Is your old T-shirt really no longer suitable? Stains, holes and too worn out to make someone else happy? You can recycle it properly by taking it to the textile bin. Broken and worn textiles are also allowed in there. But there is a more fun and creative option for your worn-out T-shirt: turn it into a DIY plant pendant. Are your fingers already itching? Our upcycle expert Melanie takes you through her step-by-step plan for this DIY plant pendant and also gives some handy recycling tips in passing!
Making a DIY plant pendant is super easy!
They were wildly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, those macramé plant pendants. But you can't ignore them in concept stores and flower shops in recent years either. Plant hangers are hip again! They are fun to hang your plant with pot, extra handy if you have limited space, but also just a creative way to bring some more green indoors. Secretly, they are quite expensive in shops... the good news? Making your own plant pendant is super simple!
DIY plant pendant
Tools
- old T-shirt(at least 50 cm wide)
- (curtain) ring(Tip: search the thrift shop.)
- (fabric) scissors
- ruler or tape measure
- optional wooden beads(Think thrift shop again!)
Instructions
- Cut a rectangle by cutting the T-shirt below the line of the sleeves/armholes. Also cut the bottom hem.
- Lay the T-shirt flat in front of you and cut strips about 2.5 - 3 cm wide.
- Cut the strips of fabric open at one end. You will need 4 strips of fabric for the simple DIY plant pendant.
- Grab the strips together in the middle and attach them to the curtain ring with a loop knot. If you don't have a ring, you can also just tie a loop.
- There are now 8 strips of fabric hanging under the ring. Take 2 strips each time and tie a knot about 15 cm from the top knot. If all goes well, you now have 4 knots at the same height.
- To knot the net, the knots should be staggered from the previous knots. The easiest way is to lay the strips side by side and tie a knot each time with the strip of fabric next to it: strip 2 & 3, then strip 4 & 5, then 6 & 7. For the last knot, take the 2 remaining strips, bar 1 & 8.
- Now wrap all the strips together and tie a knot at about 5 cm.
- Cut everything to an equal length and trim the strips so that you get a tassel.
Notes
Steps 1,3 and 4 of your macramé plant pendant.
Steps 5, 6 and 7.
Got the hang of it? Then Google macramé plant pendants and get inspired!
You can also craft fun things with the leftovers from this DIY project. For example, make cute tassels as key rings or for on gifts or braid the strips together for a creative hairband. Pinterest is full of great ideas! Successful? We are curious to see your creations!
More sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Still need new plants? In this article, you will read why it is a good idea to buy poison-free plants.
- For those T-shirts that can still do, but are a dull light colour: how about a sustainable textile dyeing workshop?
- Still looking for an original homemade gift? How about these pretty hearts?
- Old jeans? Make it a kek bag!
Photo credits: Melanie de Oliveira.
