Buy T-shirt Yarn Online: Complete Guide 2025
If you've landed here, it's because you're thinking about buying t-shirt yarn for your projects: rugs, baskets, bags, home decor… and you want to get it right the first time. In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know to choose the best t-shirt yarn for your project, how much to buy, and where to buy t-shirt yarn online at a good price.
Table of Contents
- What is t-shirt yarn and why is it important to choose well when buying it?
- Which t-shirt yarn to buy depending on your project
- How much t-shirt yarn do I need?
- The best rag yarns to buy in 2025
- How to choose t-shirt yarn according to the type of project
- Practical tips before buying t-shirt yarn
- Where to buy t-shirt yarn online with confidence
- Free ideas and projects with t-shirt yarn
- Frequently asked questions about buying t-shirt yarn
What is t-shirt yarn and why is it important to choose well when buying it?
T- shirt yarn is a thick yarn, usually in ribbon form, perfect for XL crochet projects and knitting with large needles . It is mainly used for weaving baskets, rugs, bags, cushions, and home decor accessories.
When buying t-shirt yarn online, not all materials are created equal: they can vary in weight, thickness, consistency, and composition . T-shirt yarn that is too heavy or uneven can make the project uncomfortable, result in a rug that is too heavy, or cause the bag to lose its shape with use.
That's why it's key to focus on:
- Thickness and regularity of the tape , so that the fabric is uniform.
- Weight of the coil , which influences the final weight of the project.
- Material composition (polyester, cotton, recycled…), which affects lightness and resistance.
- Project you want to knit : an XXL rug is not the same as a small basket.
Choosing well from the start will save you money, time and frustration, and allow you to enjoy a much more pleasant knitting experience.
Which t-shirt yarn to buy depending on your project
The most common question is: “Which t-shirt yarn should I buy for my project?” Here’s a quick guide based on the most common types of t-shirt yarn and what they’re recommended for.
| Type of t-shirt yarn | Characteristics | Ideal projects | Recommended level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight t-shirt yarn | Uniform tape, medium-low weight, comfortable to work with, does not overload the hands. | Rugs, baskets, bags, cushions, decoration. | Beginners and intermediate levels. |
| Multicolored t-shirt yarn | It changes color as you knit, automatically creating stripes and gradient effects. | Decorative rugs, cushions, special baskets, eye-catching pieces. | Beginners who want eye-catching results without complications. |
| Traditional recycled t-shirt yarn | Heavier, less regular thickness, greater variation between coils. | Small decorative projects or specific crafts. | Intermediate/advanced levels that already control tension and finishing. |
| Macrame-type cords | Whether round or braided, they are not t-shirt yarn but are used for hangings and tapestries. | Tapestries, plant hangers, wall decor. | All levels. |
If you're looking for t-shirt yarn for rugs, baskets, and bags that's easy to handle and doesn't weigh too much, it's best to choose a lightweight t-shirt yarn with a uniform tape and a composition designed for comfortable weaving for hours.
How much t-shirt yarn do I need?
Another very common question before buying is: “How much skein of t-shirt yarn do I need?” The amounts can vary depending on the thickness of your t-shirt yarn and your tension when knitting, but these guidelines will help you determine the right amount (quantities indicated are for Idealium Terra lightweight t-shirt yarn):
- Round rug approx. 100 cm in diameter : 6 spools of lightweight t-shirt yarn.
- Round rug approx. 150 cm in diameter : 12-14 spools of lightweight t-shirt yarn.
- Small basket (organizer, catch-all) : 1 spool.
- Medium basket or basket with lid : 2–3 coils.
- Shoulder bag or medium-sized bag : 1-2 spools of lightweight t-shirt yarn.
- Large tote bag : 2-3 spools.
- Square cushion (approx. 40×40 cm) : 3 rolls.
Keep in mind that it's better to have a little extra yarn than to run out in the last few rounds. If you have any scraps left over, you can always use them to make small baskets, coasters, or decorative items .
Not sure how many coils to buy?
Choose your project (rug, basket, bag, etc.) and check the suggested quantities. Then, browse our t-shirt yarn collection and add the colors that inspire you most to your cart.
View Idealium t-shirt yarn collectionThe best rag yarns to buy in 2025
Below you will find a selection of recommended t-shirt yarns to buy online if you are looking for quality, comfort while knitting and good results in your projects.
1. Terra Lightweight T-shirt Yarn – Solid Colors
Terra Lightweight T-shirt Yarn is a uniform tape yarn, made of 100% polyester, with spools of approximately 285–300 g. It is lightweight, soft, and very pleasant to work with, ideal for those who want to buy yarn for rugs, baskets, and bags without the project becoming excessively heavy.
- Regular thickness tape, perfect for a professional finish .
- Ideal for crocheting with 8–10 mm hooks or large needles.
- Available in a wide range of solid colors : neutrals, pastels and intense shades.
- Perfect for rugs, organizing baskets, bags and cushions.
You can see all the colors and details here:
Buy Terra Lightweight T-shirt Yarn – Solid Colors
2. Terra Lightweight T-shirt Yarn – Multicolor
If you're looking for projects with a more creative touch, Terra Multicolor Lightweight T-shirt Yarn lets you achieve stripes and gradient effects without constantly changing skeins. The color naturally shifts as you knit, creating rugs and cushions with plenty of character.
- Same comfort as the plain Terra: light and uniform .
- Spontaneous multicolor effect, ideal for adding personality to your rugs and baskets.
- Perfect for combining with solid colors and creating unique designs.
You can discover the available colors here:
Buy Terra Light Rag – Multicolor
3. Other materials that combine well with t-shirt yarn
Although they are not t-shirt yarn, you can complement your projects with:
- Senda macrame cord , perfect for tapestries, hangers and wall decor.
- XL balls of yarn for knitting or crochet projects combined with t-shirt yarn.
The key is to choose the main material (t-shirt yarn) and, if you wish, add different textures with other threads or cords.
How to choose t-shirt yarn according to the type of project
When buying t-shirt yarn online , first think about the project you want to knit. Here's a quick guide:
- For round or rectangular rugs, choose a lightweight, even yarn . This will give you large rugs without excessive weight, making them easier to move and wash.
- For rigid baskets and baskets with lids, a lightweight yet substantial yarn is ideal: it holds its shape without needing to stiffen the piece. You can adjust the stiffness by weaving it a little tighter.
- For bags and backpacks, a lightweight yarn is best, one that won't weigh too much on your shoulder. If you want more structure, combine it with a lining or sturdier handles.
- For cushions, covers, and decorations, any lightweight, uniform yarn will be perfect. If you want truly special pieces, combine solid colors and multicolored yarns .
If you're just starting out, you'll find it much easier to knit with a light, uniform t-shirt yarn than with very heavy or irregular recycled t-shirt yarn.
Practical tips before buying t-shirt yarn
- Check the weight of the spool : not all of them weigh the same. This affects the performance and weight of your mat or basket.
- Look for regularity in the tape : fewer cuts, fewer knots and stable thickness = better finish.
- Think about the end use : for carpets that get a lot of foot traffic, it's best to use durable and washable materials.
- Check the needle recommendation : for lightweight t-shirt yarn, it is usually between 8 and 10 mm.
- Have a project in mind : this will make it easier to calculate how many spools of t-shirt yarn to buy.
Where to buy t-shirt yarn online with confidence
Today it's very easy to buy t-shirt yarn online , but it's not always easy to know if the material will be comfortable to work with or if the color on the screen will resemble the real thing.
At Idealium we specialize in yarn balls, t-shirt yarn and cords for knitting and creating, with a careful selection of materials and a catalog designed for real projects: rugs, baskets, bags, cushions and more.
- Terra Lightweight T-shirt Yarn in solid colors and multicolored, with uniform tape.
- Fast shipping and packaging designed to ensure your coils arrive in perfect condition.
- Free academy and patterns to help you get the most out of every skein.
- Personalized attention to answer questions about quantities, thicknesses and projects.
Buy t-shirt yarn at Idealium
Discover our Terra collection of lightweight t-shirt yarn, the perfect material for weaving rugs, baskets, and bags with a professional finish. Choose your favorite colors and receive your order conveniently at home.
Buy cloth online at IdealiumFree ideas and projects with t-shirt yarn
If you're looking for inspiration to try out your new t-shirt yarn, you'll find free step-by-step knitting patterns on the Idealium blog:
- Round rag rugs.
- Baskets with and without lids.
- Modern cushions for the living room or bedroom.
- Small decorative accessories and organizers.
Combine these patterns with your Terra Lightweight T-shirt Yarn and you'll have quick, relaxing projects with a very eye-catching result, even if you're just starting out.
Frequently asked questions about buying t-shirt yarn
Where can I buy cheap, quality t-shirt yarn?
You can find t-shirt yarn in physical stores and online. If you're looking for lightweight, even-weight yarn that's easy to knit with , Idealium offers spools specifically designed for rugs, baskets, and bags, with excellent value for money.
What is the best rag yarn for carpets?
For large rugs, a lightweight, uniform yarn is best. This will prevent the rug from being too heavy and will make it easier to handle and wash. Terra Lightweight Yarn is designed with this goal in mind.
What is the difference between lightweight t-shirt yarn and recycled t-shirt yarn?
Lightweight t-shirt yarn is usually more uniform and lighter, with a consistent thickness that is easy to work with. Traditional recycled t-shirt yarn can be heavier and have more pronounced variations in thickness, requiring more experience to achieve a consistent finish.
How much yarn do I need for a t-shirt yarn bag?
For a medium-sized t-shirt yarn bag, one spool of lightweight t-shirt yarn is usually enough. If you want a large bag or tote bag, it's recommended to have two spools .
What type of needle is used for knitting lightweight t-shirt yarn?
In most cases , an 8–10 mm crochet hook or similarly sized knitting needles are recommended. You can adjust the size according to your tension: if you crochet very tightly, go up half a size; if you crochet very loosely, go down a little.
Now that you know what kind of t-shirt yarn to buy, how much you need, and where to buy t-shirt yarn online , all you have to do is choose your favorite colors and start your next project.
