50+ Clever New Things You Can Create From Old Clothes
It's sad, but true: Not every item in our donation pile should be there. Some items are too stained, worn or even too personal to pack up for Goodwill. Plus, sorting through inappropriate donations can waste a charity's valuable time. Your best bet: Find a clever new use for these unwearable items.
Of course, old socks are hardly ever still in pairs, and usually have so many holes you'd almost mistake them for fishnets.
This classic toy has been the most adorable way to use old socks for decades.
This idea from Diana Rambles is ideal for those knee-high novelty socks you never could find a reason to wear.
We'd encourage you to donate them, if only they weren't tapered, torn, ill-fitting and possibly pleated.
Bought a new pair? Here's why you shouldn't wash them for a while ?
Denim is a little more casual than linen and washes so easily. These DIY napkins are also lined in a light fabric for a softer side.
Sturdy denim can stand upright, making it a great fabric choice for storage baskets.
Durable denim also is ideal for dog toys, standing up to many, many games of fetch. These DIY dog toys from Pillar Box Blue will be your pooch's new favorite.
Especially those that have moth holes or, worse ... shoulder pads.
Prolong the life of your current favorite sweater with this trick ?
Or, you can make actual socks from sweater sleeves. Your Netflix binge got 10x cozier.
These accessories give you the layered look without the bulk. They're kind of like turtleneck dickies (remember those?) but for your legs!
Highlight a sweater's cute pattern by using it to recover a vintage stool. It's an especially good idea for those oversized '80s sweaters.
Pin this idea for when fall and winter roll around, and you can't find a beanie that fits your aesthetic. The Surznick Common Room shows you how to make a custom winter hat complete with an adorable pouf.
It may be the flannel shirt you loved in the '90s, or the one that was your fall mainstay. Now, it's gone from perfectly broken-in, to just broken down.
Got a bunch of flannel? Mix and match patterns to create an adorable scarf.
This design is nicknamed the "Lumberjack Sack," which is completely fitting of its rugged charm.
Flannel stars in this patchwork runner, which gives your dining room table a touch of country-chic style.
Lightweight yet cozy, flannel is also a great way to insulate a vest without adding bulk. This design by Scratch and Stitch can be worn flannel-side-in or out!
Here are even more ways to get more use out of old clothes ?
Your faithful bra has seen you through workdays and weekends, but now its just not-so-supportive.
An elastic lets you squeeze a few more uses out of an old black bra, while making it work with racerback tanks. Or, treat it as a focal point for those increasingly common low-back tops. (Exposing straps is no longer the "don't" it once was.)
Even if you're not into the cropped top trend, adding embellishments creates a custom cami that's handy for low-cut tops.
Or, hide the bra completely by cutting the straps and adding the cups to your favorite summer dress, following the directions from the Skunkboy blog.
Know the 7 signs of an ill-fitting bra before you go shopping ?
We're talking about the three types of tees that clog up donation piles: Promotional tees, stained tees and the tees that loyally accompanied you to yoga for ages.
Your good tees, meanwhile, deserve to be stored the proper way ?
Keep your favorite little one warm with these comfy, stretchy hats.
A braided rug is an age-old favorite way to make use of fabric straps. T-shirt fabric is well-suited for this craft, since it's stretchy and cheap.
If you're a little craftier and nimble with needles, you can turn t-shirts into a cute crocheted rug.
Not-so-crafty? Not a problem! This DIY scarf couldn't be easier to create.
Here's another project that even new crafters can tackle! This cute tote is made by making a few strategic cuts and knots.
If you're finding it hard to part with tees that have sentimental value, this genius idea by Polka Dot Chair will help you let go (by turning it into an adorable baby blanket, that is).
Those old pairs might be comfy, but they are looking a little worse for the wear.
Here's a good reason why you should become a "no shoes inside" household ?
Scuffs and stains disappear when you paint a platform in a dazzling new hue.
Worn out flip flop straps are no big deal when you add a strategic embellishment.
This very, very creative idea for repainting one's shoes involves chalk paint. That way, you can make any sort of design you'd like with the help of chalk.
Whether it's a baseball cap or a beloved beach hat, you can get at least one more season out of your favorite accessory with these ideas.
Here's how to clean that grimy old hat before you get crafting ?
Just tuck a cap's brim under your mattress for a handy caddy for everything from remotes to mags.
Brit+Co has the perfect idea for floppy beach hats: Just stamp on a cute design!
Switch things up with the hairstyles that look great with hats ?
You might have never worn those "mod" bright blue tights out of the house, or you might have worn your go-to black tights a bit too much.
The lacy tight trend was tempting, but a little hard to pull off. Make use of those old pairs by upcycling them into a cute necklace that anyone can wear.
Colorful tights make great tassles, which star in this super-cute party decoration.
Though the knot looks complicated, this design is surprisingly easy to make.
Patterned lights can also be used to make an ethereal new lamp shade. Once you get the technique down, you can also try this on wire paper lanterns.
Follow the photos at Alicia Sivert to see how to create this look ?
Cheap knit gloves never seem to last more than a season, making it a little silly to hang on to them (holes and all).
These are the surprisingly germiest places in your home (and how to clean them) ?
Instead, use brightly-colored or patterned gloves to create whimsical little dinosaur toys.
Similarly, you can also turn old gloves into wee monsters with the help of buttons and trim.
You love the print, but the fabric has seen better days. (After all, it has dutifully protected you from colds for years.) Also in this category: That silk scarf that never looked quite right.
Keep your camera handy while also adding a little style with this strap DIY.
Longer scarves can be easily turned into a light-as-air kimono. Use it as a cover up for beach days, or wear it with jeans and a tank for a boho look.
Sheer scarves can be used in decoupage to beautiful effect, like in this planter project.
Turn a plain button-down into a one-of-a-kind top with the help of beautiful scarves.
Sadie Seasongoods shows you how to mix and match cozy scarves to make a lovely blanket that'll see you through spring picnics to fall tailgates.
Find out a few more ways to get more life out of that old scarf ?
You still love that great coat, but the elements haven't been too kind to the fabric. We bet you can get at least one more season out of your favorite coat, though.
Add a fun and glamorous detail to an inexpensive coat by studding it with chunky "jewels."
Or, add a trendy touch on sleeves with metallic studs. You can go edgy with a few large studs, or subtle with daintier studs in an all-over design.
You can also ditch the sleeves entirely to make a long vest that's perfect for layering.
Yoga pants and leggings might be the new comfort clothes, but chances are that you still have a pair of super-soft sweats hanging out in your home.
Turn baggy sweats into fitted pants with a little DIY tailoring.
Though it's an adorable idea for Easter, we think a bunny motif can be cute all year-round.
The stretchy, comfy material also lends itself well to be used for puppy couture.
Find out how to make your own doggy t-shirt at The ReFab Diaries ?
Old dresses are very versatile when it comes to DIYs, because they often offer up a lot of fabric to work with. (Particularly those long '80s and '90s dresses!)
A few cuts turns a wrap dress into a flattering flyaway-style cardigan.
Stretchy dresses can also be cut down and sewn into adorable kid-sized leggings.
If you adore the pattern of a vintage dress (but it sadly just doesn't fit right), you can showcase the motif by using it to cover a chair cushion.
See how to re-cover a chair cushion over at The Sweet Escape ?
A permanent stain might have ruined your favorite button-down, but that doesn't mean you have to say goodbye.
Know the trick to make your remaining button-downs look so much more expensive ?
Raid your closet for novelty prints, which are extra-cute for turning into sweet little dresses. Of course, that pin-striped top would also work too.
This whimsical little coin purse is made with a spare cuff. Cute, right?
This charming pillow cover is so simple to create! The button placket is a built-in closure for the pillow, so all you have to do is snip the shirt to size and sew a couple seams.
50+ Clever New Things You Can Create From Old Clothes
It's sad, but true: Not every item in our donation pile should be there. Some items are too stained, worn or even too personal to pack up for Goodwill. Plus, sorting through inappropriate donations can waste a charity's valuable time. Your best bet: Find a clever new use for these unwearable items.
That stretched-out sweater has a whole new life awaiting it.
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