With fall soon upon us, it might be time to add another blanket. Make your own with these clever DIY blanket ideas.

Since cooler weather keeps many of us indoors–and is a good excuse to craft–you can make your make DIY blanket or throw instead of buying new. It’s also a practical way to repurpose everything from old t-shirts and yarn to fabric scraps, as well as old curtains, button-up shirts, flannel sheets, and more. Every few Christmases my grandmom would gift each of us grandchildren with a new handmade blanket. Not only were they warmly practical, but I cherished each and every one of those homemade blankets until they fell apart. Now I like to make my own, and I’m always on the lookout for smart and easy DIY blanket ideas.

Simple DIY Blanket Ideas

1. Chunky Knit – Learn to knit a basic chunky knit blanket with this simple tutorial from Knit Aid by simply knitting squares and combining them. The beauty of this project is you can scale the project to any size you’d like. It’s also super easy to knit up on the go without needing to haul the entire blanket around.

2. Flannel Lap Quilt  – Turn super soft and plush flannel into a sophisticated and elegant lap quilt with this easy project. This one is perfect for leaving on the back of the sofa or at work to pull over your legs when the office is too cold.

3. No Sew Fleece – Any project that is no sew is no brainer for me. While I’m not opposed to basic sewing projects, not having to haul out the sewing machine is a plus. This simple project for making a fleece blanket involves cutting and knotting fringe to finish off the ends of your fabric.

4. Tshirt Quilt – Turn those old concert tees that you’re holding onto into a practical quilt to throw over the back of the sofa or the foot of your bed. While this project does involve more sewing than the no sew fleece one, the sewing required is pretty basic stuff.

5. Simple Trim Flannel Blanket – Looking for an even easier project? Turn flannel of all stripes and hues into pretty throws by just adding fringe or trims to finish the ends. There are several options offered.

6. 30-Minute ‘Star Wars’ (Or Any Print) Snuggle Blanket – Even if you aren’t a fan of “Star Wars,” I know you are a fan of making anything in only thirty minutes. And besides, you can easily choose whatever print or pattern you favor.

7. Patchwork Sweater Blanket – Similar to the t-shirt quilt, it’s possible to repurpose old sweaters into a warm blanket. It’s also an excellent way to rid your drawers of all those worn sweaters you’ve meant to donate.

Related on EcoSalon

Brr! DIY Throw Blankets You Can Make to Stay Warm
10 Winter Nest Decor Ideas: Hibernate in Style

8 Chunky Knit Accessories: You’ll Make Any Excuse to Bundle Up Now

Books and Glasses on Bed Image via Shutterstock

The post 7 DIY Blanket Ideas Just in Time for Cooler Weather appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten great DIY projects you can make from an old T-shirt.

If you’re anything like me, you have tons of old T-shirts laying around in your drawers collecting dust. Instead of dumping them all in a collection bin, turn them into something useful. You’ll be amazed at how many things you could actually make from a humble tee. Here are ten of our favorites.

Wrapped Bracelets
You can never have enough bracelets, and there are so many great ones you can make yourself. All you need to create these wrapped bracelets are some old tees and bangles you no longer use (or look in the thrift stores for them). Follow these simple instructions by Camilla Fabbri and start wrapping.

Market Tote
Plastic bags are slowly but surely being banned in cities around the country. This stylish market tote is great to carry with you, whether you are shopping at the supermarket or the farmers market. Follow this simple tutorial by delia creates and make one in every color.

Scarf
If you have a sewing machine, this DIY scarf is very easy to make following this tutorial by wienerdog tricks. Use one T-shirt for a monochrome, more refined look or go wild and mix colors or create a tribute piece from all those old band tees you’ve held onto since forever – the possibilities are endless.

Knotted Headband
This stylish headband is super easy to make, with nothing but a few cuts, knots, and glue. If headbands aren’t quite your thing, you can easily make it into an equally stylish belt by just making it longer. Check out this tutorial by Lovestitched for inspiration and how-tos.

Knotted Rug
I love DIY projects that look like they came straight out of a fancy design store, and this knotted flokati-style rug is a great example of that. It does take a bit of manual labor but, following this tutorial by Xoelle, it’s quite easy. And your friends will surely be impressed that you actually made it.

Necklace
Quite far from those macaroni necklaces we all made in school, this DIY necklace is simple to make with just a few tools, following this tutorial by Whole Living. Make it grown up and elegant in one color, like above, or choose a tee with a more intricate pattern or print for a funkier take on the same theme.

No-Sew Vest
If you have about five minutes to make something out of that old tee, try this simple no-sew vest by Wobisobi, which requires nothing but a pair of scissors to make. A great summer piece to throw on over your favorite tee to create a layered, casual look.

Skirt with Pockets
This DIY recycled T-shirt skirt by Out of Order is as simple as it is clever. No material is wasted – even the sleeves are used to make pockets. Use it as a simple summer skirt, or do as demonstrated in the photo above and decorate it with buttons down the front for a more dressed-up look.

Placemats
Dress up your table for a summer party with DIY placemats made from T-shirt fabric scraps. This tutorial by Creative Jewish Mom shows you how to create a simple homemade loom that you’ll use to weave the scraps together – no fancy equipment required.

T-Shirt Yarn
A great way to make use of old tees is to make them into T-shirt Yarn. It’s simple and you’ll actually end up with a ball of soft (just like your favorite tee) continuous yarn that you can then use to crochet, knit or knot. Check out this video tutorial by Relevé Design to learn how.

See Also:

10 DIY Bracelets You Can Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Summer Shorts You Can Make At Home

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

Top photo by pfctdayelise, Creative Commons

The post DIY: 10 Things To Do With an Old T-shirt appeared first on EcoSalon.