What is the name for T-shirt yarn?

T-shirt yarn is a versatile, eco-friendly material that has gained popularity in crafting, knitting, and crochet projects. But what exactly is it called, and how is it different from regular yarn?

T-shirt yarn, also known as "trapilho¹," "fabric yarn²," or "recycled jersey yarn³," is a thick, stretchy yarn made from cotton or jersey fabric. It is often repurposed from old T-shirts or fabric scraps, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for DIY projects.

Let’s explore what T-shirt yarn is, its uses, how to make it, and the best ways to work with it.

What is T-shirt yarn made of?

T-shirt yarn is made from cotton jersey fabric, which is the same material used to make T-shirts. It is usually repurposed from textile scraps or old T-shirts, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional yarn.

Common materials for T-shirt yarn:

Material	Features	Best For
100% Cotton Jersey	Soft, stretchy, breathable	Knitting, crochet, macramé
Cotton-Polyester Blend	More durable, slight elasticity	Rugs, baskets, bags
Recycled T-shirt Fabric	Eco-friendly, upcycled	Sustainable crafts

T-shirt yarn is different from regular yarn because of its flat, ribbon-like shape, which gives projects a unique textured appearance.

What are other names for T-shirt yarn?

T-shirt yarn is known by different names worldwide, depending on the region and how it’s used.

Alternative names for T-shirt yarn:

Name	Meaning
Trapilho	A Portuguese term for recycled fabric yarn.
Zpagetti Yarn	A popular brand of T-shirt yarn.
Fabric Yarn	A general term for yarn made from fabric strips.
Recycled Jersey Yarn	Yarn made from upcycled T-shirts.

Each name refers to the same type of fabric-based yarn, but some brands may have slight variations in texture and thickness.

How is T-shirt yarn made?

T-shirt yarn can be commercially produced or handmade from old T-shirts.

Steps to make T-shirt yarn:

✔ Select an old T-shirt – Preferably 100% cotton with no side seams.
✔ Cut off the sleeves and top portion – Leaving a rectangular fabric section.
✔ Cut fabric into strips – 1-2 cm wide for thinner yarn, 3-4 cm for thicker yarn.
✔ Stretch the strips – This causes the fabric to curl into a tubular shape.
✔ Roll into a ball – Ready to use for knitting, crochet, or weaving.

Handmade T-shirt yarn is a great way to upcycle old clothes and reduce textile waste.

What can you make with T-shirt yarn?

T-shirt yarn is versatile and can be used for home decor, accessories, and fashion.

Best uses for T-shirt yarn:

Project Type	Description
Crochet & Knitting	Great for making bags, rugs, baskets, and mats.
Macramé	Used for wall hangings, plant hangers, and keychains.
Weaving	Adds texture to woven projects like tapestries.
Jewelry & Accessories	Bracelets, necklaces, and headbands.

The stretchy nature of T-shirt yarn makes it ideal for chunky, durable crafts.

How does T-shirt yarn compare to traditional yarn?

T-shirt yarn behaves differently from standard wool or acrylic yarn, offering unique benefits and challenges.

T-shirt yarn vs. traditional yarn:

Feature	T-shirt Yarn	Regular Yarn
Texture	Flat, ribbon-like	Round, smooth
Stretch	High elasticity	Varies by fiber
Durability	Very strong	Dependent on fiber type
Best For	Large projects, sturdy crafts	Detailed knitting, delicate designs

T-shirt yarn is best for bold, sturdy projects, while traditional yarn is better for intricate, fine details.

What are the best brands of T-shirt yarn?

Several brands produce high-quality T-shirt yarn, available in different colors and thicknesses.

Best brands for T-shirt yarn:

Brand	Features
Hoooked Zpagetti	100% recycled fabric, thick and durable.
Bobbiny	Soft, stretchy, eco-friendly.
DMC Nova Vita	Sustainable, strong for macramé.
ReTwisst T-Shirt Yarn	Upcycled, smooth texture.

For premium quality and eco-friendly materials, Hoooked and Bobbiny are top choices.

What crochet and knitting tools are best for T-shirt yarn?

Because of its thickness and stretch, T-shirt yarn requires larger crochet hooks and knitting needles.

Best tools for working with T-shirt yarn:

Tool	Recommended Size
Crochet Hook	8mm – 12mm
Knitting Needles	10mm – 15mm
Macramé Cord	5mm – 8mm

Using larger tools helps maintain an even stitch tension and prevents the yarn from stretching too much.

Is T-shirt yarn sustainable?

Yes! T-shirt yarn is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional yarn, reducing textile waste and promoting upcycling.

Sustainability benefits of T-shirt yarn:

✔ Made from recycled fabrics – Reduces landfill waste.
✔ No extra dyeing needed – Comes in existing fabric colors.
✔ Breathable and biodegradable – Especially when made from natural cotton.

Many crafters choose T-shirt yarn for sustainable DIY projects and zero-waste crafting.

What are common mistakes when working with T-shirt yarn?

While T-shirt yarn is easy to use, beginners often encounter some challenges.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Mistake	Solution
Using small needles/hooks	Use larger sizes (10mm+) for smooth stitching.
Inconsistent yarn thickness	Stretch and cut fabric evenly.
Too tight tension	Work loosely to prevent curling.
Skipping fabric preparation	Wash and remove seams before making yarn.

With proper technique, T-shirt yarn can be fun and easy to work with.

Where can you buy T-shirt yarn?

T-shirt yarn is available both online and in craft stores.

Best places to buy T-shirt yarn:

Store	Availability
Amazon	Various brands and bulk options.
Etsy	Handmade, unique color options.
Hoooked	Specializes in high-quality recycled yarn.
Local Craft Stores	May carry fabric yarn in limited colors.

For a wide color selection, Etsy and Hoooked are great options.

Conclusion

T-shirt yarn, also known as trapilho, fabric yarn, or recycled jersey yarn, is a versatile, eco-friendly material perfect for knitting, crochet, and macramé projects.

• Made from cotton jersey fabric, it offers durability and stretch.
• Handmade or store-bought, it’s great for upcycling old T-shirts.
• Best for bold, chunky crafts like bags, rugs, and home decor.
• Available from brands like Hoooked, Bobbiny, and DMC Nova Vita.

Choosing T-shirt yarn helps support sustainability while creating beautiful, durable handmade projects.

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