Thrift Store Savvy: TikTok Creator Turns Sweaters into Yarn

A TikTok creator is gaining attention for her innovative approach to recycling clothing. Emilee, known as @ourshieldmaiden, has gone viral for her method of unraveling thrift store sweaters to repurpose the yarn. In a video shared on August 26, 2025, she demonstrated how a 100% cotton sweater, purchased for $5.99 at Goodwill, can be transformed into a usable ball of yarn.

The video quickly amassed 3.2 million views, captivating users who were unaware of this sustainable option. Emilee showcased her process of “unsweatering” by pulling lengths of yarn from the garment and winding it into a ball using a hand-cranked yarn ball winder.

Raising Awareness on Textile Waste

Much of Emilee’s content focuses on the environmental benefits of salvaging textiles. In a subsequent post dated October 15, 2025, she highlighted a concerning statistic: only 25% of clothing donated to thrift stores sells, with the rest often ending up in landfills.

As she explained, “Only 11 million tons of clothing waste goes to landfills in the USA each year,” an alarming figure she shared on October 14, 2025 in another widely viewed post. This resonates with budget-conscious and environmentally aware viewers alike, eager to find cost-effective and sustainable materials.

Many viewers expressed their appreciation for her technique. One user wrote, “I was having anxiety and doom scrolling and this helped. Thanks.” Others praised her innovative approach to thrift shopping. Comments included: “This is next level thrifting. I’m impressed,” and “That’s what you call repurposing.”

Community Engagement and Support

The online community has responded positively, with veteran knitters sharing their own experiences of deconstructing knitwear. One user noted, “Thrift stores don’t even sell half of what gets donated to them; it all goes right into the dumpster.” This sentiment highlights a broader issue within the thrift store system and encourages others to consider asking local shops for items they do not plan to resell.

Emilee’s method not only provides a creative outlet but also emphasizes the importance of reducing textile waste. As another viewer remarked, “Instead of throwing away a thrifted sweater no one wanted to buy, you can give it a new life.”

While Emilee did not immediately respond to requests for comments from the Daily Dot, her videos continue to inspire a movement towards sustainable crafting practices. Through her engaging content, she is successfully raising awareness about the environmental impact of clothing waste and offering practical solutions for those looking to make a difference.

As the conversation around sustainability in fashion grows, Emilee’s creativity in repurposing thrifted materials demonstrates how individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future, one sweater at a time.