curl in.
T-Shirt Head Wrap
I was cutting up other old shirts and didn't cut one wide enough (see T-shirt tips). It ended up too skinny for a scarf but was a great size for a head wrap. Just twist and loop around your head!
Whew, therapy averted. What a relief. :)
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Novella says
Thanks for finally writiong about > DIY T-Shirt Infinity Scarf + Head Wrap
(no sew!) - Hello Glow < Liked it!
Erin says
those look great
Terrisse Arete says
I am a lil confused *blushes* Can you explain the cutting in more details? Maybe more pictures of step six?
Christine says
WOW!! So original!! I want both!! Please?!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Emily at SweetBellaRoos says
Super cute! Love the headbands! Thanks for linking up to Pin It Thursday!
Maureen says
super cute!
Margaux @ YoungNesters says
Thanks for sharing. Visiting from Sweet Bella Roos.
gerbermom says
well, thanks for stopping by!
amie @ Pinkapotamus says
These are both gorgeous! I just love the sweet PINK color of your scarf and the head scarf is adorable!
xoxo
Amie @ Pinkapotamus
gerbermom says
thanks Amie! I'm very into pink these days...
gerbermom says
I'm so glad you left a comment - can't wait to visit your site!
Betsy says
These look great. I'm pretty sure I will be making one in the next few days now.
gerbermom says
oh, have fun! It's a great way to recycle your old t-shirts!
Printabelle says
It's never too late to have a happy childhood! Or at least that's what I saw on a bumper sticker once:) You did a fabulous job, I bet they turned out wayy better than what you might have made a summer camp as a kid. Thanks for linking!
gerbermom says
That's great bumper sticker advice! There are lots of things I missed out on that I need to add to my bucket list as an adult :)
Michelle Luna says
I think I'm the only one, but... I completely missed the actual how-to on cutting the shirt into a scarf. I see "cut along the side near the sleeves" but I don't see how that translates into "And now you have a long uninterrupted loop of cotton to wrap around your neck"
Michelle Luna says
Ohhhhh wait, you're cutting *under* the sleeves horizontally... I was thinking these were *vertical* cuts. Got it!
gerbermom says
I'm glad you figured it out! Are you making one for yourself?
Jennifer says
tHE HEADBAND THING IS AWESOME!!
gerbermom says
Isn't it? I was so excited to be able to wear my striped shirts again!
Mom Photographer says
great idea! it looks awesome!
gerbermom says
Thank you! It's definitely my kind of craft - super easy!!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
I love the scarf and I love the head wrap. Love! I can never bear to throw away old clothes, so I'm always looking for ways to repurpose them--these are great ideas!
gerbermom says
I know - I can't throw anything away (especially striped shirts!) so it's a great way to be able to wear them again!
Erica says
I love no sew projects like this because I have no idea how to use a sewing machine.
This also reminds me that I've been meaning to try some projects dyeing fabric. Such a great way to add a personal touch to a handmade scarf.
gerbermom says
Yes, no sew is a big plus for me too! One day... :) And dying fabric is so addictive - the results are so fun and unique.
Erica says
I can't wait to give fabric dyeing a try! Have you tried dyeing using more than one color?
Maybe one day I'll learn to use a sewing machine....
Silvergirl says
i am seriously gonna try that headwrap thing!!
i did tie dye scarves last year and gave them as gifts, people loved them
i like the idea of using the t shirt more than the fabric i actually used
2 thumbs up
gerbermom says
Gracias lady :) I'll be using my other tie dye efforts for my workout wear like you!
Jolleen The Graffitied Gardenia says
Love! Great idea! Adding to my "make" list.
gerbermom says
Have fun! Let me know how it turns out! :)
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Oh, you poor thing Steph. Catostrophy averted! Great idea. I've been wearing more head bands and I'm going to give this a try.
Anne xx
gerbermom says
I love headbands, they make bad hair days so much more bearable!