Soon after launching my loom business last summer I started collecting colorful t-shirts to use in my weaving projects. But every now and then I like to change it up and do a t-shirt refashioning project or some other jersey knit craft.

Yesterday I made some t-shirt necklaces with my daughters. This is a fun project that can be completed in less than 10 minutes, so you get an excellent return on your time investment with this one. LOVE that!

To make a necklace, grab a t-shirt and cut the bottom hem off. (I like to use my rotary cutter, mat and ruled cutting template for this, but a pair of sewing scissors will get the job done.)

Next, cut the body of the t-shirt into 1″ loops. Cut through the front and back of the shirt at the same time to form giant loops. Don’t worry about the loops being exactly 1″ wide. Just eyeball it. No one will be able to tell.

Now stretch out all your loops and watch the edges roll in toward the center. (See the photo above showing a loop before it’s stretched and another after it has been stretched.)

If you’re working with a fabric that won’t roll up nicely like this, put it aside and use it to weave a potholder or rug. It’s just not meant to be a necklace. To save yourself from wasting time cutting up a dud t-shirt, cut one loop and stretch it. That way you know if you should keep cutting, or move on to another shirt.

You can mix colors or stick to one. If you want to keep your loops connected and reduce the chance of tangles, cut a 3″ square of fabric from one of the sleeves, wrap it around your bundle of loops (6 to 8 loops make a nice necklace) and hand stitch it in place. (See the purple necklace in the photo below.)

You can use these loops to make headbands, or slice up long sleeves to make yourself an armful of bracelets. However you do it, just remember to have fun.

Then layer on your necklaces and head out the door. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE soft jewelry. Yep, I can’t get enough of the quiet bling.

My daughter Amelia wears her t-shirt necklaces across her chest like a sash. I love her independent style. How do you wear your t-shirt necklaces? Make some and find out. : )

Below is today’s WZZM “Take Five & Company” craft segment: