Fabric is a great resource and the fabric of used clothing has many possibilities for reuse. By storing old clothes and reusing them, you can keep precious logos and images, save resources, create cool new things, and learn to make your garments last longer.
In this article, you will get a taste of what is possible by reusing clothes. From now on you too will be forced to look for new ways to reuse old clothes.
Steps
Step 1. Change your clothes:
if your clothes are no longer trendy or you are tired of them, think about giving them a new look. You can do this in many different ways, by adding a decoration or transforming the dress into something else.
- Make shorts out of old jeans.
- Cut the jeans to give them a whole new look.
- Add a patch (iron-on or regular).
- Stretch the jeans or turn them into a skinny style.
- Add a zipper, buttons, ribbons or other decorations.
- Pick up a book about reusing old clothes from the library. There are a lot of very nice books on the subject and, for sure, you will find a lot of ideas to realize.
Step 2. Dye the fabric to create something completely different
A color change can be enough to get your garment back in fashion. Some ranges of colors, in fact, are associated with certain eras, such as pastel shades that recall the 80s.
Consider vegetable dyes if you are also looking to make organic and eco-friendly reuse
Step 3. Make new clothes
Make something that doesn't require a lot of fabric, like a top, tank top, or tee. Combine different fabrics for a patchwork dress. I have how to edit a shirt in so many different ways.
Create a mini skirt. Cut off the top of a long shirt. Make a horizontal cut, just below the sleeves. Turn the raw edge twice to get a band at the waist. Insert a rubber band or use a ribbon as a drawstring
Step 4. Make some fabric accessories
You can make headbands, hair clips, bracelets, necklaces, slippers or belts. Sew a long strip of fabric and turn it upside down. Also try weaving several strips of fabric.
Step 5. Make some winter accessories
Make hats, scarves and mittens from old sweaters.
Step 6. Make patches
Add colorful patches to your jeans or denim mini skirt. You could also use a patch to create an extra pocket inside your coat.
Step 7. Make toys
Make a set of cloth dolls or stuffed animals. Or maybe you can make a pouf for the kids.
Step 8. Use the fabric to cover the cover of a special book
If you are particularly fond of a piece of cloth, use it to cover a ruined book, diary or photo album so that it will continue to be a part of your life for years to come.
Step 9. Make a frame
Cut some cardboard in the shape of a frame and glue some fabric over the entire surface. You can also use the fabric to cover an old, worn or out of fashion frame.
Step 10. Cover a lampshade
Fold the fabric for a pleated effect and glue it to the lampshade. You can also use ribbons to decorate the edges and cover the raw edge of the fabric. Add a row of sparkly beads to dangle at the bottom edge of the lampshade.
Step 11. Cover a cork board
Use a large piece of fabric to cover the front and sides of the panel. Secure the fabric on the back with glue. Finally, attach cards, photos, or other significant objects with pins.
Step 12. Make a quilt for your bed
Also add a rug and matching covers.
- Old clothes can also be transformed into a comfortable blanket for the sofa.
- Try making pillow cases out of old fabric, as long as it's soft enough for your face.
Step 13. Make some new curtains
You can also make a simple valance. Add a small decorated curtain to the bottom of the window, perhaps made of a different fabric.
Step 14. Use the fabric to wrap gifts
Cut the fabric in a circle or square with zigzag scissors to create a cheerful edge. Wrap the package with fabric and tie it with a ribbon. It can become a beautiful gift box for soaps, scented bags and other little things.
Step 15. Create a gift bag
Cut the fabric into a long, wide strip. Fold the strip in half. Sew the sides. Use the trimming scissors to decorate the top of the bag. Close the bag with a ribbon. It could be a beautiful packaging for a bottle of wine or a floral bouquet.
Step 16. Make a nice large and comfortable pillow for your dog
Use flannel shirt fabric or other soft materials. Fill the pillow with other pieces of fabric.
Step 17. Make a rag rug
You can make a rug by crochet or by weaving strips of fabric.
Step 18. Make a denim and chenille blanket using old jeans and flannel pieces
Step 19. Use the leftover fabric to clean
Make lots of rags for dusting and polishing.
The edges of the fabric do not need to be finished. Trim the frayed edges as needed
Advice
- Search wikiHow for other fabric projects.
- Make sure that a gift is not made from the fabric of a dress that that person gave you.
- Use buttons for a decorative effect.
- Store similar fabrics together to find them faster.
- Try on a dress to see if it fits you, otherwise look for the right fabric and a new color to put it right.
- Make paper using rags. Once upon a time, rags and pieces of cloth were collected to make paper.
- Someone will ask you how you made these new items.
- Give a gift to someone who needs it.
Warnings
- NEVER cover a lampshade. The heat would increase and the fabric would catch fire.
- Do not use flammable fabric for a lampshade.
