Make Comfortable Pajamas from Recycled T-shirts

T-shirts make excellent easy, no-sew pajama shirts. Many worn out T-shirts are comfortable as they are, but with a little work, maximum comfort can be obtained from any T-shirt. Here is how to recycle T-shirts into comfortable recycled pajamas.

There are multiple combinations of alterations that can be done, so rather than outline specific recycled craft ideas, I will outline the options for each area of the T-shirt pajama craft. All you need for this craft is a good pair of scissors and the T-shirts that are being recycled to pajamas. All T-shirt material tends to curl either inwards or outwards and never frays, so hemming the pajamas is not necessary and discouraged for maximum comfort. Allow an inch of extra cloth when cutting as that inch will curl over and roll up.

Recycled T-shirt pajamas craft; sleeves:

Long sleeved T-shirts can have the cuffs removed or be cut to three quarters sleeve for maximum comfort. The hem can be cut off short sleeved T-shirt sleeves to add comfort as well. Short sleeved T-shirt sleeves can be cut in half by cutting parallel to the end of the sleeve. If cutting the sleeve off entirely, remove from the T-shirt the hem as well to improve comfort. Refer to How to turn an unused T-shirt into a Sleeveless Shirt for details.

Recycled T-shirt pajama craft, armholes and bottom:

You can cut into your t-shirt to make it a tank top also, refer to how to make an A-shirt out of a T-shirt for a good tutorial. Armholes can also be cut deeper, potentially down to the waist. Cut an inch or two deeper at a time so as to avoid cutting to deep. The bottom hem can be cut off or shortened to any desired length. Cutting a couple inches off at a time can help avoid cutting too short. The rings cut off can be recycled as T-shirt yarn, which is very useful.

Recycled T-shirt pajama craft, neck:

For improved comfort, the neck can be cut off from the T-shirt. Start by cutting just outside the actual collar and then try on the T-shirt before cutting further. Then adjust as necessary. For an '80's off the shoulder pajama top, cut sideways into both shoulders. A "V" can be cut into the front, or even a deeper scooped cut. The back can also or instead likewise be cut. Cut an inch at a time maximum so to avoid cutting to deep.

Recycling the pajama craft scraps:

The sleeves can be recycled into headbands or other recycled crafts. You may find Recycle your T-shirt sleeves into headbands a great craft for recycling the sleeves. Recycle any strips of cloth that are an inch thick or more into T-shirt yarn. T-shirt yarn is very useful in crafts and for staking up plants.

To learn how to make your T-shirt pajama top a nightgown, refer to Homemade T-shirt Nightgown craft. Sweatshirts and hoodies can likewise be recycled into pajamas for winter. Refer to Make comfortable Fleece Pajamas out of old Hoodies.