The Ultimate Guide: 16 Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Old Clothes

Instead of throwing away your old clothes, you can recycle them into something new and unique. Here are some creative ideas to transform your old garments into useful items.

1. Ways to Upcycle Old Jeans

Create Patterned Jeans

Upcycle old jeans into patterned jeans

Tools needed

• Fabric pen
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Small paintbrush
• Old pair of jeans

Instructions

Step 1 Lay your jeans flat on a table and use the paintbrush to splatter white paint onto the fabric.

Step 2 Use the fabric pen to draw black branches and then use the small paintbrush to fill in the leaves.

Step 3 Let the paint dry and you’ll have a brand new pair of jeans!

Transform into Shorts

Upcycle old jeans into shorts

Tools needed:

• Scissors
• Old pair of jeans

Instructions: If your jeans are too tight, you can easily turn them into a pair of shorts by cutting off the legs.

Make a Phone Case

Upcycle old jeans into a phone case

Tools needed:

• Scissors
• Old pair of jeans

Instructions: Instead of throwing away your old jeans, use scissors to cut off the back pocket. Cut along the seam to create a strap for your phone case. This small pocket can also hold other items besides your phone.

2. Ways to Upcycle Old Shirts

Create a Bottle Bag

Upcycle old shirts into bottle bags

Tools needed:

• Old shirt
• Scissors

Instructions:

Step 1 Cut off the sleeves and turn them inside out. Sew the cut edges.

Step 2 Turn the sleeves right side out again and you have a bottle bag! You can use it to hold wine or honey jars when gifting to friends and family. Tie a ribbon around the neck of the bottle if you like.

Make an Apron

Upcycle old shirts into an apron

Tools needed:

• Old shirt
• Scissors

Instructions:

Step 1 First, cut the shirt into the shape of an apron. To make it easier, you can use an existing apron as a template.

Step 2 Use the leftover fabric to cut three thin strips and braid them together. Sew this braid onto the back of the apron as a waist strap.

3. Ways to Upcycle Old Dresses

Create a Flare Skirt with Lace

Upcycle old dresses into a flare skirt with lace

Tools needed:

• Old dress
• Lace fabric
• Needle and thread

Instructions: Simply sew the lace fabric onto your old dress to create a stylish new skirt.

Make Hair Bows

Upcycle old dresses into hair bows

Tools needed: Old dress, scissors.

Instructions: Instead of throwing away your old dress with beautiful patterns, cut it into different shapes to make small hair bows for your child or to decorate your clothes.

Transform into a New Dress

Upcycle old dresses into a new dress

Tools needed: Old dress, scissors

Instructions:

With your creativity and sewing skills, you can transform your old dress into something new. Alter it yourself or take it to a tailor to redesign it.

4. Ways to Upcycle Old T-shirts

Create a Tote Bag

Upcycle old t-shirts into a tote bag

Tools needed: Old t-shirt, scissors

Instructions:

• First, cut off the sleeves and the collar, following the seam to create a neater edge.
• Then, cut along the bottom hem of the shirt to create a cleaner look for your bag.
• Finally, determine the depth of your bag and cut the remaining fabric into thin strips. Braid these strips together to create a decorative pattern and add strength to your bag.

Make a New Skirt

Upcycle old t-shirts into a new skirt

Tools needed:

• Old t-shirt
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Elastic band

Instructions: Cut your old t-shirt horizontally at the armpit level and hem the edges. Sew a channel for the elastic band and thread it through. Now you have a cute skirt to wear out or lounge in!

Create a Crop Top

Upcycle old t-shirts into a crop top

Tools needed:

• Old t-shirt
• Scissors

Instructions: Cut off the bottom of the shirt at the waist level and then cut two thin strips, creating a point at the end of each strip. Tie these strips into a bow and you have a unique crop top!

Transform into a Dress

Upcycle old t-shirts into a dress

Tools needed: Two old t-shirts of the same size but different colors, scissors

Instructions: Cut one shirt to use the top part and the other shirt for the bottom part. Sew these two pieces together. Do the same with the remaining parts of the shirts and you’ll have two new and unique dresses!

4. Ways to Upcycle Old Sweaters

Make Gloves

Upcycle old sweaters into gloves

Tools needed:

• Old sweater
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

Instructions:

• Place your hand on the body of the sweater so that your wrist aligns with the cuff.
• Cut out the shape of your hand, making it slightly larger. Turn the fabric inside out and sew the two pieces together.
• Turn it right side out and you have a pair of warm gloves!

Create Socks

Upcycle old sweaters into socks

Tools needed:

• Old sweater, scissors
• Needle and thread

Instructions:

• First, cut out two pieces of cardboard in the size of your feet.
• Place the cardboard on the sweater and cut out four pieces of fabric (two solid and two with holes).
• Place one solid and one hole piece together (with the wrong side facing out) and sew around the edges.
• Turn it right side out and you have a pair of cozy socks!

Make a Beanie

Upcycle old sweaters into a beanie

Tools needed: Old sweater, scissors

Instructions:

• First, cut out a circle for the top of the beanie, following the cuff of the sweater.
• Turn the fabric inside out and sew the two pieces together. Turn it right side out and you have a cozy beanie!

Upcycle Old Leggings

Upcycle old leggings into kids’ pants