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DIY Fabric Garland: A Simple Way to Upcycle Thrifted T‑Shirts

Looking for budget‑friendly Valentine’s Day décor that feels personal and handmade? 💘✨


Turn thrifted tees (or ones hiding in your closet) into vibrant, upcycled garland in just a few minutes. It’s quick, colorful, and the perfect way to add a little love to your space without spending much.

Whether you’re decorating for a Galentine’s gathering or just want a fun pop of color at home, this DIY shows how far a little creativity (and a good thrift find) can go!

What You’ll Need

  • Thrifted T‑shirts
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon or twine

How to Make It

1. Cut your fabric
Trim your T‑shirts into strips. Ours were about 12 inches long and roughly 1 inch wide, but there’s no perfect size — make them as thick or thin as you like. Mixing widths can give your garland a fun, textured look.

2. Prepare your ribbon
Cut your ribbon or twine to the length you want your garland to be. Leave a little extra at each end so you can hang it later.

3. Tie it all together
Fold one fabric strip in half.
Slide the looped end under your string, then pull the two loose ends through the loop to create a simple knot.
Tighten it — and keep repeating until your garland is full.

For reference, 6 thrifted T-shirts to create our 7ft garland, but your amount may vary depending desired length and fullness.

This project is a great reminder that everyday items still have value. By crafting with what we already have, we give materials a second life and support a more sustainable community!

Have another idea for reusing old shirts? We’d love to hear it! Tag us on social media with your creations!



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