If you have a few hours to spare this weekend, and some clothes in the back of your wardrobe that you are never going to wear again, here’s a list of upcycling projects you can do in a few hours using textiles and items commonly found around the house:
(HINT: Chistmas is around the corner, and people LOVE to get a handmade gift)
1. T-shirt Tote Bag
Materials: Old t-shirt, scissors
Instructions: Cut off the sleeves and neckline of the t-shirt. Turn it inside out and sew or tie the bottom hem together. Turn it back right-side out, and you have a reusable tote bag!
Epic GlowUp: grab some fabric markers and make a one of a kind art tote, not feeling creative, Google Zentangle prompts and get doodling.
2. No-Sew Scarf from an Old Sweater
Materials: Old sweater, scissors
Instructions: Cut the body of the sweater just below the armholes to create a tube. Stretch the fabric slightly for a finished edge, and you’ve got a cozy infinity scarf.
GlowUp: Crochet an edging arond the top to give a real focal point to your cowl.
3. Braided Rag Rug
Materials: Old t-shirts, towels, or fabric scraps, scissors
Instructions: Cut fabric into long strips and braid them together. Coil the braid into a circular or oval shape, stitching or gluing as you go.
GlowUp: Add a glittery yarn through the piece to give it sparkle and tie through the scarap colours.
4. Fabric Bowl Covers
Materials: Scrap fabric, elastic band
Instructions: Cut a circle from the fabric larger than your bowl. Sew elastic around the edges, creating a reusable, eco-friendly cover for food storage. No more dried out chilli in your fridge.
5. Denim Coasters
Materials: Old jeans, scissors, needle, and thread or fabric glue
Instructions: Cut out circles or squares from denim scraps. Layer them if needed for thickness and sew or glue the edges.
6. Patchwork Quilt Using Old Clothes
Materials: Old t-shirts, jeans, or other fabric scraps, needle, thread, or sewing machine
Instructions: Cut squares or other shapes from your old textiles and sew them together in a patchwork pattern. This can be a great memory project if you use sentimental fabrics.
7. Upcycled Fabric Bunting
Materials: Fabric scraps, string or ribbon
Instructions: Cut fabric scraps into triangles and sew or glue them onto a piece of string or ribbon. Hang it as decoration for parties or room decor.
GlowUp: Break out those fabric markers again, or cut out letterring from contrasting scrap fabric andmake names, greeting, messages on your bunting.
8. Sweater Mittens
Materials: Old sweater, scissors, sewing supplies
Instructions: Trace the shape of your hands on the sweater fabric, cut it out, and sew the edges together to create a pair of cozy mittens.
These projects are quick, simple, and a great way to repurpose old textiles! Which one are you most interested in trying? Share your favourite upcycling projects on my social @wofmakes
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