(Updated July 2020) Sometimes I have no idea why a video goes viral! Starting to crochet a round piece like a rug, table mat, basket etc, using t-shirt yarn is one of those videos. I first had a video of a horrible quality about that in Finnish. I had made it very quickly as an answer to a question. It went viral, mainly outside Finland. I decided to make a better one and it went viral too. It soon has eight million views (July 2020). I then added a second video, to show a bit more than just the start of the technique. It is popular too but not so hugely popular. Eventually I decided to make a new video, combining the tips on both older videos. That’s the one you see on this page now.
What we are talking about is a technique where you attach t-shirt yarn using another, much thinner yarn. The t-shirt yarn stays straight, you only crochet around it.
Technique
Here are two photos that show what I’m talking about. Below them, you can watch the video that has been so popular.
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An updated video
Watch the video (the original one)
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You can cut up your own old t-shirts. I’m collecting mine to make a rug. When you cut them up yourself you can decide how wide you want the yarn to be. The heavier item the wider yarn. For table mats, coasters and small baskets I would cut about 2 cm wide ( just under 1 in). For rugs or bigger baskets it can be twice as wide.
T-shirt yarn: amzn.to/2H4mR8z
Mercerized cotton yarn: amzn.to/2Ex1w96
How to continue the round crochet
That video showed you how to get started. My second video shows you how to add stitches so that the crochet stays flat. You can watch that video here: youtu.be/NscbsKrdlIw
On the video I’m using an aluminium crochet hook like these. They are great because of the colours and I use them a lot when making videos. But when I crochet for a longer time, I have started to use ergonomic crochet hooks with a soft handle because my hands easily hurt and they help for that.
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I really like any and all emails I get regarding crochet, whether its new stitches or new patterns. I get a lot of emails from multiple places and I cant read them all at once. Often I go several days before checking my emails so please dont delete me. Thank you!
Great, thank you, I’ll keep you on the list 🙂
I’ve watched your beautiful videos and tried the technique. My yarn (size 4/worsted weight) nearly covers my t-shirt yarn. I’d like the t-shirt yarn to show more. What size yarn do you recommend? Does the fiber content matter?
Yes, worsted weight is that thick that the t-shirt yarn wouldn’t show much. I have been using mercerized cotton crochet threads for the crochet part, they are fine enough to leave room for the t-shirt yarn to show through. I have also used sport-weight bamboo for it, it is slightly heavier. Hope this helps!
Do you have any patterns using this technique.I love it.
This is so cool. Do you have a basket blog you can share?
Thanks
Not at the moment, only have the technique explained, no finished projects yet. Will get some done later.
Oh, dear lord! I’ve made a T-shirt rug …. and I crocheted the whole thing! Great big hook, giant stitches, and very sore wrists! It’s about 2 metres, oval shaped. I ended up lying on the floor to finish the thing as it just too heavy to lift! I’ve tripped over it twice! It’s now rolled up in the garage. Had it standing up but thought it could kill someone so it’s lying down. I’m gonna go drag it back to the house and make it your way, Tuula. Thank you. Very much. Kath xx
That’s great, Kath! Yes, it is hard on wrists to make big rugs!
I can’t wait to try!
Hope you will find an interesting project to try this on!
What a great idea.
It works well, doesn’t it 🙂
Thank you so much for the instructions. I’m going to make some coasters for friends. Your instructions were very clear and easy to follow! Again, thanks!
Great to hear it was useful! Enjoy making the coasters 🙂
I LOVE it … but it would be better if you could explain us more slowly please, thanks!
Thank you for your comment! I have a newer video about the same thing, https://youtu.be/UdmVSIxbWqw. I will need to embed that also in the blog post! Also, any video can be slowed down as you watch, many people use that for tutorials.
THANK YOU. I have looked at multiple videos and blog posts about this technique and yours is the first to explain it fully. You have a very calming voice and give tips that no one else mentions. You’re awesome!
That’s great to hear, thank you so much!
I’m so excited to get started! How gracious of you to share! And love the video!
Wonderful, enjoy your project!