Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Making new clothes and accessories
• Part 2 of 3: Making keepsakes
• Part 3 of 3: Making decoration for your home
• Tips
• Necessities

Clothes are made of fabric, which has endless uses. If you are tired of certain clothes, or have clothes that don't fit, you can reuse them instead of throwing them away. By turning clothes into various other items of clothing or keepsakes, or using them to decorate your home, you will never have to throw away good clothes again.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Making new clothes and accessories

1. Restyle the clothes. If a piece of clothing is out of fashion, you can try to do something about it by adapting it to the current fashion. Accessories such as zippers, pendants and glitter can brighten up an old shirt or skirt and turn it into something new.
   • If the hems of your pants are worn, but they still fit properly, try trimming them and turning them into shorts. You can also turn a long skirt into a shorter skirt or a T-shirt into a crop top.
   • A different color can also breathe new life into an old garment. Try a new shade to brighten up your look.
   • Sew a contrasting pocket on an old t-shirt to give it an update.
2. Make new clothes from your old clothes. Make a completely new garment from the fabric of your old clothes. If you are going to do this, it is better to start with an item such as a dress or a large T-shirt so that more fabric is immediately available. Use your imagination to cut and sew something new for yourself, such as a belt, tube top, or a skirt. There are many patterns available on the internet for people who have no experience in making clothes.
3. Use your old clothes to make new accessories. Use the fabric from your old clothes to make a headband, for example, or use thin strips of multiple fabrics to braid a bracelet or necklace. It is also very easy to turn an old T-shirt into a stylish bag. EXPERT TIP

   Make patches. Patches can be functional as well as stylish. Patch up your old clothes for clothes you want to wear longer. You can even use a patch in a purely stylistic way to add some color or additional patterns.

   • If you have much smaller pieces of clothing, you could try making a piece of clothing, all from patchwork.

Part 2 of 3: Making keepsakes

1. Make a memory board. A memory board is a great place to hang concert bracelets, tickets and photos. Use a large piece of cloth from your old clothes to cover the front and sides of a regular pin board. Secure the fabric around the entire perimeter at the back with clothing glue.
   • You can add souvenirs and arrange them on the board by picking items up with picks.
2. Make toys. You can make a teddy bear for a child out of old clothes. This can take on a special dimension if you use baby clothes or another favorite item of clothing from his or her childhood. Use an online pattern for a polished look. You can even fill the bear with scraps of fabric from other old clothes.
   • Use buttons from old clothing for the eyes and a bear nose.
   • If a bear seems too ambitious, you can also make great dresses for dolls from old socks. Cut the section above the heel of a high sock (socks with lace or pattern work best). Then thread a ribbon through each corner of the top to make straps. Children can also do this project themselves (under supervision).
3. Sew a quilt. Use an online pattern to convert your old rags into a quilt. You can integrate several different garments into your design to create a quilt full of happy memories.
   • If you're not very good with a needle and thread, but would like a quilt, there are many websites where you can get a patchwork quilt made from your old clothes, such as Project Repeat or retailers on Etsy. Just send them your old clothes.
4. Make a photo frame. With a piece of cardboard, fabric glue and an old garment, you can make a completely custom photo frame. This works particularly well if you have an unusual sized photo, as you can adjust the frame to match a particular work of art. You can also cover a tired old picture frame with fabric to reuse two things.
5. Make your own gift box. After you make your keepsake, your old clothes can play a double role by turning them into a gift box. Cut the fabric of a garment into a large circle or square (a larger item, such as a dress or skirt will work best), and place your gift in the center. Wrap the fabric around your gift, letting it come together at the top. You can close your package with a contrasting colored ribbon.
   • Scissors with a pattern in the blades can provide an attractive finish so that your edges don't look frayed.

Part 3 of 3: Making decoration for your home

1. Make curtains. If you like a bohemian style, patchwork curtains can be a unique addition to your home. First, take the measurements of your existing curtains. Then cut square patches of equal size from the fabric of your old clothes; the greater the variety of colors and patterns, the better. Sew the squares together along the edges into one cohesive piece of fabric, until you have the measurements you measured earlier.
   • If you don't have enough old clothes for an entire curtain, a valance for the top of the window can add a rustic charm.
2. Sew a pillowcase. You can make great pillowcases from old T-shirts, especially those made of soft fabric. Cut the sleeves of a T-shirt and the edge around the neck. Sew the holes you made and turn the shirt inside out so the seams are on the inside. You now have a soft, new pillowcase.
   • If you want the design on the front of a T-shirt on the outside of the pillowcase when you're done, turn that shirt inside out before cutting it.
3. Make a rag rug. A rag rug is a durable and circular rug, incorporating many different fabrics and colors for a hand-woven look. They can be as small or large as you need, making them very versatile. Cut your clothes into long strips about the size of the crochet hook you want to use. Then refer to this guide for detailed sewing instructions.
   • If you're looking for a unitary decor piece for your home, select strips for your rag rug that match the colors in your room. Your rag rug will emphasize any color and unify the room.
4. Make a duvet for the dog bed. If you have a smaller dog, you can use the pillowcase method with a large T-shirt to make a duvet for the dog bed. If your dog is larger and one shirt isn't enough, make two smaller pillowcases using the pillowcase method, then sew them together almost all the way around the opening (i.e. end to end), leaving a small hole open. Use this to stuff the pillow with old clothes. Once filled, sew the hole closed to complete the brand new dog comforter.

Tips

• Make sure that a gift is not made from an item of clothing that someone once gave you as a gift.
• Search wikiHow for more fun sewing projects.
• You can cut shorts from your old pants.
• Make a basket from scraps, and keep similar materials together. You are then ready to get started when inspiration strikes.
• Donate clothes to someone in need. The Salvation Army and Goodwill accept clothing year-round.

Necessities

• Old clothes
• Scissors
• Fabric glue
• Sewing kit
• Workspace