creative ways to make use of old clothes

50+ Clever Things You Can Do With Old Clothes

That stretched-out sweater has a whole new life awaiting it.

It's sad, but true: Not every item in our donation pile should be there. Some items are too stained, worn or even too personal to pack up for Goodwill. Plus, sorting through inappropriate donations can waste a charity's valuable time. Your best bet: Find a clever new use for these unwearable items.

BEFORE: Old Socks

Of course, old socks are hardly ever still in pairs, and usually have so many holes you'd almost mistake them for fishnets. 

AFTER: Sock Monkeys

This classic toy has been the most adorable way to use old socks for decades. 

Get the how-to at Craft Passion »

AFTER: Coffee Cozies

This idea from Diana Rambles is ideal for those knee-high novelty socks you never could find a reason to wear. 

Know 10 more new uses for those orphaned socks »

BEFORE: Outdated Denim

We'd encourage you to donate them, if only they weren't tapered, torn, ill-fitting and possibly pleated. 

Bought a new pair? Here's why you shouldn't wash them for a while »

AFTER: Napkin Set

Denim is a little more casual than linen and washes so easily. These DIY napkins are also lined in a light fabric for a softer side.

Get the how-to at The Willow Market »

AFTER: Buckets

Sturdy denim can stand upright, making it a great fabric choice for storage baskets.

Get the tutorial at Curly Made »

AFTER: Puppy Toy

Durable denim also is ideal for dog toys, standing up to many, many games of fetch. These DIY dog toys from Pillar Box Blue will be your pooch's new favorite.

Here are 5 more pet toys you can DIY with ease »

BEFORE: Old Sweaters

Especially those that have moth holes or, worse ... shoulder pads. 

Prolong the life of your current favorite sweater with this trick »

AFTER: Sweater Socks

Or, you can make actual socks from sweater sleeves. Your Netflix binge got 10x cozier.

Get the tutorial at Pearls and Scissors »

AFTER: Boot Cuffs

These accessories give you the layered look without the bulk. They're kind of like turtleneck dickies (remember those?) but for your legs!

Get the how-to at Petit Elefant »

AFTER: "Reupholstered" Stool

Highlight a sweater's cute pattern by using it to recover a vintage stool. It's an especially good idea for those oversized '80s sweaters.

Get the how-to at Upcycle That »

AFTER: Beanie

Pin this idea for when fall and winter roll around, and you can't find a beanie that fits your aesthetic. The Surznick Common Room shows you how to make a custom winter hat complete with an adorable pouf. 

Spring is the best time to stock up on sweaters for next fall. Here's what you need to know before you buy »

BEFORE: Old Flannel Shirts

It may be the flannel shirt you loved in the '90s , or the one that was your fall mainstay. Now, it's gone from perfectly broken-in, to just broken down. 

AFTER: Scarf

Got a bunch of flannel? Mix and match patterns to create an adorable scarf.

See how to make it at Gina Michele »

AFTER: Tote

This design is nicknamed the "Lumberjack Sack," which is completely fitting of its rugged charm. 

Get the directions over at The Art of Doing Stuff »

AFTER: Patchwork Runner

Flannel stars in this patchwork runner, which gives your dining room table a touch of country-chic style.

Find out how to make it at Sadie Season Goods »

AFTER: Vest

Lightweight yet cozy, flannel is also a great way to insulate a vest without adding bulk. This design by Scratch and Stitch can be worn flannel-side-in or out!

Here are even more ways to get more use out of old clothes »

BEFORE: Old Bra

Your faithful bra has seen you through workdays and weekends, but now its just not-so-supportive.

Here's how to keep your newer bras in tip-top shape »

AFTER: Racerback Bra

An elastic lets you squeeze a few more uses out of an old black bra, while making it work with racerback tanks. Or, treat it as a focal point for those increasingly common low-back tops. (Exposing straps is no longer the "don't" it once was.)

Get the how-to at Love Aesthetics »

AFTER: Cropped Cami

Even if you're not into the cropped top trend, adding embellishments creates a custom cami that's handy for low-cut tops. 

See how to make it at One O »

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Upcycled Clothing Ideas: 30+ Ways to Reuse Old Clothes

By: Author Amy

Posted on Last updated: May 10, 2024

Home / Crafts / Everyday Crafts / Upcycled Clothing Ideas: 30+ Ways to Reuse Old Clothes

Find new uses for the clothes you don’t wear anymore with these 30+ upcycled clothing ideas. From rugs to tote bags, this list has something for everyone!

Ever looked at your favorite worn out clothing piece thought, ‘If only you could live a second life as something else?’

Well, guess what? That’s not just wishful thinking – it’s the heart of upcycling!

And today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of upcycled clothing ideas , where your old wardrobe favorites get to make their grand re-entrance as something entirely new.

For example: I have a very special pleather jacket. She and I have been through a lot together. It’s so soft and comfy that it’s practically molded to my body.

But alas, time and wear have taken their toll, particularly on the collar and cuffs. However, I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet. Instead, I’m transforming it into a chic handbag!

Yes, you heard that right – a handbag! The rest of the jacket is still in prime condition, ready to embark on its new journey.

But why stop at handbags? The world of fashion crafts is as vast as your imagination. That old t-shirt you can’t bear to part with? It’s screaming to be turned into a quirky pillow or a stylish tote bag.

The pair of jeans that fit just right but are fraying at the edges? They’re practically begging to become a funky denim apron or a set of coasters.

Think about it – upcycling clothing is not just a fabulous way to unleash your creativity; it’s also an eco-friendly fashion statement.

You get to reduce waste, save a few bucks, and have a blast while doing it. It’s a win-win-win situation!

I’ve scoured the creative corners of the internet and compiled over 30 tutorials that are brimming with ingenuity.

From no-sew hacks to easy sewing projects, there’s an upcycled idea for every skill level. They’re unique, they’re stylish, and they’re waiting for you to give them a whirl.

And hey, if crafting isn’t your jam, remember that donating your clothes is always a fantastic option. It’s all about giving your clothes a second chance, be it through recycling or finding them a new home.

Now, are you ready to transform your wardrobe rejects into your next favorite thing? Let’s do this!

Pick a project from the list below (or two, or three), and share your upcycling adventures in the comments. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Upcycled Clothing Ideas

Find new uses for clothing you don't wear anymore. Here are over 25 ways to upcycle old clothes you are going to love!

Reupholster a Chair with Colorful Denim

Reupholster a chair and give it a bright and fun new ‘seat.’ This is really easy to do, and we’re going to show you how . . . with a pair of upcycled denim pants!

Rug from Old Blue Jeans

Use up some old jeans and scrap yarn to make a beautiful rag rug . I love all of the colors and how the denim unites them all!

Throw Pillow from Baby Clothes

Sonja came up with a great idea for baby clothes! Instead of storing them away in the basement, she repurposed some of the outfits into a throw pillow . It's a perfect way to be reminded of those precious moments on a daily basis.

Infinity Scarf from a T-Shirt

If you want to learn how to make an infinity scarf , this is the easiest and quickest way to do it! You’ll only spend pennies on this simple project.

Handbag from a Sweater

See how to make this awesome handbag using an old sweater and long sleeve shirt. It is an easy sewing project !

T Shirt Tote Bag

Learn to turn an old t-shirt into a stylish, no-sew tote bag with our easy DIY tutorial. Perfect for beginners!

PS - if you know how to sew, here's another version .

Table Runner from Jeans

Find out how to make a unique denim table runner using your old jeans. You'll use both legs of the jeans, a stencil and paint.

Cup Sleeve from a Sweater

Keep your hands from burning on your morning coffee with this easy DIY project. You'll only use the cuffs of the sweater so you can use the rest to make something else . . . maybe a pillow?

Denim Bunting from Old Jeans

If you have denim scraps left over from upcycling jeans in another project, it’s easy to turn them into a DIY bunting! Perfect for a party or for little girls’ room decor.

Sweater to Upholstered Stool

Upholstery is a lot easier than you might think. This stool is a perfect beginner project. Upcycle an unwanted sweater into a cozy sweater stool!

Quilt from Flannel Shirts

Flannel is perfect for a cozy blanket. Learn how to use some old flannel shirts to create this comfy quilt , from start to finish.

Camera Strap from a Scarf

Do you have an old scarf you haven't used in a long time? Turn it into a pretty camera strap! This makes a fun gift for a photographer.

Zip Bags from Old Ties

Learn how to make these DIY necktie zip pouches from old ties. They make great handmade gifts for men, husbands, or anyone else that might like a masculine silk print.

Socks to Sock Monkeys

Make your own sock monkey by using this ultimate sewing pattern and tutorial. Easy to sew with guide from pictures and instructions.

Wreath from Flannel Shirt & Old Jeans

Upcycle your fall wardrobe into this beautiful DIY wreath ! Anyone can make this craft and the best part is that you can use old jeans and a flannel shirt that you don’t use anymore. It's the perfect wreath for fall.

Pocket Tee from a Men's Tee

Does your boyfriend or husband have a leftover t-shirt? Refashion it into a DIY pocket tee with a doily, and it’s so easy to do!

T-Shirts to Knotted Baby Hats

I don’t know about you, but one can never have too many simple cotton baby hats. This tutorial is easy and you don’t have to buy any fabric! You can use old cotton t-shirts right from your closet.

Tote Bag from a Flannel Shirt

I love how this tote bag turned out! This is a bit more involved than some of the other projects on the list, but definitely worth the effort.

Rag Rug from Old T-Shirts

Learn how to make a braided rainbow rug using t-shirts. It is super easy–and who doesn’t have an extra t-shirt (or multiple) lying around? You'll need quite a few, but the results are worth it.

Faux Cacti from Socks

Learn how to make the most fun faux cactus ever using socks! These are perfect for those castaways without a match. You’ll love your quirky garden!

Picnic Blanket from Jeans

With summer upon us and spending lots of time outdoors, a picnic blanket was much needed. See how this denim blanket was made from old jeans! It would also be great for camping.

Headbands from T-Shirts

Learn how to make a tie dye headband three different ways! This is such a cute fashion statement for summer.

Decorated Planter with an Old Scarf

Looking for a fun and easy project? Re-imagine an old scarf into a new planter in this easy upcycled scarf planter tutorial!

Christmas Stocking from Pajamas Pants

This easy DIY Christmas stocking was made from an old pair of fleece pants. You can sew it up in about 15 minutes! So colorful on the mantel.

Lampshade Out of Lace Tights

Learn how to cover an old lampshade frame with lace tights! I love the antique look and the soft light. This site is in a different language, but you can follow the picture tutorial.

Felt Rug Out of Old Sweaters

Make any shape rug you like with this tutorial. You can use up some old wool sweaters and felt scraps to make it.

Denim Bins from Pants

I save everything, including old pants! Here’s how to make recycled denim bins before you send your drawers to the Salvation Army.

iPad Cover from a Sweater

Keep your iPad protected and cozy with the same thing that keeps you cozy in the winter . . . a sweater! I really like the embellishments she used here.

Messenger Bag from Cargo Pants

Gotta love all those pockets on cargo pants, right? They are perfect for turning into a messenger bag. It even has a hidden tablet holder!

Apron from a Dress

Mindy shows you how to take an old dress and turn it into an apron! Great idea for a dress that doesn't fit anymore.

Slippers from a Sweater

Cold feet? Warm them up by upcycling an old sweater into nice warm slippers! All you need is an old sweater, needle, thread, and scissors.

Like these upcycled fashion ideas? Then you will love these other popular fashion DIY posts:

• Stay Warm in Style: Free Crochet Hat Patterns for a Cozy Winter
• Bespoke Beauty: 35+ DIY Hair Accessories for Fashion and Profit
• Free Knitted Hat Patterns to Keep Your Melon Warm
• Upcycle Shoes with One of these Genius Ideas

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How to Reuse and Upcycle Your Old Clothing

Last Updated: April 10, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Natalie Kay Smith and by wikiHow staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA . Natalie Kay Smith is a sustainable fashion writer and the owner of Sustainably Chic, a sustainability-focused blog. Natalie has over 5 years of sustainable fashion and green living writing and has worked with over 400 conscious brands all over the world to show readers fashion can exist responsibly and sustainably. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 600,875 times.

Clothes are made of fabric, which has endless possible uses. If you’ve grown tired of some garments, have clothes that don't fit, or have holy or stained items on hand, you can repurpose them rather than throw them away. By turning clothes into different garments, making keepsakes with them, or using them to create home décor, you’ll never let good clothes go to waste again.

Things You Should Know

• Give old clothing new life by removing excess fabric to create crop tops, shorts, or mini-dresses. Use excess fabric for headbands or scrunchies.
• Repurpose old clothing to create tote bags, dog beds, pillowcases, or quilts.
• Use leftover fabric scraps to make sentimental stuffed animals, a memory board, or patchwork curtains.

• Then, lay the shirt on a flat surface. You may want to trace a line where you’ll cut with a fabric marker.
• Use a pair of fabric scissors to cut the spot and viola! You’ve got a new crop top.
• You can hem the edges for a clean look. Use a straight or running stitch with a sewing machine, or weave a needle and thread in and out of the fabric in a straight line.

Denim shorts

• If you fold the pants over, you can cut through both legs simultaneously for a symmetrical cut.
• For a distressed look, leave the shorts unhemmed to fray naturally over time. You can also take a pair of seam rippers or sandpaper to distress the edges.

Embellishments

• You should lay out any embellishments first to figure out the placement before sewing or gluing them down.

• It may help to first use a color remover so the new color can successfully stick.

• Add elastic to the top and bottom of the garment for a form-fitting look.
• Use a tube top you love and trace the pattern onto the garment for an easy hack.
• You can hand-sew these projects, but it may take a little time compared to using a sewing machine.

• Then, fold the fabric half lengthwise and sew with the right sides together. Turn the tube inside out and insert elastic through the tube.
• Overlap the ends of the elastic and zigzag stitch it in place. Insert the unfinished end of the scrunch inside the finished edge and sew a straight stitch to finish off.

Produce bags

Cloth patches

• If you have many smaller pieces, try making a full patchwork garment.

Travel bags

Memory board

• You can add mementos and rearrange your board by attaching items with pushpins .

Stuffed animals

• Sew all of the edges but one closed and fill it with stuffing or used scraps of old clothes.
• Use buttons from old garments to sew eyes and a nose onto your keepsake stuffed animal.
• If this feels too ambitious, use old socks to make dresses for dolls. Cut off the tube portion of a sock. Then, thread a ribbon through each corner to create straps. [13] X Research source

• If you’re not particularly crafty but would still enjoy a quilt, many websites will create a patchwork quilt out of your old clothes for you, such as Project Repeat or retailers on Etsy. Just send your old clothes to them.
• Try to use similar fabrics that can be machine-washed.

Picture frame

• Cut off any excess fabric with scissors to close the frame properly.
• You can also use a piece of cardboard to create your own custom frame. This works well for photos of an unusual size.

• Pinking shears , which have patterns cast into the cutting blade, can create an attractive finish, so your edges don’t look frayed.

• If you don’t have enough scraps to create a whole curtain, sew a valence for the top of the window to add some rustic charm.

Pillowcases

• If you have a design on the T-shirt that you want to showcase, turn your shirt inside out before cutting.

• To corchet a rag rug , start with a magic ring. Chain 6 (single stitches) and slip-stitch them together in a loop. Then, work two double crochets into every stitch in the second round. Increase each round until you get your desired size.
• If you’ve been looking for a unifying décor piece for your home, select strips for your rag rug that incorporate the colors in your room. Your rug will highlight each of them and pull the room together.

• If you have a smaller dog, make one pillowcase-size bed.

Cleaning rags

Community Q&A

• Create a basket of scraps, storing similar fabrics together. You’ll be ready to craft when inspiration strikes. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 5
• Be sure a gift isn't made from a piece of clothing that someone once gave to you as a gift. Thanks Helpful 53 Not Helpful 27
• Search wikiHow to find more cool fabric projects. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 7

Things You'll Need

• Old clothes
• Fabric scissors
• Fabric glue
• Fabric marker
• Fabric dye , optional
• Elastic , optional
• Pushpins , optional
• Pinking shears , optional
• Seam rippers or sandpaper , optional
• Color remover , optional

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.instyle.com/how-to-diy-a-crop-top-7505787
• ↑ https://www.instyle.com/fashion/clothing/how-to-cut-jeans-shorts-diy
• ↑ https://www.ritdye.com/dye-your-clothes/
• ↑ https://blog.treasurie.com/how-to-make-a-tube-top/
• ↑ https://www.adventuresofadiymom.com/2020/02/how-to-make-scrunchie-out-of-shirt.html
• ↑ https://www.thewonderforest.com/easy-sew-diy-t-shirt-headband-tutorial/
• ↑ https://www.papernstitchblog.com/upcycled-grocery-totes-with-old-t-shirts/
• ↑ https://artistcellar.com/blogs/news/making-fabric-patches
• ↑ Natalie Kay Smith. Sustainable Fashion Writer. Expert Interview. 15 November 2019.
• ↑ https://youtu.be/zgpaM3u2zng?t=28
• ↑ https://www.debbie-debbiedoos.com/diy-memory-board-with-drop-clothes-and-stencils/
• ↑ https://makingthingsisawesome.com/simple-stuffed-animal-cute-bunnies/
• ↑ https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2065/5767/files/Doll_Clothes_PATTERN.pdf?v=1609977153
• ↑ https://weallsew.com/making-a-memory-quilt-preparing-the-materials/
• ↑ https://remake.world/stories/style/6-ways-to-upcycle-old-clothes-into-home-decor/
• ↑ http://www.today.com/series/holidays-made-easy/4-gift-wrap-ideas-using-old-clothes-your-closet-t63796
• ↑ https://www.sewjahit.com/post/patchwork-curtains
• ↑ https://thehowtohome.com/5-minute-t-shirt-pillowcase/
• ↑ https://www.1dogwoof.com/crochet-rug-from-t-shirts/
• ↑ https://cyberseams.com/sewing/home-decor/sew-simple-pillow-dog-bed-using-recycled-clothing/

About This Article

There are plenty of ways to reuse old clothes so they don’t go to waste. Making new clothes and accessories is a fun and easy way to repurpose your old clothes. For example, you could try restyling the garments to make them more fashionable by adding zippers, studs, or glitter. You can also use the fabric from your old clothes to make accessories like a headband or tote bag. Another way to reuse old clothes is to make keepsakes. For example, you could use the fabric to cover a memory board or to make a teddy bear. For more tips from our Fashion co-author, like how to make a pillowcase from your old clothes, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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22 Nifty DIYs to Reuse Old Clothing

Looking for DIY rope crafts? Click here.

Do you want to discover ways to repurpose old clothing to give them a new purpose in your life?

If you have a bunch of old clothes that you’re not sure what to do with and you don’t want to just throw them away, there are many ways to upcycle them.

Or maybe you have clothes that are sentimental, and even though you don’t wear them, you still want to keep them.

For me, it’s hard to declutter my wardrobe even when it comes to clothes that I no longer wear. I either still love it, or I think back to a time when I loved and wore it, or I tell myself that maybe one day I’ll fit in it again…

And then some clothes are not donation-worthy and I don’t want want to contribute to textile waste by getting rid of them since I don’t actually know where they will end up.

With that being said, finding ways to reuse and repurpose old clothes is a great way to hold onto clothes you love, promotes sustainability and the zero-waste movement, AND we can save some money too.

Here’s a list of practical ways to reuse and repurpose old clothing into something new!

Repurposing Socks

1. sock heating pad.

Have a spare sock? (I mean, who doesn’t?) Repurpose it so make a heating pad!

Learn how to make a heating pad with old socks, rice and essential oils over at Lil Blue Boo.

2. Sock Dryer Balls

Another great way to repurpose spare socks and save some money is to make your own dryer balls. Add some essential oils to make your clothes smell fantastic!

Check out Noodles and Nuggets for more information on these DIY sock dryer balls.

Here are some more things you can do with spare socks.

Repurposing Shirts

3. t-shirt produce bag.

Easily make your own produce bag by cutting holes in a t-shirt.

Check out the tutorial by HG TV to learn how to make this repurposed t-shirt produce bag . There are instructions for both sewing and non-sewing to suit your needs!

4. Shirt Macramé Produce Bag

Want something a little fancier? Transform a t-shirt into a macramé produce bag perfect for shopping at your local farmers market in style.

Get the instructions and a video tutorial for this DIY macramé market bag over at Trash to Couture.

5. Braided T-Shirt Rug

Another great way to repurpose old clothing is to cut up shirts in strips and braid them to create new items, like this rug!

Check out the tutorial by The Wonder Forest to learn how to make this no-sew braided t-shirt rug.

6. T-Shirt Bracelets

Use strips of t-shirts to make a bracelet! Simply wrap the fabric around a bangle and you’ve got yourself a new repurposed t-shirt bracelet , courtesy of Recyclart.

7. Shirt Canvas Art

For a super easy DIY idea for repurposing old t-shirts, wrap and staple your favorite old shirts onto a canvas!

Check out Crafty Lumberjacks for the tutorial to make these t-shirt canvas art.

8. Repurposed Shirt Draft Stopper

Is your home a little drafty? Repurpose an old shirt to make a draft stopper!

Check out Sadie Seasongoods to learn how to make this flannel draft stopper.

Repurposing Neckties

9. necktie zip pouch.

How awesome are these pouches made from repurposed ties?

Check out the tutorial over at Polkadot Chair to read more about making these zip bags from old ties.

10. Necktie Wine Tote

Repurpose some old neckties into an awesome wine tote!

Read the tutorial by A Jennuine Life to learn how to make this necktie wine tote.

Repurposing Jeans & Denim

11. denim feather wall decor.

You can repurpose old clothing to make decorations for your home like these pretty upcycled denim feathers.

Get the tutorial for these DIY denim feather wall decor over at Pillar Box Blue.

12. Denim Accessory Hangers

How creative are these denim hook organizers using shower hooks?

Check out the tutorial over at The Chic Site to learn how to make these denim accessory hangers.

13. Repurposed Denim Dog Toys

How cute are these dog toys made from repurposed jeans?

Learn how to make your own upcycled jeans dog toys over at Pillar Box Blue.

Repurposing Sweaters

14. sweater pouf ottoman.

Upcycle an old sweater into an ottoman that’ll look awesome in your living room!

Check out Thought From Alive to learn how to make this DIY sweater pouf ottoman.

15. DIY Sweater Vase

For an easy repurposed clothing idea with no sewing required, cut off the sleeves of an old sweater and insert them onto a vase!

See Thrift and Chic to learn more about these vase cozies.

16. Upcycled Sweater Mittens

With some sewing skills, repurpose an old sweater into new mittens for the winter.

Go see Make and Do Crew to learn how to make a sweater into mittens.

17. Fingerless Gloves From Sweater

Take an old sweater and make fingerless gloves from the sleeves! This easy DIY just requires some basic sewing skills – and a sweater.

Check out Fiber Artsy to read more about making these DIY fingerless gloves.

18. Repurposed Sweater Pillow

Repurpose an old sweater by sewing it into a beautiful pillow.

Learn how to make a pillow from a sweater over at Farmhouse on Boone.

19. Upcycled Sweater Quilt

Do you have a lot of sweaters that need repurposing? Make a quilt!

Learn how to make this upcycled sweater quilt over at Made By Barb.

20. Upcycled Sweater Slipper Boots

Who doesn’t love fuzzy slippers? Read the tutorial for these upcycled sweater slipper boots over at Busy Being Jennifer.

21. Upcycled Sweater Socks

You can never have enough socks, and with very minimal sewing, you can upcycle an old sweater to make some more!

Learn how to make socks from a repurposed sweater over at Momtastic.

22. Repurposed Sweater Lampshade

Is your lampshade a little plain? Repurpose a sweater to make a new lampshade for it that looks amazing!

Check out Unskinny Boppy for this DIY sweater lampshade tutorial.

Want more DIY projects to help you become more sustainable? Check out my post of zero-waste DIY ideas for an eco-friendly home.

Which repurposed clothing DIY is your favorite? Don’t forget to save it!

Further reading..., 5 ways secondhand clothing benefits the environment, 15 tips to get the best clothing haul at thrift stores, 9 reasons why buying secondhand clothes is awesome, 18 diy decor + products for an eco-friendly bathroom, how to be mindful of others: 5 simple tips.

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20 Best Ways to Reuse Old Clothing With Helpful Tutorials

Brooke Bowlin

My name is Danielle and I am a mother of two, wife, CEO, and lover of vintage treasures. I created SKL in 2020 to help our community in their need for well-researched and trust-worthy articles, listicles and guides to live a more sustainable and healthy life. So happy to have you here! ( Click to learn more) .

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Are you wondering what to do with those worn-out, unused clothes in your closet? Wonder no more because we’ve gathered all kinds of resources, ideas, and inspiration on how to reuse old clothing!

This blog will provide you with comprehensive support to upcycle, repurpose and reuse old clothing in your closet that you just don’t know what to do with!

Unfortunately, getting rid of old clothes, especially damaged and worn clothing, isn’t straightforward. Our clothing disposal systems are deeply flawed with most pathways leading to landfill. 

Only 10-20% of our donated items get resold with the remainder getting shipped to overseas markets where they will burden economies and eventually landfills in the Global South. 

While a majority of clothing has the potential to be recycled, only a small portion of it actually is. And these systems only capture the portion of the population that didn’t just toss their clothes right into the trash to begin with. For a deeper dive into these broken systems, see this post.

This is why finding ways to breathe new life into old pieces and repurpose them is a foundational sustainable practice. When we can directly ensure that we extend the life of an item, we reduce our demand for more new production and limit the environmental impact of waste. 

Figuring out what to actually do that makes old pieces useful again isn’t always easy, But, that’s why we’ve gathered everything you need to know to get started on how to reuse old clothing.

What is upcycling?

Upcycling is the practice of taking something of diminished value and modifying it to create something of increased value. Recycling typically breaks down waste to convert it into something new and downcycling breaks down an item to another useful item, but likely not as valuable in form and function. 

Upcycling can take many different forms.

For a clothing item, it can look like reimagining a garment into a new style so that you’ll wear it again. Or it can look like repurposing the item into a new use entirely.

The ultimate goal of upcycling is to take something that isn’t reaching its full potential in its current form and modify it into something that can be more useful and valuable, reducing the waste and impact of the item. The most successful upcycling will not only keep an item from landfill, but it will also reduce demand for a new item which will curb the need for excess production. 

What are the benefits of upcycling?

Beyond the obvious benefit of reducing waste, upcycling offers many positive traits like creative exploration, celebrating craftsmanship, and minimizing new resource use. 

Here is what some upcycling designers have to say about the value of reworking old clothes into something new:

Paola of Soigné

“Let’s face it. Fast fashion is killing our planet and contributing to atrocious human labor practices. I wholeheartedly believe the world doesn’t need another clothing brand— what we need is more businesses coming up with creative and strategic ways to use what already exists. I use this same philosophy with my sustainable design by taking clothes from the thrift store and transform them into more original and modern-day pieces. It’s really a win-win situation because we’re not contributing to the overproduction (or waste) of clothes, the consumer gets a truly unique 1-of-1 garment, and you get to support a self-taught Latina designer!”

Emily & Megan of Salvage Apparel Co

“Upcycling allows us to transform secondhand textiles that are no longer desirable and turn them into pieces that feel new and fashion-forward, ultimately helping keep clothing in circularity. Rather than thinking of upcycling and sustainability as a limit to creativity, we see it as a chance to be truly inventive . We aim to change the stigma around secondhand goods and show that something old can become something totally unique and special again.”

How to Reuse Old Clothing: Upcycling Ideas!

Now that we’ve established the value and benefits of getting creative with what we have, let’s explore some ways to upcycle those old clothes. To get started on your first upcycling project, here are some tools that may come in handy:

• Sewing kit (thread, seam ripper, needles, sewing machine)
• Fabric scissors
• Embroidery floss and hoop
• Fabric paint or dye
• Tape measure
• Tailor’s chalk

For further insight into the usefulness of these tools in reusing old clothing, check out this video . 

Upcycling doesn’t have to be a dramatic garment “flip.”

Sometimes, upcycling just means modifying an item in a way that refreshes it and makes you want to wear it again. For those pieces that need a bit of life, here are some ways to reimagine your clothing pieces into stylish new creations:

One of the most straightforward ways to change up a garment is to crop it! Take those scissors to your pant legs or blouses. Jeans can be shorts, a maxi dress can become a mini dress, and tops can be shortened to give pieces new life.

Always be cautious to try the piece on, measure, and cut conservatively. You can always keep cropping, so do your diligence not to be too aggressive on the first snip. Try your hand at hemming the garment or leave the edge raw if you want. Just be sure to save the scraps for a future upcycle project.

Changing the color of an item is a great way to refresh an item as your palette preferences may change. Food and plants can provide some really interesting ways to dye your clothes naturally .

Take stock of your produce and explore how onions, berries, or spinach can transform the color of your pieces. If you are looking for a more straightforward way to change the color of your clothes, try ready-made dyes or bleach.

Or if you have some artistic skill, try painting on your clothes to make some wearable art. 

3. Embroider

Adding creative stitching is a fun way to add personal touches to your pieces. It can also be a resourceful way to cover up damage. Mend holes and cover stains by strategically stitching designs into your clothes.

4. Patch – Visible Mending

Patching is another great way to creatively address damaged pieces. Use your cropping scraps or fun thrifted fabrics to add personality to an old piece.

5. Reconstruct

This one is for the bold! If your sewing skills are a bit more advanced, try your hand at reconstructing a garment into a new one.

Dresses and long tops can be converted into skirt and shirt sets . Maxi skirts can be cut apart and styled into dresses . Turn an old blouse into a bustier .

The possibilities are endless when you can combine imagination with a bit of sewing skills! If sewing isn’t your strong suit, some tailors or specialists can work with you to reimagine old pieces for you!

How to Reuse Old Clothing: Repurpose them!

Upcycling doesn’t just have to be reimagining clothing into different styles. It can also look like repurposing items altogether. Sometimes that’s a project you can take on and sometimes there are outlets that will repurpose your clothes for you. Reusing your old clothing never looked so cute!

How to make beeswax wraps from old clothes

Who knew beeswax wrap making was so easy? Can easily make this vegan as well!

Making headbands out of old clothes

These are my go-to headbands after this tutorail! So easy and I love that I can make a makeshift headband at any time!

Repurpose unwanted clothing into a gorgeous tote bag!

No need to buy any more tote bags if you have old unwanted clothes lying around!

Repurpose your old t-shirts into delicate hair scrunchies

Our community raves about this one – it’s perfect for delicate hair too!

DIY Produce Bag from Old T-shirts!

I truly believe we can never have enough produce bags because if we do, we can gift it to loved ones!

Repurposing old denim into a super handy zipper pouch

Such a wonderful idea and also a great learning experience to get acquainted with denim mending!

Pillow cases made out of unwanted clothing

Another must-try on my list – I could always use more pillow cases and this looks so fun!

Turn your old clothing into a new plant hanger!

Stop spending your hard-earned money on plant hangers when you can make your own out of old tees!

Reusing Old Clothes For Pet Bedding!

This is one of my personal favorite uses for old unwanted clothing: animal bedding!

Turning Old Tees into Cleaning Rags

Another favorite of ours and our community – super simple and hella convenient to reuse unwanted clothing!

DIY T-shirt Blanket

How to repurpose your old t-shirts into an amazing DIY t-shirt blanket!

DIY Canvas Art

This one really impressed us – how about turning your old unwanted clothing into amazing DIY Canvas art?!

Upcycled Reusable Cotton Rounds

Full tutorial on how to turn old unwanted clothing into reusable cotton facial rounds.

Repurpose Clothing Into A Rug!

In need of a new rug? Why not try to make one out of all those heaps of clothing lying around?

This was your guide on how to reuse old clothing.

I hope this offers some inspiration to get creative with those old pieces and reuse old clothing with intention. The possibilities are endless.

Old and damaged clothing doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) trash. Next time you clean out your closet or come across an unworn, unwanted clothing item, take a moment to imagine what you can do with it.

Consider all the items made of fabric (or the items that could be made from fabric) and get creative in how you can transform those old garments.

Don’t forget about the resources at your disposal, including the amazing creators who can inspire you and teach you.

Let’s end this amazing breakdown of how to reuse old clothing with a quote from an amazing upcycling designer.

“For me, upcycling is at the center of all my design decisions. It’s the clothing pieces that had a previous life that was perhaps cut short too early by the trend cycle, a stain or tear, or someone growing out of it that I feel a pulling desire to honor by not letting it go to waste.  Personally, I think my work would be boring if I didn’t have the challenge of working within the confines of upcycling secondhand clothes.”

 I could’ve decided to design with ethically sourced raw materials, and although I do have respect for any brand doing that— it’s not for me. Secondhand clothing is the number one source of inspiration when thinking of a new item to design— I see what’s trending, and I think, how can I make this timeless, yet unique and special by pulling from the old clothes? It just logically makes sense to me. This planet is overflowing with clothes nobody wants, yet we, as a society, are always craving something “new.” It seems the only answer is to make the new with the old. It takes up more time to source old clothes, deconstruct, and hand-make every piece, yet it saves them from landfills and saves energy and resources used to make fabric. It’s worth it. It creates something more special than a new piece of clothing— it’s a statement, it’s one-of-a-kind, and it still looks super cute.”

Kathy of Anti Clothing Supply

Whatever upcycling project you consider, remember that the important task is to create something usable and extend the life of that piece. Gather those tools and get creative!

If you liked this guide on how to reuse old clothing, you’ll definitely want to check out these other sustainable guides from SKL:

• How To Shop For Sustainable Fashion On A Budget
• How to Quit Fast Fashion For Good
• Full Guide to Greenwashing

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7 Creative Ways to Reuse Old Clothes

Give your tired garments a refresh with these ideas.

Cut Jeans Into Shorts and Hair Accessories

Dye blouses, dresses, and skirts.

• Rip T-Shirts Into Cleaning Rags

Transform T-Shirts Into Bags

Make clothing into a quilt or pillows.

• Turn Socks Into Heating Pads

Convert Sweaters Into Cozy Scarves

Aleksandr Zubkov/Getty Images

After a closet declutter , there’s always a pile of clothes that you just don’t know what to do with. It’s always a good idea to donate what you can to those in need, but for some reason or another, you’ll have some stragglers you just can’t get rid of, like stained or worn-out garments. 

Instead of throwing them in the trash, consider upcycling them. It’s a great, cost-efficient way to give new life to old pieces, and you’re not contributing to more textile waste —according to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 18,000,000 pounds of clothes and shoes wound up in landfills in 2018! Help the planet—and your wallet—with these seven ways to reuse old clothes. 

If you’ve officially moved past skinnies (congrats!), you can cut your denim into shorts and use the extra fabric to make hair accessories like simple headbands or ties. Luckily, the distressed look is hot right now, so there’s no need for perfection—embrace the frayed, slightly jagged edges. 

Light-colored clothing items may get dingy over time, especially if you’re not sorting them in the laundry . Consider dying them to make those pieces presentable again— RIT Dye is an affordable, trusted brand that’s popular in the crafting community, and it’s available at many big box retailers like Walmart. 

Rip T-Shirts Into Cleaning Rags 

Old t-shirts can look quite shabby, but they’re usually incredibly soft because they’re old, making them perfect for wiping delicate surfaces. Cotton shirts are best for this application. 

Maybe you have enough cleaning rags but you still want to do something with those old t-shirts—pick your favorites and turn them into bags. Just cut a wider neck hole and the sleeves so it’s shaped like a tank top (the “straps” will be the handles) and sew up the bottom of the shirt. Hate sewing? You can snip away at the bottom, creating little tassels, then tie them up. DIY Blogger Happiest Camper has an excellent step-by-step guide .

If you have any garments with sentimental value, you can take those items and make them into a quilt or pillow. These are often called memory quilts or memory pillows, and while you can make them yourself if you’re crafty, there are plenty of Etsy shops that will do the work for you. Just ship them your clothes!

Turn Socks Into Heating Pads 

Repurpose your knee-high socks by turning them into handmade heating pads for achy muscles and joints . Just stuff them with uncooked rice, put a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you’d like, and knot or sew the open end shut. To use, just pop it in the microwave for about a minute and place a cloth between the heating pad and your skin. (Never apply heat directly.)

Stretched-out knit sweaters can morph into cozy scarves—it just requires cutting the bottom half of the sweater and a little bit of hemming if you really want to perfect it. Crafting blogger Swoodson Says has a no-sew tutorial that requires only three supplies. 

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28 Crafts You Can Make With Old Clothes

Give your favorite sweater, T-shirt, baby onesie or blue jeans a new lease on life with these imaginative upcycling projects.

Get Crafty With Your Old Clothes

Our secret method for saving money while crafting is using upcycled materials . More specifically? Upcycled clothes. From worn-in denim and flannel tops to cable-knit sweaters and wool socks, old clothes are fun and free materials to bring your creative projects to life. Read on to get the scoop on our top craft projects you can make using the clothes collecting dust in the back of your closet. First up? Our brilliant blue-jean wreath. Scavenge your kids’ closets (or your own!) for old, outgrown blue jeans and craft our charming denim rosette door wreath. The familiar blue hue and classic denim fabric make this wreath an inviting focal point for your spring or summer front porch. Let your denim roses shine solo or finish off your wreath with a seasonal ribbon for a pop of contrast. Find our easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and materials list in the link below.

More photos after this Ad

Cat Hideaway

Treat your feline family member to an in-home retreat with this T-shirt tent project. You’ll need a plastic bin for the base, two bamboo hoops to create the tent structure and an extra-large T-shirt for the canopy. Find an extended materials and tool list — plus our step-by-step instructions — to make your cat tent in the link below.

Denim Abstract Art

Retire your well-worn blue jeans and add interest to your wall in one fell swoop with the help of our easy, eye-catching abstract art craft using some bleach, fabric scissors, double-sided tape and gallery frames. Click the link below to jot down the full materials list and watch a step-by-step tutorial from the Crafty Lumberjacks to transform your old jeans this weekend.

Plant Hanger

If your kids can’t get enough T-shirt projects, here’s another idea. Upcycle old tees into this modern bohemian hanging planter. Re-create this sleek design using three household items you already have on hand: a T-shirt shirt sleeve, a crochet potholder and a shampoo bottle. Follow the link below to watch our full video tutorial.

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Homesteading & Sustainability

10 Ways to Upcycle Old Clothes

Author: Elaina Garcia // Last updated on September 5, 2023 Leave a Comment

We can upcycle just about any type of clothing as long as we’ve got a vision, a bit of imagination, and some crafting skills.

Clothing is one of the simplest things to upcycle. Old jeans can be transformed into shorts, household items, and tote bags. T-shirts can be made into reusable produce bags, hanging planters, and doormats or rag rugs. Socks can even be upcycled into things like dust rags, whiteboard erasers, and bean bags for games and outdoor activities. Honestly, the possibilities are endless.

Some clothing items that can easily be upcycled include (but aren’t limited to):

• Sweaters and Sweatshirts

What to Look for in Clothes for Upcycling

While just about any article of clothing can be upcycled, some fabrics and materials are easier to work with than others. The easiest materials to work with are any type of cotton T-shirt and denim. However, you can also find various ways to work with blouses, sweaters, and anything hanging around your closet. You only need to get creative.

That said, you may not want to upcycle clothing that’s more valuable. Instead, you could sell them through secondhand marketplaces like Mercari and ThredUp. Of course, the clothes can be upcycled, but there could be more value in reselling or donating them.

On that note, there is quite the market for upcycled designer clothes and accessories.

Are There Clothes You Can’t Upcycle?

There are a few restrictions in regard to upcycling clothes. Things that are trickier to upcycle or recycle are items with embellishments like metallics, sequins, and anything containing a lot of embroidery or beading. However, if you put your creative mind to work, pretty much any article of clothing can be transformed into something else.

Different Ways to Upcycle Clothes

Here’s where we can have fun and get creative. If you’re not very crafty, no worries. These ideas don’t require a bunch of know-how in the sewing department. What matters most is that you have fun, and in the end, you might have a few new products.

Stained clothing is often tossed into the landfill because we don’t want to sell or donate something that’s damaged. Instead, why not dye the items to give them a new lease on life? Using colors darker than the stain leaves no visible trace, and you end up with something that feels brand new. You could use fabric-safe dye or natural things like avocado pits and pokeberries. You could also use bleach to recolor or reverse dye clothing.

Patch Up Holes

Patching holes or rips doesn’t require a sewing machine; a needle and thread will do. You could even use fabric glue if you want. You could also opt for iron-on patches (I used them back in middle school), but if you have the skills, creating patches using a similar fabric can make the outcome look intentional — instead of like you’re trying to cover a mistake.

Embroidering

Everything from jeans to T-shirts can be embroidered. You only need a needle, thread, and time. You can add a new style to old clothes, and also mend holes with the art of embroidery. 

Transform Pants Into Shorts

I’m always running around in the woods and working the land, so I’m rough on clothes. I’ve turned many hole-y pairs of pants into decent-looking shorts. If you are trying to avoid the frayed look at the bottoms, use a needle and thread to hem them. That said, consider measuring before cutting them, so you don’t go too short.

Make Quilts

A quilt-making project requires about 15 shirts for small, lap-sized blankets and more for a larger quilt. You could use any sort of fabric, but old shirts seem to be the go-to material. Quilts are made with love, and if you’re good at it, they could sell for decent money.

Turn Old Clothes Into Totes

You can use old shirts and sweaters to make reusable tote bags. They’re multipurpose and are an excellent way to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bags. I’ve seen some incredible tote ideas, not to mention show holders, toy bags, and more.

Make Rag Rugs

Rag rugs are relatively easy to make. Old T-shirts are some of the best materials to use. All you have to do is cut the shirts into strips of the desired size, put holes in each end, and crochet them together. However, there are multiple ways to make a rag rug, and fantastic instructions on the internet. You have the freedom to make rugs any size, and it saves you money in the long run.

Make Things for Your Pets

Sweatshirts, T-shirts, and jeans can all be upcycled to make pet beds, blankets, pillows, toys, and even pet clothing. The best part will be that it smells like their favorite human. Old pillowcases can be stuffed into comfortable beds, and you could use strips of old clothes to fill them with. There are numerous possibilities.

Make Cleaning Rags

If your old clothes are too worn out to be upcycled into something useful, you don’t have to throw them out yet. You could cut squares to create reusable cleaning cloths and rags. Once they’re used and dirty, toss them in the laundry, and reuse

Personal Gift Wrap

Avoid wasting money on pretty wrapping paper that ends up in the trash. Instead, make gift wrap using fabric. You can wrap and combine the materials to create unique patterns. Knot the fabric tails, and boom! You’ve got a meaningful gift wrap for any present. 

My mom used to take old sheets and make curtains and tablecloths. When larger towels would get torn, I would watch her transform them into towel dolls or hand towels. Before I go and leave you to your creations, I’ve decided to toss out a few more bonus ideas.

• You can make Halloween costumes or clothes for the little ones to play dress up.
• Speaking of Halloween, save your old ripped or stained clothing for making scarecrows. If you have a family with little ones, you could make one for each member.
• Make door draft stoppers to keep the cold out during winter.
• Take old clothes and make cute wreaths for the holidays or four seasons. Kids love them, especially if they have their favorite characters on them.
• Make bean bags for a game of cornhole.
• If you have printed clothing or items with patterns, you may be able to make some sort of wall tapestry.

There are so many possibilities and creations that can be made using old clothes you don’t want or need. I always suggest donating items that aren’t worn or stained because it’s a meaningful act of kindness. The choice is yours, of course, but before tossing your old clothes, consider these crafty ideas. Have fun! 

About Elaina Garcia

Today’s Homesteading story is brought to you by Elaina Garcia. Elaina has been practicing natural healing for almost 15 years and finds wildcrafting medicine to be extremely important, especially on the homestead. Elaina currently lives on a tiny homestead in a tiny house in Arkansas, and enjoys raising animals, growing food and living as close to an organic lifestyle as possible.

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MorningChores

30 Great Ways to Upcycle Old Clothes and Still Feel Sassy

I am a crafter through and through. A good chunk of my spending money goes to new culinary tools and fun craft stuff that my daughters and I can do.

My mother, on the other hand, loves clothes. Twice a year, she goes through her closet and pretty much provides me with a new wardrobe.

Naturally, her style is a little different from mine so I want to tweak some of the outfits a little and here are some ways to upcycle old clothes for myself, kids, or even the men in our life.

Ways to Upcycle Old Clothes

1. bleach it.

Taking a black pair of leggings and a bleach pen and have a little fun. You can choose to do quite a bit, from the style of these pants to taking a stamp and adding a bleaching effect that makes lines, the pen is your oyster- have fun with it!

I may, or may not, be doing this later this week!

2. Winter Sweater Dress

Ten years ago, my husband bought me a sweater for Christmas and minus this year he has every year since. Several of them were sweater dresses and I love them. Sometimes, though, I am passed down a sweater that I don’t really like.

Up until now, it has gone in the Goodwill pile. But no more! The fact that I can take two sweaters and make them into a cute sweater dress that I can wear all winter long- I love it. For the full tutorial, check out The Renegade Seamstress .

3. Men’s T-shirt to Girl’s Dress

I love this. I have loved it since my girls were little. Add some tulle to the inside of the bottom part and you have a beautiful, fluffy dress that most little girls would love to wear.

To be honest, I might even be able to make this for my daughter who is ten using a shirt her father wears. To some extent, age may surprise you a bit. If you want to try it for yourself head over to Life is Beautiful and try the project out for yourself.

4. T-shirt with a Bow

If you are not very skilled with a sewing machine, this one is for you. It simply takes the ability to use scissors. Simple enough.

I love the fact that the ribbon allows you to scrunch up one side. Plus the colors are so cute together and the bow makes it extra girly. To see the full tutorial, check out the Wobisobi blogger page.

5. Embroidery Design

Picture from play-patch.com

I told you in advance that I love to spend money on crafty things. Almost five years ago I bought an embroidery machine. This design was one of the first things I made with it. I loved the “Stud Muffin looking for my Cupcake” design and had to have it.

If you know that you are going to upcycle old clothes a lot, or live in the south and like to have almost everything monogrammed, then spending the money on an embroidery machine is well worth it. I bought mine used for $400 and don’t regret the purchase at all.

6. Mismatch It All Together

Photo from Andy’s Summer Designs Etsy .

This is a lot of what I did when I first got into refashioning clothes. I did this more with little girl dresses. I would make a simple circle skirt for the bottom and use a cheaply bought new or possibly older (but now too short) t-shirt and add the bottom.

You can use fabric picked up from the store, which I did a lot and would customize to what the little girl liked, or clothes you already have lying around like Andy Summer did in the picture above.

7. Stretch out the Tank Top

I had to laugh a bit when I saw this one. For one reason, this is a tutorial from a Girl and her Glue Gun that you will probably always want to keep a sweater vest over anyways because the back looks a bit funny in my opinion.

Second, because I had to do this last year for a student of mine.

We had a competition that was a week away and we purchased him an extra large chef coat when he probably needed a two XL. So I did exactly what she shows in her tutorial, only with a chef coat.

It works in a pinch or if you, like her, don’t want to throw something away.

8. Sweater with Buttons

This is probably the best tutorial I have found for any post, ever. She makes it so simple for those of us who know how to sew but don’t know the proper terminology and stuff like that. I am self-taught, and this makes total sense to me.

Plus it’s super cuter, she says it’s super soft and she got the original sweater for super cheap. Isn’t that super? Sorry, I had to! The amazingly awesome tutorial can be found over at Sew Unique in CO .

9. Everyday Lounge Pants

I love the story behind these pants, her original purchase was for plain black pants that her husband called quitters because the people who wear them, in his opinion, have quit taking care of themselves. So she dawned them up and added the cute pocket and ribbon up top.

The fact that she went as far as to make them cute means that she’s the opposite of a quitter- and still gets to be comfortable, right?

To see the full tutorial, check out H is for Handmade .

10. Cricut/Silhouette/Vinyl

I love, love, love my Cricut.

This is not something I purchased, surprisingly. My mother-in-law “upgraded” to a different brand (Brother, I think) and gave me her Cricut. It is not one of the newer ones, but still does a lot of fun stuff though I am looking forward to purchasing my own upgrade to an Air two next month.

Even with the older one, I have made T-shirts for my FCCLA organization last year. Many of the kids didn’t purchase a shirt because I told them that we were making our own but they were disappointed and many ordered some after they learned that it looked just as good as professionals’ and they got to pick their colors.

I chose the tutorial by Perisalou because it’s different and who don’t want to deck out their shoes? So cute!

11. Shorts without a Pattern

To this day I don’t know how I figured this out on my own but I did. Simply use a pair of pants or shorts that you love and use this as your pattern. I have used this for my girls and myself and it saves so much money.

It’s fairly simple and straightforward, but if you need help, Craftaholics Anonymous is here to get you started. Heck, they even show you how to add pockets. That’s important!

12. It’s in the Details

This is fairly simple to make as well and I love the little details. My favorite thing about the big sweater turned leggings sweater was the buttons. Likewise, I love the glitter on here as well; though, when I make it I plan to add multi-colored sequins.

The fairly simple tutorial can be found at Dream a Little Bigger .

13. Add a Pop of Color

How cute is this dress? The opposite of bleaching, the tulip brand paint has so many great ideas, from outlines of hearts to a black T-shirt with the silver sky to show a city skyline. They are all so creative and fun, if you want a paint idea, definitely visit the I Love to Create  page!

14. Galaxy Shirt

You should have known this one was coming. What makes it super cool is that you are combining two of the techniques we’ve talked about already in this post. One, you are using paint to add color to the black shirt. Two, you are taking color away by adding bleach in the form of spray paint or blotching.

This summer I plan to do this with my daughters and then have a stargazing night!

The full tutorial can be found at eHow .

15. Sharpie and Alcohol

I’m excited about this one because I have done it before and can tell you that yes- this truly works. The idea was shown here , though we took it a step further.

We used toilet paper tubes and colored in our Mickey Mouses, and then dropped the alcohol on the shirts to go down the cardboard tubes. The girls had so much fun and my oldest daughter wore hers until it had holes and I forced her to stop wearing it!

16. Ugly Christmas Sweater

Okay, I get it. Ugly Christmas sweaters are not really supposed to be ugly. I’m not entirely sure how this is made but it was created by Refashion Nation . The snowman and polka dots are super cute and the buttons going down are- you guessed it- my favorite!

No matter what though, refashioning a sweater and turning it into a cute ugly sweater should be a piece of cake!

17. Sweater to Cardigan

Before I begin- I will teach you all something really cool. In the south, there are stores called Dirt Cheap popping up everywhere. That is where this sweater began its life. Or at least somewhere similar. Do you want to know how I know? Because the American Eagle tag has a black line through it.

If you can get to one of these stores- I highly recommend it. The stores purchase the leftovers by the semi-truck full and send the savings back to you. Typically they chose stores worth noticing- Target, American Eagle, Gap, etc… You have to dig a bit but it’s worth it!

Okay, back to the task at hand. This tutorial is great. The post can be found at Cheri’s I am Momma, Hear Me Roar site but it is a guest post by Delia from Delia Creates. At the time, Delia was pregnant so she needed some of her sweaters to by cardigans in order to wear them over her baby bump.

No matter if you have a baby bump or not, check this tutorial out- trust me!

18. Add Lace to Lengthen

There are so many of us out there who do not like short t-shirts or sweaters. Lace is one way to lengthen them, and it’s super easy to find out what length you want and gets lace in that size, then sew it into the shirt. She doesn’t sew the end, instead opts to end it on the side where the seam is so it is not as noticeable.

I like that we get to see the before and after. For the full details, check out Inspiration & Realization .

19. Heart Patches

When looking up ideas for this post, I keep coming across how to make elbow patches. I guess it is a simple, cute way to upcycle old clothes such as your sweater or long sleeve t-shirt and make it just a hint cuter. It also allows you to do as the model did here and change up the color of your pants without people questioning why they don’t match.

Listotic has thirty-three different ideas on their site to upcycle old clothes. So if I don’t give you enough inspiration, they might be able to help as well!

20. Onesie to T-shirt

My first thought here was an extension of the clothing’s life- for whatever reason you chose. Maybe you really like the onesie, maybe you are trying to save money, maybe both. But then I thought about two-year-olds and potty training. When you are potty training, it’s important to not have to unbutton those snaps and that is is the perfect reason to make a onesie a T-shirt. Plus I like the addition of the ruffles and extra flowers that ruffles and stuff did to upcycle old clothes. Tops!

Conclusion to Ways to Upcycle Old Clothes

No matter your reasoning for refashioning your clothes- I hope you have come up with some great ideas. If you want to expand that a bit further, check out our post on how to recycle old T-shirts specifically, and use the clothes for things like purses and pillows.

Either way, get out the thread and needle and have some fun! I can’t wait to see what you create as you upcycle old clothes.

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Creative Ways to Repurpose and Recycle Old Clothes: Donating, Upcycling, and Sell!

Hey there! Are you wondering what to do with your old clothes? Well, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you. Let’s talk about how we can give those old garments a new purpose and reduce textile waste.

When it comes to repurposing old clothes, the possibilities are endless. You can turn them into household items, accessories, or even create brand new clothing pieces. It’s not only a fun and creative way to give your clothes a fresh lease on life but also contributes to sustainable fashion and supports clothing donation programs.

So, why not donate or upcycle your old clothes? By doing so, you can make a difference in the world of fashion and reduce your ecological footprint. Let’s explore some exciting options together!

Quick and Easy Navigation

Donating Your Old Clothes

When you’re ready to clear out your closet, donating your old clothes is one of the most impactful options you can choose. Not only does it free up space for you , but it also helps those in need. And hey, there’s a certain feel-good factor you get from knowing you’re doing something that makes a difference.

Consider the Salvation Army , for instance. This organization has been helping communities for over a century. Every time you donate a bag of old clothes to them, you’re essentially contributing to their mission of providing help to those less fortunate. They’ve got donation bins all around, so you won’t have trouble finding a place to drop off your items.

And don’t discount those hand-me-downs either! They mightn’t be your style anymore, but they could be someone else’s new favorite outfit. Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Plus, giving your clothes a second life is a great way to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Donate Clothes to Animal Shelters

Local animal shelters often accept old towels, sheets, blankets, and clothes, as long as they’re clean, for animal bedding and cleaning. This repurposes textiles no longer suitable for humans into a form still useful for pets.

Compost Natural Fabrics

Cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, wool, silk, and other plant-based and animal-derived fabrics will eventually biodegrade if added to compost piles. Cut materials into smaller pieces and remove non-compostable parts like tags, buttons, and zippers first. Composting reduces landfill waste.

Crafting With Clothes That You Can’t Donate

Transforming discarded clothes into unique crafts is an exciting way you can give new life to your old garments. Rather than tossing away those worn-out jeans or faded t-shirts, consider crafting with discarded clothes. It’s a fun and creative approach to recycling that not only serves to minimize waste but also gives you the chance to create something beautiful and useful.

There are countless ways to repurpose old clothes. For instance, you could cut up an old flannel shirt to make cozy quilts, or turn outdated skirts into fashionable tote bags. With a little imagination, you can transform those old clothes into something completely new, expressing your unique style while reducing your environmental footprint.

Upcycling is all about seeing the potential in what you might’ve considered trash. It’s about exploring the possibilities that lie within the old and making something new. So, before you decide to throw away your old clothes, consider crafting. You’d be surprised at the treasures you can create from what you originally thought was trash. It’s not just recycling, it’s upcycling!

10 Creative Clothes Upcycling Ideas

• Sock Monkeys : Transform old socks into adorable stuffed animals.
• Coffee Cozies : Use fabric from clothes to create stylish cozies for your coffee cups.
• Braided T-Shirt Rug : Cut t-shirts into strips and braid them into a colorful rug.
• Sock Heating Pad : Fill a clean sock with rice to make a microwavable heating pad.
• Patchwork Quilts : Combine different fabric pieces from various garments to make a unique quilt.
• Tote Bags : Old jeans or t-shirts can be sewn into durable tote bags.
• Pillow Covers : Use soft shirts or sweaters to create cozy pillow covers.
• Headbands and Scrunchies : Fashion headbands or scrunchies from stretchy or colorful fabrics.
• Fabric Wreaths : Create decorative wreaths using strips of fabric from old clothes.
• Aprons : Denim or sturdy fabric from old clothes can be turned into practical aprons.

11 No Sew Ideas for Crafting With Discarded Clothes

• Create a No-Sew Dog Toys: use old clothes and braid the fabric strips into an irresistible tug-toy for dogs.
• Make Cleaning and Dusting Rags: Cut or tear clothes made of any material into squares to create reusable cleaning and dusting cloths.
• Transform T-Shirts : Cut off sleeves or collars of old T-shirts to make trendy tank tops or off-the-shoulder shirts. You can also create fringe at the bottom for a bohemian look.
• Fashionable Scarves : Turn old shirts or lightweight fabric into stylish scarves by cutting them into long strips or squares
• Jean Pockets for Storage : Remove pockets from old jeans to create wall storage or organizers
• Leg Warmers from Sleeves : Cut the sleeves off old sweaters or long-sleeve shirts to make cozy leg warmers
• Fabric Bracelets : Use strips of fabric from old clothes to braid or twist into unique bracelets
• Decorative Bows : Make bows from fabric pieces to attach to hair clips, pins, or shoes
• Jeans to Clutch Purse : Convert old jeans into a clutch purse using scissors and a hot glue gun.
• Sweater to Beanie : Convert the sleeve of a sweater into a beanie hat.
• Fabric Gift Wrapping : Create beautiful fabric sustainable gift wrapping

Selling Old Clothes: Earn Some Extra Cash

When it comes to dealing with your old clothes, selling them to secondhand stores can be a great way to not only declutter your wardrobe but also earn some extra cash. There are several options available for selling your old clothes, from online reselling platforms to local thrift stores. By selling your gently used clothing items, you can give them a second life and contribute to the circular economy.

Reselling Your Clothes Online

If you have trendy or vintage clothing pieces in good condition, consider exploring online reselling platforms. These platforms provide a convenient way to sell your old clothes to a wider audience. You can create an account, upload photos and descriptions of your items, and set a price. When someone purchases your item, you can ship it directly to them. Not only does this allow you to earn some extra cash, but it also gives your clothes a chance to be loved by someone else.

Here are 5 online platforms where you can sell clothes

• Etsy – A popular platform for selling unique, vintage, and handmade items, including clothing and accessories. Etsy allows sellers to create a personalized shop and reach a wide audience. Etsy
• eBay – A well-known online marketplace that offers a vast audience for selling various items, including clothing. Sellers can list items either for auction or at a fixed price. eBay
• Depop – Ideal for trendy and vintage clothing, Depop offers a mobile-friendly platform that’s free to join and easy to use for listing items. Depop
• Poshmark – A social commerce platform specializing in buying and selling fashion items. Poshmark is user-friendly and great for those looking to sell contemporary clothing and accessories. Poshmark
• thredUP – Focused on gently used clothing, thredUP simplifies the selling process with bulk buyout options, making it easy for sellers to offload multiple items at once. thredUP

Selling to Local Thrift Stores

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can sell your old clothes to local thrift stores. These stores often buy used clothing items directly from individuals. Simply gather your clothes, bring them to the store, and let the staff assess their value. Depending on the store’s policies, they may offer you cash or store credit for your items. Selling to local thrift stores not only helps you earn some extra money but also supports your local community and promotes sustainable fashion.

10 Brands That Will Buy Back Your Used Clothes

Several fashion brands have implemented buy-back programs where they purchase used clothes, often as part of a sustainability initiative. Some of these brands include:

• Eileen Fisher : Known for its sustainable practices, Eileen Fisher buys back gently used clothing from its own brand. Eileen Fisher Renew
• Levi’s : Famous for its denim, Levi’s offers a buy-back program for its own used clothing. Levi’s Secondhand
• Patagonia : This outdoor brand is well-known for its Worn Wear program, buying back used Patagonia clothing. Patagonia Worn Wear
• The North Face : Through its Clothes the Loop program, The North Face accepts used apparel and footwear from any brand. Clothes The Loop by The North Face
• Zara : As a popular fast-fashion brand, Zara has started engaging in sustainability practices including a buy-back program. Information about Zara’s buy-back program can be found on their corporate website .
• Abercrombie & Fitch : Also participates in buy-back initiatives, appealing to a younger demographic. Details about their buy-back initiatives are available on the Abercrombie & Fitch website .
• REI : Offers a used gear buy-back program, focusing on outdoor and sporting apparel. REI Used Gear
• H&M : This global fashion retailer accepts used clothes of any brand in its stores. Information on their garment collecting program is available on the H&M website
• Madewell : Known for its denim, Madewell also participates in a jeans buy-back program. Madewell Forever
• Lululemon : Engages in buy-back programs for its athleisure and fitness apparel. Like New by Lululemon

These brands are part of a growing trend in the fashion industry to promote sustainability and reduce waste.

Embracing Sustainability: Vegan and Recycled Polyester in Fashion

What To Do With Old Clothes Summary

When it comes to old clothes, there are plenty of options beyond simply throwing them away. y By exploring creative ways to repurpose and recycle clothes, you can give them a second life, reduce textile waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Donating old clothes is a wonderful way to help those in need while giving your garments a new purpose. Consider finding local organizations or shelters that accept clothing donations and make a difference in someone’s life.

If you’re feeling crafty, upcycling your old clothes into new items is a great option. Transforming an old t-shirt into a pillow or creating a tote bag from an old pair of jeans not only allows you to unleash your creativity but also gives your clothes a new lease on life.

For those looking to declutter and make a little extra cash, selling your old clothes online or participating in a clothing swap can be exciting options. Platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp make it easy to sell your clothes, while clothing swaps allow you to trade your items for something new.

So, the next time you find yourself with a pile of unwanted garments, think twice before tossing them in the trash. Instead, get creative with repurposing and recycling your old clothes to make the most of them and contribute to a more sustainable world.

What To Do With Old Clothes FAQ

Q: what are creative ways to repurpose and recycle old clothes.

A: Creative ways to repurpose and recycle old clothes include donating to charity, upcycling into new clothing or accessories, turning them into cleaning rags, using them as insulation, or giving them a second life by finding new uses for the fabric.

Q: Can old clothes be recycled?

A: Yes, old clothes can be recycled. Many textile recycling programs accept old clothing items, even those that cannot be donated to thrift stores or charity.

Q: How can I repurpose old clothes?

A: Old clothes can be repurposed by turning them into cleaning rags, using the fabric for crafting projects, transforming them into new clothing or accessories, or even repurposing them for insulation.

Q: What should I do with old clothes that I can’t donate?

A: If you have old clothes that cannot be donated, consider using them as cleaning rags, repurposing the fabric for other projects, or finding a textile recycling program that accepts items that are not suitable for donation.

Q: Where can I donate old clothes?

A: You can donate old clothes to thrift stores, charity organizations such as the Salvation Army, local animal shelters, or through clothing recycling programs that accept donations.

Q: How can I upcycle old clothes?

A: You can upcycle old clothes by turning them into new garments or accessories, transforming them into household items, or repurposing the fabric for creative projects.

Q: What happens to clothes that can’t be donated?

A: Clothes that can’t be donated can be repurposed, upcycled, used for cleaning purposes, or sent to textile recycling programs to ensure that they don’t end up in a landfill.

Q: Can I sell my old clothes for recycling?

A: Some textile recycling programs or thrift stores may accept old clothes for recycling and may even offer incentives or rewards for donating your old clothing items.

Q: How can old clothes be reused?

A: Old clothes can be reused by transforming them into new items, using the fabric for other purposes, or donating them to organizations that repurpose and upcycle old textiles.

Q: What can I do with old clothes besides throwing them away?

A: Besides throwing them away, old clothes can be repurposed, upcycled, donated, or sent to textile recycling programs to ensure that they have a second life and are not discarded as waste.

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One Cent At A Time

A Personal finance blog to get rich

30 Ways to Reuse Your Old Clothes

November 10, 2016 15 Comments

Reuse and re-purpose is an essential way towards frugal living. Giving a different causing to things that ended their utility not only does save money but also it helps environment by reducing waste and landfill. We but clothes every other months, most Americans do. So, naturally we have a constant supply of clothes that becomes outdated and unwearable regularly. All those clothes are eligible to be re-purposed.

In this article we will tell you various uses of your old clothes, don’t worry if you find one not suitable in your case, you’ll find others that you can surely do. I am not asking you to stop throwing out your clothes and re-purpose every one of them. Unless you have a lot of time to do cuts, stitches and coloring not every one of your old clothes can be re used. But you can use some of them that are easy to do and take less time to convert and reuse.

If you have time explore Pinterest and you’ll get tons of ideas to implement. I also know a who made reusing their business. You can easily sell your arts and crafts online these days. Sites like Etsy.com and Amazon.com are great market place to sell your creation.

As a rule of thumb, any clothes, after removing buttons and zips can be used as area rug and cleaning towels. An appropriate t-shirt can become your car wash cloth that can last many car washes. So if you are not very creative kind, using the clothes for cleaning is the way to go.

For the creative ones, here’s a list of ideas that you can give a try on.

30 Creative Ways to Reuse Old Clothes

• Create a tote bag. You may use an old tank top and you just have to sew the tank top’s bottom closed. To make it durable, cut a rectangular-shaped piece of cardboard and then put it at the tank’s bottom for it to be able to carry heavier stuff.
• Make a quilt by sewing pieces of your old clothes. Taking pieces of smooth as well as soft fabric creates an amazing quilt. This may serve as a memorabilia which you can hand over to your children and their kids.
• Make cleaning rags or cloths. Use old socks, tops and t-shirts and turn them into cleaning cloths. They’re perfect for dusting, wiping and cleaning hard surfaces and wooden furniture.

Applique Wall Hanging

• Make a headband made of old clothes or fabric. Make sure to accurately measure it when you cut so it can perfectly fit your head.
• Make a belt or a sash. See to it that it is long enough to suit your waist. Sew the ends thoroughly.
• Turn old clothes into new pieces. You can turn a top into a beautiful skirt and a dress into a cute top. Or, turn your long pants into comfortable shorts or capris.
• Dye your old clothes to give them a new and unique look.
• Use old clothes to make a customized book mark or book cover.
• Using old wool sweaters, you can make personalized mittens for your kids for winter season.
• Make a fun and soft pillow.
• Create stuffed animals or a set of doll clothes.
• Make colorful patches to your jean miniskirt or blue jeans.
• Make bean bag chairs for the children.
• Create a huge and cozy pillow or cushion for your dog.
• Make a lampshade cover.
• Make a beautiful package for small items like sachet and soaps and this makes a great wrapper for small gifts.
• Make new curtains using old clothes or fabrics.
• Make gift bags or beautiful package for a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine.
• Create a chenille denim blanket using old flannel or old denim.
• Make collages or brooches.
• Create a rag rug like crocheting, weaving or braiding a rag rug.
• Turn old jeans into a fashionable handbag.
• Make a gadget or device holder with the use of old fabric or old clothes. Make sure that the ends are thoroughly sewn and locks are secured to keep your device protected.
• You can create wall hangings using old t-shirt, tops and skirts.
• Make coasters out of old fabric or denim jeans.

A table mat made of used clothes

• Create mini cushions and stuffed them with sufficient pieces of old and cut fabrics.
• Make a baby hat.
• Make a soft bed for your pet.

Indeed, there are countless of ways on how to reuse your old clothes. Aside from saving lots of pennies, you can also unleash the creativity in you! Allowing yourself to be more resourceful and creative will not only make your time worthwhile but you can also discover creating stuff like these which can be a great business idea in the future.

Have you reused old clothes ever, what is your favorite way to reuse clothes reader? 

November 10, 2014 at 6:41 AM

Awesome list SB! Ha, if only my old clothes were fancier. I think my blanket of old clothes would be mostly gray…. 😉

November 10, 2014 at 7:47 AM

You can use for car cleaning if you do it yourself.

November 10, 2014 at 8:01 AM

These are all super creative! We usually re-use old clothes as cleaning rags :). Our stuff is usually so beat up by the time we’re finished wearing it, it’s not good for much of anything else!

November 10, 2014 at 8:19 AM

Mostly true for us as well. We end us using them for cleaning and dusting purpose. We rarely buy a cleaning cloth

November 10, 2014 at 3:05 PM

There are containers here to drop old clothes into which then get either re-purposed or recycled to support third world countries. I have enough rags left so that is where I take them these days.

November 10, 2014 at 8:52 PM

That’s a good way of using old clothes. We donate to Goodwill trucks as well. Almost every year we do it

November 10, 2014 at 11:48 PM

Great list! I’m not very crafty but some of these sound very do-able. My mom always used my old clothes as rags when I was growing up so I adapted the same habit.

November 11, 2014 at 12:02 AM

That’s wonderful to know! More we reduce waste more we save money

November 11, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Everything’s doable! Now I know what to do with all of the clothes that I am stocking for a couple of years now. Have you tried doing some of the ways to reuse old clothes?

November 11, 2014 at 7:52 AM

Yes the pictures are all mine

November 11, 2014 at 6:11 PM

These are all pretty interesting. A lampshade? Never heard of doing that, but it could be interesting. My wife is quite crafty, so I’m going to show her this list and see if it sparks any ideas in the future. 🙂

November 11, 2014 at 6:49 PM

great to be of help!

November 11, 2014 at 9:59 PM

A great topic with some excellent suggestions for limiting waste and reusing items that still have value. My wife is quite the craftsperson … I’ll be sure to have her check out some of the suggestions.

February 18, 2017 at 7:44 AM

Mam give me your 30 idea by mail I will very thank full to you

October 10, 2019 at 3:33 AM

Such a lot of great ideas! I really inspired by your creativity. These are best ways to use old clothes. I will definitely try them. Thanks a lot for sharing.

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10 DIY Ideas To Revamp Old Clothes

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Stitch it, don't ditch it — one little missive with a significant impact. In the United States, textile waste is an issue that's getting more attention, especially with the rise in fast fashion. The  Environmental Protection Agency  reports that clothing that's simply thrown away hurts the environment. It seems likely that we've all done this from time to time when something has a small tear or is no longer on trend, but the cumulative impact of all this discarded fabric adds up. So much so that the Boston University School of Public Health  calculates that over 34 billion pounds of textiles are tossed yearly, more than half of which is left to rot in landfills.

The good news, however, is that it's easy to reverse this trend with some easy DIY clothing upcycling hacks. Not only will you reduce your textile waste, but you'll also end up with a refreshed wardrobe that's all drip and low environmental impact, like this inspiration from @thrillenniumvintage . Grab your scissors and iron. It's time for some mindful mending.

Try this (literal) hoodie hack

This hoodie hack is an irresistible riff from UPCYCLEX  on old meets new, and you don't need next-level sewing skills either. A project like this can be achieved with a needle and thread in less than an hour. The easiest way to start is by cutting away asymmetric sections of the hoodie. From there, turn the hoodie inside out and lay a vintage sweater (also inside out) underneath, making sure to line up the bottom seams. Use your needle and thread to sew the sweater into place, trim away the excess sweater material — and voilà!

Revamp your old sneakers with a pop of color

Honestly, we love this @lachaco DIY fashion hack for old or new sneakers. The secret here is embroidery thread, a chunkier thread that adds more texture. You'll thread your needle with about 24 inches of thread and sew in repetitive loops. Starting on the inside, pull the needle and thread all the way through to the outside. Next, you'll bring the needle back to the inside of the shoe and repeat — as close to the first as possible. Continue until you achieve the look, and experiment with different color threads.

Give your leather shorts a glow-up

It looks impossibly good, right? Although these shorts were hand-stitched by Sam Bacchi , there's an easy way to get this cute leather look. Experienced embroiderers can usually create a design using only their imagination and a steady hand. The rest of us can rely on easy iron-on embroidery patterns to follow (thank goodness). Just be sure to select a simple design and test it on an inexpensive old t-shirt first. This practice round will help ensure you're ready for the leather project.

Use this mending technique to save damaged sweaters

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kirsty | Decorative Mending & Stitching (@spiderweavestudio)

A distressed sweater is a good look, but the downside is that it could continue to unravel. So, this sweater-mending technique from @spiderweavestudio ends up being one of the smartest hacks to repurpose your old clothes . Obviously, it's a great fix for a cuff, hem, or other area where the knitting is starting to come undone. That aside, you can definitely use this for other DIY sweater projects. For example, cut off a chunk of sweater, preserve the edges with this method, and add it as an accent to other clothing.

Give your worn socks a second life

Socks get a lot of wear and tear. When that happens, expert mender  Erin Eggenburg adds these adorable patches. Sure, she's a pro, but you can dabble in sock mending too. If you're not ready to create patches, you can still tackle the project with a few tips. Look for small bits of fabric that are sturdy, soft, and similar in thickness to your sock fabric. Turn your socks inside out, add the patching material, and sew them in place. Be sure to avoid thick or stiff fabrics, which would be uncomfortable.

Remove unsightly sweater pills

She's a bit of a mess, this sweater, all covered with bumpy sweater pills. Well, sustainability expert and TED talker  Ali Clifford has a hack for that. Here, she's highlighting an old-school fabric shaver designed to remove the lumpy bumps of fabric balls that form over time on some soft fabrics and knits. We can one-up this fabulous hack by suggesting something you might already have in your makeup bag. You can easily remove pilling from materials with an inexpensive dermaplaning razor. Use it to gently de-fuzz fabrics — it works like a charm.

Create these cat-tastic upcycled jeans

The iron patches method is one of the oldest and easiest ways to refresh older wardrobe pieces. Here, the fabulous @burntorangepeel offers vintage kitty inspiration on a pair of wide-leg jeans. They incorporated hand-sewn red thread accents in between some cute AF kitten patches. Luckily, you can recreate this look on the cheap. With a bit of research, you can even score some with kittens napping in a milk bowl or cats wearing sunnies . As for the method, it's easy. The patches have a heat-activated material. Just use a warm iron to adhere them in place.

This no-sew technique makes you look like a pro

Skip the needle and thread methods altogether and turn to a seamstress's little helper — fabric fusing tape. Sometimes referred to as hem tape, it's an almost sheer ribbon-like material that will bond fabric. For example, if you want to recreate this colorful jeans hack from @reusedtoreduce , it's a cinch. First, find some bright or textured fabric, like lace or velvet. Turn the jeans inside out and place the fabric-fusing tape close to the hole you're covering. Then, use a warm iron to bond the two together.

Use indigo dye to transform an old scarf

A whole world of tie-dye awaits. One method, Shibori, is a Japanese technique that's easy to play with, especially if you have a Shibori kit. It relies on powdered dyes, usually made from plant ingredients, giving fabrics a vibrant-yet-chill vibe. If you've been swooning over all the DIY silk scarf hacks taking over TikTok , you can try your hand at this creative way to revamp old clothes. Here, @hu.natural.art employs the method to transform a scarf, but we're also thinking of testing it out on a pair of billowy linen pants.

Sorry grandma, we need those doilies

Anyone with an eye for detail can appreciate the intricate patterns of Grandma's (many) doilies. So, we were excited to find this gorgeous piece posted by the vintage clothing shop @selcouthwares . If you don't have any doilies on hand, you can usually find them by the box-full at yard sales, consignment shops, or vintage stores. We love the bright threads used here for the stitching, but you could incorporate some low-fuss methods as an alternative. For example, fabric fusing tape would work for doilies with a thick border to hide the seam.

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Upcycling Clothes: 7 Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Old Clothes

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Trying to be more conscious about what and how much you are buying is good—only purchasing sustainable clothing is even better. However, there is one thing that can’t be overlooked (and often is): the clothes that are already sitting in your closet, gathering dust. You know the ones—that old shirt you never actually liked. This one jumper that never fit properly. The jeans you last wore, what, five years ago? While buying less certainly benefits your carbon footprint, we encourage you to go one step further and, after a thorough Kon Mari moment , actually repurpose your old clothing that sparks nothing other than a fit of sneezes. All you need are some quick and easy ideas to get you started, so we declared that our mission! Read on to discover seven DIY ideas for upcycling clothes.

Cotton shirts to makeup removing pads

Have some cotton shirts that you just aren’t wearing anymore? Don’t throw them away! There’s an easy way they can replace single-use cotton pads in your daily beauty routine. Just cut same-sized rounds or squares out of old cotton fabric you find, and sew them together on the outer edges. It doesn’t need to look nice or be precise—as long as the stitching can endure the washing machine. There are tons of easy tutorials to be found online. After use, you can simply pop them into your next load of washing alongside your towels and bed sheets, and use them again and again and…

Old clothes to reusable food wraps

Foil? Plastic wrap? They are so yesterday. Any kind of old clothing can become your partner in crime when it comes to food wrapping and covering up leftovers. All you need is a piece of fabric of the desired size and shape and some produce of our fuzzy little friends, the bees. You can purchase beeswax pastilles or grated beeswax at your local grocery store or pharmacy. You simply melt it in a measuring cup set in a saucepan along with some jojoba oil and pine resin (to give your cloth that customizable texture) at home, and apply the melted mixture evenly on your fabric with a dedicated paint brush. Here is the exact recipe , including a bee-free version for our vegan readers. Simply hang your completed wrap to dry in a cool and dark place before first usage, and then bend it to your liking as you wrap up a sandwich for takeaway or cover yesterday’s veggie lasagna!

Last year’s favourite patterns to cushion covers

Had a crush on polka dots or florals last year that you now wouldn’t be caught dead in? There are some patterns we like to wear, and others we’d rather decorate our living room with. Maybe that applies to an old shirt or jumper you found in the back of your closet! In another great DIY for upcycling clothes, why not turn them into unique cushion covers? Five minute instructions are not hard to find, and come with simple videos on how to turn old clothing into something cute and practical. It would even make a great present, and better yet, zero sewing skills are required.

Stretched t-shirts to headbands

Cute hair accessories are everywhere to be seen at the moment. And if you’re really clever, you don’t even have to purchase them new. There are a lot of different ways to turn worn out fabric into headbands. All you’ll need is an old t-shirt and a small amount of time to transform something you are not loving anymore into something that’s fun to wear again. No downsides!

Any old fabric to reusable tissues and wipes

Let’s face it—once in a while everybody gets sick, and a cold is normally a big waste of tissues. In the kitchen, we use paper towels for small spills and cleaning. Thankfully, it is actually very easy to avoid this wastage. This might be the easiest yet most sustainable way of upcycling clothes: simply transforming an old t-shirt! We use tissues, wipes, and paper towels so often in our daily routine that we tend to not even think about it twice. But with this smart and simple idea , you can make space in your closet and become leagues more sustainable with a simple change to reusable wipes and tissues. Go for it and become a sustainability superstar!

Tees to reusable grocery bags

Upcycle your old tees and turn them into grocery or produce bags for food shopping or harvesting. Why bother buying them in store when they are so easy to make at home? Pop your fruit and veggies in your homemade bags to save money and avoid single-use plastic bags at the same time. Who knows, they might even taste a little better coming out of such ecologically and sustainably made bags.

Clothing swap with friends, family, and neighbours

Last but not least: Sharing is caring! We know, it sounds cheesy, but it’s the simple truth. What you don’t like anymore might be a treasure for someone close to you. So invite friends and family and even your neighbours for a little clothing swap , and let everyone bring what they can spare from their closet. It’s not only a super sustainable tip for upcycling clothes, it’ll also bring a smile to everyone’s faces as sharing, swapping, and exchanging is always loads of fun. And second hand rocks!

These are just a few of the endless ideas you can find out there on how to repurpose and upcycle old clothing. Take these tips as some inspiration, especially if you think that you don’t have the skills, time, or resources to turn your old clothing into something with a new purpose. Always keep in mind that small changes in daily life speak loud, and upcycling the clothing we once loved is a big part of sustainable living.

Author bio: Hannah Lang is an anthropologist working in the non-profit international development sector. She is passionate about intercultural communication, human rights, and policies for a more sustainable and inclusive future. You can find her on LinkedIn .

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25 Creative Recycle Clothes Ideas with DIY Projects

Creating fashionable and stylish outfits from recycled clothes is a great way to express yourself while being environmentally conscious. Recycling clothes is an increasingly popular trend, allowing you to create one-of-a-kind looks with minimal effort and cost. With a little creativity, you can breathe new life into your old clothes and make them part of your wardrobe. From upcycling your old jeans to refashioning a dress into a top, the possibilities for creative DIY recycled clothing ideas are endless.

Ideas for recycling can be anything from reusing old clothing to upcycling and repurposing items to create something new. Not only is it good for the environment, but it can also provide creative and fashionable ways to wear your wardrobe.

With a few simple tips, you can make creative and sustainable fashion choices that help you look good while also helping the planet.

Table of Contents

What Are Recycle Clothes?

1. donating clothing, 2. upcycling, 1. sell your clothes online, 2. have a garage sale, 3. donate to a local charity or thrift store, 1. old t-shirt tie-dye, 2. diy refashioned track pants, 3. diy wool blanket coat, 4. t-shirt yarn, 5. beach pillow from old jeans, 6. easy dog sweater, 7. cozy knitted mug, 8. braided t-shirt rug, 9. diy no-sew crop top, 10. summer dress from men’s shirts, 11. crochet shirt from clothes yarn, 12. no sew t-shirt tote bag, 13. upcycled sweater beret, 14. recycled purse from old faux fur collar, 15. tank top bodysuit, 16. upcycled plain tee with lace material, 17. t-shirt scarf, 18. wrap skirt from long-sleeve shirt, 19. recycle clothes ideas for children, 20. cardigan cowl from an old sweater, 21. recycled sweater bracelets, 22. headbands out of shirts, 23. little girl’s dress use an old men’s shirt, 24. pillowcase romper, 25. cute pillow toy from old baby clothing, final thought, what clothing material is easiest to recycle, what clothes can not be recycled, when should you throw out clothes, is it better to recycle clothes or give to charity.

Recycled clothing is a term used to describe the reuse of unwanted clothing items. It can refer to anything from vintage items to thrifted pieces to even clothing made from recycled materials. Recycled clothing is not only a sustainable way of dressing, but it can also be cost-effective and stylish.

The concept of recycled clothing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the environmental impact of the fashion industry. The fast fashion industry, which has been growing exponentially, is one of the biggest contributors to global pollution and waste. It’s estimated that the fashion industry produces 1.2 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually, and the average consumer throws away over 70 pounds of clothing and textiles every year. Recycled clothing provides an alternative to buying new, which helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Ways In Which Clothing Can Be Recycled

Clothing is one of the largest and most important components of our everyday lives. It provides us with protection, expression, and comfort. Unfortunately, clothing is also one of the most wasteful industries with an estimated 85% of all clothing ending up in landfills each year. However, there are some ways in which clothing can be recycled or reused in order to reduce our environmental impact. 

Donating your clothing to local charities, thrift stores, or second-hand shops is an excellent way to repurpose your unwanted clothing. This gives your clothing a second life and reduces the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills. 

Upcycling is the process of taking an old piece of clothing and turning it into something new. This could be as simple as cutting up an old t-shirt to make a new one, or as complex as deconstructing an old dress and turning it into a skirt. Upcycling is a great way to give your old clothes a new lease of life.

Reusing clothing is another great way to reduce waste. If a piece of clothing is still in good condition, it can be given away to people. Or, you can sell your used clothing for cash at consignment stores, online classifieds, or thrift stores. This is a great way to make some money and also recycle your old clothing.

How To Make Money from Old Clothes?

Making money from old clothes is a great way to make some extra cash while also doing your part to reduce waste. It’s also an easy way to declutter your closet without resorting to throwing away perfectly good garments. There are several ways to make money from old clothes , and each one is easy to do.

There are many online resale sites that allow you to list your unwanted clothes for sale. You can use platforms such as Poshmark, eBay, Threadflip, and Tradesy to make money from your old clothes. Be sure to take clear, quality photos of your items and provide detailed descriptions so buyers can get an accurate idea of what they’re purchasing.

If you have a large amount of clothes to part with, a garage sale can be an effective way to make some money. Be sure to advertise in your local newspaper and on social media to get the word out. You can also consider partnering with other people who are having garage sales in your area to create a larger event.

If your clothes are still in good condition, you can donate them to a local charity, thrift store, or homeless shelter. Many charities and thrift stores accept donations of gently used clothes and resell them.

Recycle Clothes Ideas for Men

For men, there are many creative ways to recycle clothes and make them look stylish and contemporary. Whether it’s upcycling old clothes into new pretty outfits or transforming a pair of jeans into a new pillowcase, there are plenty of ways to give your wardrobe a fresh look with recycled clothes. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best recycled clothes ideas for men.

Are you looking for the best way to renew your old men’s t-shirt? You won’t believe what a spiral fold of an old t-shirt and a bleach tie-dye on the fabric can produce! Simply soak the folded tee for around 30 minutes in a solution of water and bleach. The colorful touch to your white t-shirt will make you have new DIY clothes without spending money!

Have a pair of sweatpants that you no longer fit into but still swoon over? This is a common men’s problem with their old pants. However, we’ve got you covered! You can turn the sweatpants with a simple touch. Grab a ribbon, and you can give them the much-needed length while also giving your outfit as a whole a lot more hipster appeal.

During the cold season, you may buy a new blanket. Therefore, what can you do with the old one? If you happen to buy a new blanket, why don’t you remake a new fashionable coat from the old one? Take advantage of the old blanket by turning it into a more useful item. With a little cutting, folding, and stitching, that old blanket can be changed into a homemade coat that will keep you all toasty and cozy on those chilly days.

If you have an abundance of old men’s t-shirts, you can turn them into warm yarn t-shirts. Start by cutting a tube-shaped piece of fabric from a t-shirt, adding slits up one side of the tube. Then, continue making a few diagonal cuts to the strips. After pulling the yarn taut, you have a handcrafted yarn ball. Later, the yarn can be used for a variety of home decor and other projects.  It takes patience and care to get the best results!

Repurposing old jeans into a beach pillow is a great upcycle clothes idea for men. With this one-of-a-kind beach cushion, your old worn out jeans with broken zippers or strange tears have a whole new purpose. It comes to life by letting your sewing machine get creative on strips and parts of those denims. Moreover, you can decorate the recycled old jeans pillow with fabric paint if desired.

This is another simple but creative idea to turn your old pullovers for your dog. Your small furry pals need extra attention during the winter to keep them warm and comfy with appropriate clothing that covers their fur. By chopping off the sleeves of your old sweaters, you can easily make a sweater for your dog. Trim away the excess fabric around the neck and waist of the sweater. Hem the edges of the sweater with a sewing machine or by hand with a needle and thread.

Do you only drink really hot coffee or tea in the morning? A heated mug cover that is wrapped around the cup will be beneficial for men. You can make the mug cover from an old sweater. Measure your mug and cut a piece of fabric from the sweater that is slightly larger than the circumference of your mug. Moreover, design it with buttons, helping you to keep the coffee warm for longer. 

This lovely rug was made out of used cotton t-shirts that were creatively braided together. Start by taking four strips and braid them together. You will want to begin by crossing the right strand over the middle strand. Then, you will cross the left strand over the middle strand. Continue this pattern until you reach the end.

Recycle Clothes Ideas for Women

There are many creative ways for women to recycle clothing, from upcycling and repurposing to making a restyle of old pieces. By getting creative with your wardrobe, you can create unique and fashionable looks while also doing your part to help the environment. Here are some recycled clothes ideas for women to inspire you.

Crop tops are in style right now. And what could be more amazing than upcycling all those old tees you never wear into a plethora of vibrant crops with a charmingly sensual appeal? Measure the desired length of your crop top and mark the fabric with the ruler or measuring tape. Cut along the line with the scissors. Your fashionable crop top is ready!

Did you know that you can transform a man’s shirt into a stunning summer outfit? Cut two pieces of fabric for the skirt. The first should be the same length as the shirt, and the second should be twice as long. Sew together the top of one of your shirts with the top of a men’s shirt that has already had a few inches removed from it.

Add buttons or other closures to the dress. Congratulations! You have now made a summer dress from a men’s shirt.

Who said those beautiful crocheted doilies were only meant to brighten up your furniture?  You can use this idea to recycle clothes at home. In fact, you can put them to amazing use by integrating a few cut-outs of the gorgeous patterns into your simple old tee-shirts, tops and denims.. Turn your old clothes into cloth yarn and knit yourself some new crochet shirts. This is a creative way for recovering old clothes in style!

A creative idea to get an eco-friendly tote bag , you can utilize your printed t-shirt to make one! Find an old t-shirt with cute print in your wardrobe to create a no sew t-shirt tote bag. You can easily turn those t-shirts with gorgeous prints into a handy, adorable tote bag that is also completely machine washable for less than ten dollars. It only requires a shirt, some scissors, and a washable marker.

With this super-cool method of upcycling an old sweater, even the most inexperienced cloth crafters may create the classic upcycled fashion item, a beret. Simply cut off the bottom of the sweater, just below the armholes. This should be the same width as the circumference of your head. After that, sew the ends together to create a loop.  Worthy of giving any store-bought hats out there a fierce battle!

If being overly dramatic isn’t your thing and you find yourself unable to wear those coats or sweaters with thick fur collars that are hanging in your closet, turn them into a lovely furry purse with a beaded handle to make a stylish fashion statement. Begin to cut the lining fabric to the same size as the rectangle. Sew two sides of the rectangle together, leaving the bottom open. Then, sew on a zipper to the top of the purse. Enjoy your new Old Faux Fur Collar purse!

An old tank top may be given new life and transformed into a stunning body suit with just a few cuts and folds, using your underwear as a model. You need a sewing machine, scissors, and pins. You can use a variety of fabrics for this project, from cotton to jersey to spandex. Sew the tank top and bodysuit pieces together. This is an easy way to get a new bodysuit from old tank tops.

For those women who want to add cuteness in a plain tee, we’ve got you covered! Consider putting lace material on the side of the clothes. Even the most basic of clothing may seem very amazing with the addition of a strip of lace. And that’s exactly what giving your worn-out t-shirts that seem to have lost all of their appeal a thick piece of lace for the edge does!

You don’t need to buy a fashionable scarf to look awesome, because you can create a DIY scarf from your old t-shirt!  Begin by choosing a T-shirt that has a fun design or pattern. You want to make sure it’s soft and not too thick. Cut the bottom of the T-shirt off in a straight line. The length of your cut will determine the length of your scarf. Trim any extra fabric and you’re done!

Wrap skirt is a good fashion item to expose your body curve. In fact, you can also create a sexy wrap skirt from your long sleeve shirt! With this idea, you don’t have to cut or sew your shirt. Simply wear the shirt on your waist as a skirt. Use the remaining sleeves to wrap your waist. You can also tie the sleeve or add pins to give a small accent, making it look fashionable.

When it comes to dressing up your children, there is no better way to save money and be environmentally friendly than to recycle clothes. Recycle clothes ideas for children are an excellent way to give your little ones the look they want without breaking the bank. Let us give you inspiration of old clothes to recycle for children in the following points. Sweater to Mittens

You can call this idea “Smittens” since it is a clever transformation of a sweater into extremely adorable mittens. The warm, fleece-lined mittens require two matching pullovers, some easily accessible tools, and a few materials. Sew the mitten shape together using a straight stitch. Trim the excess fabric and then repeat the process for the other mitten. Let your children enjoy new DIY mittens!

Give your children a new cardigan cowl to add warmth during the colder season. When it comes to hiding them behind a warm cardigan cowl or boot socks, old sweaters with those buttons down the middle might be a godsend. So, you can make a DIY cardigan cowl from an old sweater! Sharp scissors, a sewing machine, a needle, thread, and pins are items you’ll need. Don’t forget to try on the cowl and adjust the buttons to fit your desired length.

Did you know that you can also make cute accessories from old clothes for your children? Using vintage sweaters and bangle bracelets as the foundation, create beautiful bracelets embellished with gems and sparkle. Decorate the bracelet with any embellishments you desire. You can use vintage buttons, ribbons, or beads. It will surely make a unique and cherished present for your little ones!

If you have an adorable little girl, you may want to adorn her with various headbands everyday! Therefore, why don’t you create them on your own using recycled clothes? Cut off the bottom hem of the shirt, and then cut along the side seams to remove the front and back panels. Tie the two ends of the strip together to create a loop. Now you can embellish the headband in any way you like. You could add some beads or ribbons to give it a bit of sparkle.

Men’s shirts usually have a comfortable and high quality material. So, you can turn the old men’s shirt into a cute dress for your little girl! Remember that you will need to measure her chest, waist, and length from the shoulder to the desired length of the dress. If you want to add buttons or zippers, measure them and sew them in place. As you hem the dress, your little girl’s dress is done!

Create a lovely, cozy romper for your child from an old pillowcase. This is a quick and easy to recycle sew project for beginners to try. All you need is an old pillow case, scissors, and sewing kit.  Make sure to get the right cut of two pieces of fabric. The first piece should be large enough to fit the chest and hips of the person wearing the romper. The second piece of fabric should be rectangular, with the length and width being twice the desired length of the finished romper.

This is a creative way to repurpose old baby clothing to keep your little ones entertained! As you kids can’t wear their baby clothes anymore, you create a pillow toy from them. Simply cute baby clothing in your desired shape. For example, you can create an animal or flower shaped pillow. Fill the pillow with dacron or soft cotton filling, then sew the edge neatly. Your cute pillow toy is done!

Recycling clothes is an excellent way to reduce waste and help the environment. It is also an easy way to save money and freshen up your wardrobe. By shopping for recycled clothes, you can find unique and stylish pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. So why not give it a try and see how much fun it can be? With a little creativity, you can create unique, stylish looks from old clothing that you may have otherwise thrown away.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Cotton is the easiest clothing material to recycle because it is a natural fiber that can be broken down and reused in a variety of ways. It can be turned into new clothing items, insulation, building materials, and even paper. Cotton is also biodegradable, meaning it can be broken down by microorganisms and returned to the earth.

Clothes that have been soiled by oil, paint, chemicals, or other hazardous materials cannot be recycled. These materials can be toxic and hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly . If you are looking for recycle clothes ideas, please read the article above.

It is generally recommended to throw out clothes that are worn, torn, stained, or are no longer in style. Clothes that are worn, torn, or stained may be uncomfortable to wear and can be at risk of harboring bacteria or other harmful particles. Wearing clothes that are out of style can also make you feel self-conscious and can make it difficult to find clothing that you like.

It depends on the condition and quality of the clothes. If the clothes are in good condition, it is better to give them to charity. This allows those in need to have access to clothing without having to purchase it. If the clothes are damaged or not in good shape, it is better to recycle them. This keeps them out of landfills and reduces the amount of waste in the environment.

20 Ways To Recycle Old Clothes in 15 Minutes Or Less

Who knew it could be so much fun to recycle old clothes?

For the vast majority of the year, I’ve been working on slowly making a handmade closet I’m crazy about instead of shopping for more, poorly-made, overpriced clothing.

It’s been so rewarding to expand my sewing skills and grow a handcrafted, curated closet. The biggest win though, may be how my mindset has shifted around shopping, scoring deals, and implusle buys. I used to go out and buy clothes that I didn’t even really like because they were inexpensive. They would fit poorly, be made of scratchy fabrics, and end up taking up valuable space in my closet.

Maybe you can relate.

That’s where getting creative and starting to recycle old clothes comes in.

With a little creativity and just 15 minutes, you can transform the pieces hanging in your closet to better reflect your unique style and personality. You can make the clothes you have fit better, look cuter, and even transform their overall look.

So today, I’ve combed through the Creative fashion Blog archives as well as the best tutorials from PInterest (if you don’t follow me yet, CLICK HERE ) to bring you 20 ways to recycle old clothes in just 15 minutes or less.

Now you can swing open your closet doors and dive in!

Paint Jeans With Handmade Lace Stencils

We all love a pair of blue jeans- but that still doesn’t mean we can’t mix it up every once in awhile right? This ten minute jean refashion is quick and easy and makes a feminine statement. I love how the subtle lace detail adds dimension but can still be paired with almost anything.  SEE THE REFASHION TUTORIAL HERE.

Add Pom Poms To Upcycle An Old Sweater

You’ve probably seen pom pom sweaters in crazy colors floating around Pinterest, but personally I think the look is more wearable and practical (for me) in neutral colors. That being said, now my 7 and 3 year old want matching sweaters with yellow, green, pink, and purple poms. 😉 By the time you read this, I’ll probably be at my craft table making colorful, festive pom pom sweaters for them to match!  SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

Add Gold Foil To Customize Plain Shirts

How many old t shirts do you have lying around that are ready for some extra lovin? If your dresser looks anything like mine…. chances are… . a lot.  That’s where today’s DIY t shirt stencil makeover comes in.  Similar to the scissor stencil we created last year , ( that has over 1,000 downloads by the way! ) this free feather printable will give your old clothes a brand new look.  GET THE FREE PRINTABLE & TUTORIAL HERE.

Transform A Thrift Store Dress Into A Boho Top

This DIY is great for the beginner and takes less than an hour to complete.  If you can sew a straight line, you can make this shirt.  SEE THE FULL VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE.

Make Your Own Pearl Accent Jeans

Pearl Accent Jeans are all over fashion blogs lately and make for such a cute update on basic denim. I love how the neutral pearl beads coordinate with almost anything and are incredibly easy to style. The only problem (like so many trends) is the high price tag that goes along with it. Rest assured, I’ve got you covered. In less than 20 minutes you can give your old jeans an updated look and you can rock the trend for a fraction of the price!  SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

Make A Lace Peplum Top From An Old T-Shirt

FashionWanderer.com created this tutorial to recycle old clothes by using lace and an old, thrift store tshirt. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

Weave A T-Shirt To Create A Whole New Look

This t-shirt refashion looks complicated but is surprisingly easy to do. I even included a handy little DIY video for you to follow along. When you are done, you’ll be ready to weave details in your leggings, hoodies, and more. It’s all the same technique so don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit and get creative!  SEE THE FULL REFASHION HERE.

Glue On Poms For A Festive Update

Bright, woven purses are everywhere this season but often, the price tag can be just as impressive as the trend. To create this DIY, you’ll need to block out about 10 minutes and collect a few supplies.  SEE HOW TO DIY THIS BAG HERE.

Suede Lace Up Boot Upcycle

Who doesn’t love a quick and easy boot makeover? Today’s project is a ten minute tutorial to update the look of your old boots and give them just a little more personality and character.  SEE THE 10 MINUTE TUTORIAL HERE.

Add Your Own DIY Suede Elbow Patch To A Basic Sweater

Granted, you can find hundreds (if not thousands) of DIY elbow patch tutorials on Pinterest. In this post, you’ll learn how to  actually make a patch yourself  and some tips on applying them to trickier fabrics like chunky knit sweaters. When you are done with this little project, not only will you have mastered a few new sewing skills, but you’ll also have the cutest little elbow patch sweater that is completely unique to you.  SEE THE FULL REFASHION HERE.

UPCYCLE YOUR OLD LEGGINGS INTO A CUTE TOP

In less than 5 minutes, I’ll be walking you through the step-by-step process that will have you excited to upcycle all those leggings you never wear anymore! This DIY crop top makes for a great swimsuit cover-up or can be worn with your high-waisted jeans or a maxi skirt for a totally different look.  SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

Recycle Old Clothes With Bleach Pens

Before this tutorial to recycle old clothes, I loved this black maxi dress. It was great for airports, farmer’s markets… basically anywhere I wanted to go and look presentable and still be ridiculously comfortable. It’s the perfect length and has a low back with some sexy cross-straps. Now, after I took a bleach pen to it, I love it even more. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

Easy DIY Studded Sweater

I love how the extra detail of the hardware makes a big impact in the overall look of the top. Once the studs are put on, your sweater is good to be washed and rewashed without your studs slipping. This is why I like applying them with jewelry pliers instead of fabric glue.  CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL.

Use Broken Jewelry To DIY A Trendy Beanie

This beanie is a must-have winter staple because it makes you feel feminine while lounging around or in the most casual situations. I love the contrast and extra detail the embellishments add!  SEE THE VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE.

Upcycle T-Shirts Into A Summer Dress

You can never have too many comfy, casual summer dresses right? In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to refashion t-shirts into a dress for the warm weather ahead! This dress is the perfect casual dress or even a swimsuit cover-up. It’s just as comfortable as your basic t-shirt, can be worn with a regular bra, and can even be completed in an hour if you use a sewing machine or 15 minutes without. I’ll walk you through both options.  CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL.

Create “Normal” Sleeves From Cold Shoulder Dresses

SewMuchLoveMary.com created this beautuful dress by removing the cold shoulder detail and creating a full, classic sleeve. Now that the weather is getting colder, this tutorial is the perfect transition into fall. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

Add Lace & Grommets For A Quick Sweater Refashion

In my opinion, a lace-up sweater is the perfect winter trend. It’s the perfect way to make a sweater have more personality and detail and still keep you warm (unlike the bare-shoulder sweater trend.) So for today’s post, I’ll be showing you how to make a sweater with a lace-up front from a chunky knit sweater you already have.  SEE THE FULL DIY HERE.

Make A Ruffle Shirt From A Baggy T-Shirt

This tutorial is a more feminine, pretty take on your basic t-shirt refashion. Is it just me or often, do t-shirt refashions start to look a little unfinished and sloppy? With this DIY, I’ll walk you through each step to create a polished, more finished look you’ll be excited to wear every day.  GET THE TUTORIAL HERE.

Add Detail To Old Clothes By Giving The Sleeves A Makeover

This tutorial by FashionWanderer.com walks you through how to give old sweaters and half-sleeve tops an upgrade with this quick and easy clothing refashion. This no sew project takes just 5 minutes. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

Add Lace Trimming To Upcycle A Plain T-Shirt

This project is perfect if you don’t consider yourself that creative or are just dipping your toes into the DIY fashion swimming pool. Within just a few minutes and a few basic tools, you can customize and personalize all of the uninspiring t-shirts you have lying around.  SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

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33 Clever Ways To Refashion Your Clothes

October 3, 2013 Lilly

Last Updated on May 7, 2021

I have to say, I normally get very intimidated when it comes to projects that involve sewing. I tend to steer away from them, but after my hunt for different ways to customize your clothes, I am really quite inspired! Most of these are very easy, in fact, a lot of them don't even require a needle or thread; just a few creative folds, knots, and cuts. I'm anxious to go through my closet and see what I can make out of some of my old things. My husband may also be missing a few shirts once I'm done, but I doubt he'll notice. Maybe you'll find inspiration with these clever ways to refashion your clothes.

1. The 8 Second Shirt To Skirt

You won't believe how easy this is! Now you can use those long sleeve winter tops during the summer as a cute skirt with a bow. It really is quite flattering, too!

2. Add Lace To Your Cut-Offs

This easy sewing project adds a feminine and unique touch to just about any pair of jean shorts. Bonus: You can slightly alter the shorts in the process to make them a bit larger in the thigh area if needed.

3. Add Lace Sleeves To A Tank Top

With a little bit of lace trim and your handy needle and thread, you can turn a basic spaghetti strap tank into a stylish lace top. No sewing machine required!

4. Men's Dress Shirt Apron

Isn't she adorable?! I love the vintage feel of this apron made from a men's dress shirt. It's easier than it looks, too. I'm sorry to all of the husbands and boyfriends who are now missing one or more of their long sleeve collared shirts. Just know that it went to good use!

5. DIY Elbow Patches

I've seen this done a few ways, but a heart elbow patch is probably my favorite. You could do this with just about any fabric, even lace! It certainly adds character to an otherwise boring cardigan or sweater.

6. Scarf Turned Racerback

That's right, no sewing! With just a few clever folds and knots you can turn any large scarf into a cute little racerback vest. This would be cute over a tank to add a little personality and coverage.

7. The Five Minute Draped Vest

I love the back on this one just as much as the front! This is something I would wear quite often over a tank in the summer. It provides the right amount of coverage while still showing off those arms. You could even use a printed t-shirt to create something a little more fun and unique.

8. No-Sew Crop Top

It doesn't get much easier than this! You can wear it over your sports bra at the gym, swimsuit at the beach, or layer it over a fitted tank top for everyday wear. And, customize it however you'd like by making the cut-outs as big or as small as you are comfortable showing. Same goes for the length; you could even skip step 3 for a longer tank.

9. DIY Lace Inset Jeans

Have a rip or tear in your jeans? Patch it up with lace! Or, to get this look, use scissors to create a horizontal rip. There's very little sewing required, and instead of using a sewing machine, you could even create a sewing pattern by hand that would look really nice with the lace.

10. Turn Boot Cut Jeans Into Skinny Jeans

This one requires a sewing machine and little bit of skill, but it might just turn those boot cut jeans that you never wear into your new favorite pair. I have a stack of boot cut jeans just like this in my closet that I could use this for! The zipper is a nice touch, too.

11. DIY Lace Insert

You can update just about any shirt with this method! And, guess what? There's no sewing required for this one. You can make your cut-out in just about any shape (I'm thinking a heart or star), and then use hem tape to secure the lace to the inside of your shirt.

12. DIY Swimsuit Coverup From A T-Shirt

This reminds me of the swimsuit covers I bought from Victoria's Secret this year, only this would cost very little and you can completely customize it! You're mostly going to do a lot of cutting, and then just a little hand sewing to attach it back together.

13. DIY Studded Ombre Denim

Hard to believe that's even the same shirt! The makeover on this one is stunning. Because the sleeves are already hemmed at the shoulders, there's no sewing needed. And, the ombre effect was created with just plain old bleach! This is the first time I think I've ever wanted to go clothes shopping at a thrift store.

You can get the tutorial for the ombre effect here on YouTube . And the stud application here .

14. DIY T-Shirt Maxidress

Am I the only one that get's those tiny little holes in the bottom of all of my t-shirts and tanks? I think it's from rubbing up against the button of my jeans or something. I have yet to figure that out, but I really like this project for all of my great fitting tees that are no longer wearable because of my unfortunate hole problem. And, the skirt portion can be made from large men's shirts; pick them up at a thrift store for just pennies!

15. DIY Cut Out Back

An easy and fun way to refashion one of your t-shirts! Wear it over a tank top, or even as a swimsuit cover. There's no hemming required, just a needle and thread to created bows for each sliced section.

16. Add A Zipper

Not only does it add personality to just about any top, but it can also be functional; especially for a tight shirt that is hard to get on and off. I like the idea of placing a zipper on the back of the neckline.

17. DIY Shirt Expand

What a great way to expand a shirt or tank top into a loose fitting shirt for layering! Just cut off the sides and sew on a crochet trim. I have so many shirts I could do this with. You could also make it sleeveless and only sew on sides for the lower portion (with lace or other fabric, too), leaving a gap for the arm holes.

18. Refashion An Old T-Shirt

You could literally create an entirely new wardrobe without doing any shopping at all! Turn an old t-shirt into a cute top for summer with a few simple careful cuts. I'm digging the rocker vibe on this one, too.

19. Men's Shirt Dress

Yet another fabulous way to turn an oversized men's shirt into a chic shirt that's just right for you! I love the one with the shoulders cut out; just accessorize it with a belt and you're set to go.

20. DIY Braided Racerback

What a cute DIY shirt idea for layering, or even as a swimsuit cover! After trimming a t-shirt, cut three strips out of the back, braid, and then sew the end of the braid back onto the neck collar.

21. DIY Fringe T-Shirt

Every girl needs a cute fringe top in her wardrobe, right? Why buy one when you can easily make your own and customize it to your liking! This would also be pretty on a loose fitting tank top or racerback. Get the full instructions here .

22. DIY Painted Jeans

It has never dawned on me to use fabric paint, but I think I'm going to have to try this on a few of my daughter's clothes! You could use any stencil you'd like, and either make a pattern with it, or maybe even just do one larger stencil on a shirt or pants pocket.

23. DIY Dolman Tee

At first glance of this before-and-after, I thought “Way to hard!”. But if you check out the instructions, it's actually pretty basic stuff. The shirt has to be a couple of sizes too big for it to work, but the results are nothing less than awesome!

24. DIY Belted Scarf Vest

After removing the buckle, use a cloth belt as your trim for a scarf turned vest. What a neat idea! For whatever reason, I've purchased a lot of scarves over the years, but honestly never wear them; they just seem like an accessory to me that gets in the way. I would love to turn a few of them into cute cover-ups like this one!

25. DIY Cropped Tank

Cropped and Chopped! Literally. Break out your scissors and turn an old t-shirt into a lovely cropped tank. It's a little over sized and perfect for layering over a fitted shirt or tank.

26. DIY Star Shorts

Turn a boring pair of cut-offs into something stylish for Independence Day! Or, any day, really. I saw shorts just like this for $65 at a department store a few months back. Who knew you could easily just make them yourself!

27. DIY Bleach Art Shirt

Use a clorox bleach pen to write a special name, word, or saying on a plain colored tank, t-shirt, or sweater. If you're artistic, I suppose you could also draw a simple shape or picture.

28. DIY Tie-Dye Shorts

I'm sure you could buy tie-dye shorts at just about every department store these days (and you'll pay for them, too!), but you can also easily customize your own from home with a pair of white denim shorts.

29. No-Sew Tee Shirt Halter

This adorable t-shirt turned halter was made with a few snips of the scissors and clever tying. It can also be worn several ways with different tying methods. Love it! My husband isn't going to have any tees left by the time I get done ransacking the closet.

30. Add A Chic Bow To A Sweater

This is so pretty! It can be done with just about any open back sweater, but there are also detailed instructions on Maegan's site on how to lower the back if needed.

31. DIY Candy Corn Shirt

My favorite candy, and just in time for Halloween! You could do this with a tank top, too, although I really like this idea for the kids. My daughter has a white tank that I would like to try it on. It would look really cute under one of her cardigans!

32. Add A Giant Bow

This would work on a v-neck or scoop neck. You can make the bow as big or as little as you would prefer, and then sew it in place! It might even be fun if the bow were made with a different fabric and color.

33. Upcycled T-shirt Dress

Let's not forget about the little ones! It would be really fun to play around with some of their old clothes and see what we can come up with, after all, they grown out of them so fast! This darling little girl's dress was made with old t-shirts all sewn together. She also used foam stamps and fabric paint to dress it up a bit. Lovely!

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