No-Hassle Tassels: The Easiest Way to Upcycle Your Old Shirts

We're big on upcycling and refurbishing something old and transforming it into new and beautiful things here at R2R! As much as possible, we try to create zero waste by using all the resources we already have on hand. This is part and parcel of practicing sustainable processes in everything we do!

So we decided to share with you one of our favorite upcycling projects: how to upcycle your old shirts and turn them into beautiful tassels. These tassels can be used as accessories to decorate your bags (like what we do with our Stella Clutches!) or even as keychains and room decorations!

And the best thing? They're SUPER easy to make: 2 materials and 8 steps. Are you ready for some upcycling magic?

Materials Needed:

• An old shirt (preferably a cotton stretch one)
• Sharp fabric scissors

You just need TWO items! We told you it's hassle-free. ;)

Step 1: Lay down the shirt on a surface and remove the bottom lining. 

We won't be using that part!

Step 2: Cut 5 one-inch wide strips.

Step 3: Once you've cut the strips, stretch them out to create a rolled effect.

This is why it's important that the shirt you use is a cotton stretch one. The easier it stretches, the better the effect on the tassel!

Step 4: Take one of the rolled strips and cut it by the stitched part. Set it aside. 

Step 5: Pile the remaining rolled strips up and tie them together with the strip you set aside earlier. A double-knot is recommended to keep them bundled up nicely!

Step 6: Once tied, fold the bundle in the middle (where it's tied) and cut the edges to keep the length uniform.

Step 7: Grab a friend and ask them to hold the tassel part so you can fix up the braid of the tassel! It's a nice bonding activity. ;) Hold the two strips of cloth and twist both of them (until the very edge!) to the right. 

Step 8: Now that the two strips are each twisted to the right, twist them together to the left. Knot them at the end to secure the braid.

And voila! In 8 easy steps, you now have a tassel which you can use to decorate your bags or other stuff that need that pop of contrast and color!

Have fun making these tassels (it's a good bonding activity with your friends and family!) and if ever you're posting them online, don't forget to share it with us on Instagram! Tag us at @rags2richesinc and use the hashtag #WeaveJoyfulStories. 

P.S. Speaking of transforming old items into something new, we have a VERY exciting event coming up: the Decorate Your Own R2R Bag Workshop on March 12, in which you (and our artisans!) can upgrade and personalize your Buslos, Matt Travel Wallets, Barco Minis and other R2R bags with a variety of appliques! For more details, visit our Event page.