i start with removing all the buttons and adding them to my amazing button collection then i cut apart all seams, leaving everything as large as possible. i save pockets to use for pockets in totes/purses; i save the front placets, collars and cuffs for trim uses for totes/purses, other craft projects the rest of the fabric is added to my stash to be used for what ever. if a shirt is very thin...i still save as much of it as possible, never know when i may need a piece of foundation fabric, or i can use it to practice something without cutting into 'good-fabric' ... so, rescue those shirts! there is a wealth of fabric available in them.