If you’ve recently decluttered your closet, you may have a pile of clothes that you’re not quite sure what to do with. Donating is always a great option, but what about those stained or worn-out garments you can’t give away? Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider upcycling them.
Not only is upcycling a cost-efficient way to breathe new life into old pieces, it’s also an environmentally-friendly solution to textile waste. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency reports that over 18 million pounds of clothes and shoes ended up in landfills in 2018 alone. Let’s explore seven creative ways to reuse old clothes and help you do your part in reducing textile waste.
Cut Jeans Into Shorts and Hair Accessories
If you want to give your old jeans a new life, consider cutting them into shorts. You can also use the extra fabric to create simple hair accessories like headbands or ties. Don’t worry about achieving a perfect cut – the distressed look is trendy right now, so embrace the frayed edges.
Dye Blouses, Dresses, and Skirts
If your light-colored clothing items have become dingy over time, consider dying them to bring them back to life. RIT Dye is a trusted and affordable brand that is popular in the crafting community. You can find it at many big box retailers like Walmart. Dyeing your clothes is a simple and effective way to make them presentable again.
Rip T-Shirts Into Cleaning Rags
When your old t-shirts are no longer wearable, repurpose them into cleaning rags. Cotton shirts are the best option as they are soft and gentle on surfaces. Follow these steps:
- Cut the t-shirt into large squares or rectangles.
- Remove any seams or tags that could scratch surfaces.
- Wash the rags in hot water and detergent before use.
- Use the rags to clean delicate surfaces such as mirrors, windows, and electronics.
By repurposing your old t-shirts, you can save money and reduce waste while keeping your home clean.
Transform T-Shirts Into Bags
If you have some old t-shirts that you don’t wear anymore, you can turn them into bags. All you need to do is cut a wider neck hole and the sleeves so that it’s shaped like a tank top. The “straps” will be the handles, and you can sew up the bottom of the shirt to create a bag. If you don’t like sewing, you can snip away at the bottom to create little tassels and then tie them up. Happiest Camper, a DIY blogger, has an excellent step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Make Clothing Into a Quilt or Pillows
If you have clothes that hold sentimental value, you can transform them into a memory quilt or pillow. While you can create them yourself if you have the skills, there are also Etsy shops that can do it for you. Just send them your clothes, and they will turn them into a beautiful memory item. This is a great way to repurpose old clothing and keep cherished memories close.
Turn Socks Into Heating Pads
If you have knee-high socks lying around, you can easily turn them into handmade heating pads for sore muscles and joints. Start by filling the sock with uncooked rice, add a few drops of essential oil if desired, and then knot or sew the open end shut. To use, simply microwave the sock for about a minute and place a cloth between the heating pad and your skin to avoid direct heat. This is a simple and effective way to repurpose old socks and soothe achy muscles.
Convert Sweaters Into Cozy Scarves
Transform your stretched-out knit sweaters into cozy scarves with this simple tutorial from crafting blogger Swoodson Says. All you need are three supplies and a little bit of hemming to perfect it. Follow these steps:
- Cut the bottom half of the sweater off.
- Hem the cut edge if desired.
- Wrap the sweater around your neck and enjoy your new cozy scarf.
No sewing required! This easy DIY project is a great way to repurpose old sweaters and add a cozy accessory to your wardrobe.
