Ways To Repurpose Your Clothes

Do you have clothes that you no longer wear? Instead of getting rid of them, try out some of these tips on how you can repurpose your old clothes and turn them into something else. Perhaps you have ripped jeans you no longer wear or a pair of trousers that no longer fit. This post will offer some tips on what steps you could take next.

DENIM

Do you have a rip in a pair of jeans? Using fabric swatches to cover these are a perfect way to add a pop of colour or print to your jeans. Depending on the space needed to fill, cut your fabric slightly larger than this to ensure full coverage. If you're looking to create a completely new product with your clothes, perhaps you would like to try out the options below:

Bags Hats Shorts

The first image shows a pair of jeans that have been turned into a bag. This is a creative way of repurposing your old clothes, using the pocket and tied laces for added details. As summer is round the corner, maybe you're looking for a new hat to style with your holiday outfits. You'll sure be the only one wearing that design and this is also a great way to develop your own personal style.

If you want to experiment further, adding hand embroidery to your new fashion piece is a great way to add small details and colour. A quicker solution would be to use iron on embroidery transfers which you can buy online. You may be looking at the pile of denim jeans in your wardrobe and realise you have no shorts for summer! Well fear not, you can easily make a pair of shorts by simply cutting your old jeans. Fraying the ends of your shorts can be made by unpicking the hem slightly for a light effect. Or alternatively, to create a more abrasive effect, using sandpaper can also work!

FOOD COVERS

We're all trying to be a little eco-friendly and there are habits to make small differences. If you have a variety of scrap fabrics or clothing that is torn and you no longer wear, making food wrap covers out of these could be the trick for you. The simplest way to do this is cutting out a squared piece of fabric, covering over the roof of a jar and using an elastic band (a hair will do the job) to secure the fabric in place.

This is a great alternative to using foil and cling film. You can wash the fabric swatches ad re-use again and again. Relating to food again, another idea is to make fabric bags for your fruit and vegetables when doing your weekly shop. With the over-usage of plastic in most supermarkets, we need to invite eco-friendly alternatives when it comes to storing our food.

PATCHWORK

Do you have piles of printed clothing that you want turn into something new? Patchwork is a great technique to use up fabric scraps and create pieces such as blankets, bags and even dresses. There are a plethora of guides to creating patchwork and a simple google search will lead you on your way. Below are some examples, which may inspire your next sewing project!

Purses Blankets Soft Toys

Patchwork projects are a lovely idea as gifts for friends and family, especially a memorable first baby gift. Whether you have a little or a lot of scrap fabrics, theres always room to create something new.

GIFT WRAP

Ran out of wrapping paper? Using fabric is a great alternative which creates fun textures and prints. This is also an eco-friendly alternative as they can be re-used in future. To style them, a simple bow can be tied with the ends of the fabric. This is also a zero waste idea as there is no need to throw away the fabric, unlike wrapping paper which is temporary before being discarded.

FROM FASHION TO INTERIORS

If you have a fabric design and would love it as a cushion in your home, why not turn into into one! With some basic knowledge on using a sewing machine, you'll soon have a new cushion to lay on your sofa. This idea is a great way to use up old shirts you no longer use. You can find a variety of how-to guides to creating your own cushion, and You Tube is the perfect place for getting step-by-step tutorials.

If you want to avoid using a sewing machine and are looking for a quick project, wrapping a cushion insert with your shirt and using the sleeves to tie a bow will create a cute finish to your new cushion.

T-SHIRT TO RUG

Carrying on with interiors, turning your old T-shirts into a new rug may be an avenue you'd wish to try out. All you will need is a Mesh mat for rug weaving, which can be purchased online at a reasonable price. After cutting strips out of your T-shirts, (or any other fabric) weave them into the mat, line by line until you reach the end. Here, simply tie at the end and you're done!

I hope you get a chance to try out one or more of these ideas. These are a great way to use your unwanted clothes without throwing them away and potentially ending in landfill. Here's to a better future for fashion and a more circular world. Happy upcycling!

Sabrina Cowper | Reform Your Fashion