How To Upcycle Clothing To Make DIY Home Accessories

Upcycle old t-shirts to make DIY t-shirt yarn, and then crochet with it to make a fun t-shirt yarn bathmat. Perfect summer craft!

We live in an age of minimalism where many are interested in learning the art of decluttering. It’s also the age of DIY projects made out of upcycled items around your home. So when it’s time to clean out your closet, and you’re left with piles of unwanted and unused clothing, give them another purpose by turning them into chic and stylish DIY home accessories ! The following DIY project idea are fun and creative. So grab your scissors, sewing machine, cutting tools and craft matt because it’s about to get messy… in a good way! Keep reading to learn how you can transform your old clothing into stylish home accessories.

Pillowcases From Dress Shirts and T-shirts

We all have old and outdated T-shirts filling up our closets. One way to make use of them as well as any old dress shirts is by turning them into unique throw pillows for your couch or bed. According to the folks at Grandma Likes To Sew, pillowcases are easy to make and they’re a great project for DIY sewing beginners. All you need is a sewing machine, thread, ruler, scissors, rotary cutter, a cutting mat, pins, a pillow filling, and your t-shirt of choice of course! Cut the shirt into the desired size with a ¼ inch seam, sew the sides together, stuff your pillow, and then sew it closed. This is perfect for sports lovers with too many t-shirts with team emblems, or go shabby chic and use a men’s dress shirt with a pocket. Use that pocket to leave little notes to loved ones!

Embroidered Bulletin Hoops From Upcycled Blouses 

Wall-mounted bulletin boards made from an embroidery hoop don’t just look pretty, they’re also functional. Use fabric from old blouses and place them in the hoop of your choice. Paint your hoops into a golden or white color and cut a square of fabric to fit each hoop along with batting material. Layer both of them both over the hoop evenly and don’t allow wrinkles. Turn it over, trim excess fabric, and hot glue the batting material first, then the fabric neatly. Use several different sizes and a different fabric or pattern for each one to hang beautifully on your wall. Use them with pins to post reminders or even photos.

Winter Table Runner From Flannel Shirts 

Make use of old and yet beloved flannel shirts by sewing a rustic patchwork dining table runner. A cozy accessory for winter or those lucky enough to have a ski cabin! Start off with four or five different flannels, cut out 15”x 15” squares from the backs of each shirt, decide on the order and pattern of each one, and stitch them together with your sewing machine. Iron out the seams to flatten them and hem all the messy edges. As a final touch, stitch ribbon over the connecting seams to cover up uneven lines. If you know how to quilt, add a backing and quilt the two layers together, and finish off with a burlap or even velvet binding.

Upholstered Chair Seats And Stools From Dresses/Sweaters 

If you have an old dress with a gorgeous pattern on the front, but you’re unable to use it anymore, you can use to give your chair a makeover. Or, if you have an old sweater with a funky pattern, you can also use it to upholster a stool or bench. With a stool or bench, you can remove the old fabric and add your new one (or old sweater) by cutting it up to fit its size first, wrap it around the seat, then staple it into place, and cut off the excess fabric. If using sweaters just remember that the whole thing will unravel is  you simply cut it. first do a tight overlock or zigzag stitch along the cutting lines, and cut on the outside of the line. Alternately, you can felt wool sweaters first and then they will not unravel.

Patchwork Wall Art out of a Variety of Fabrics

This is probably the easiest one to do and it’s a great way to display your creative side by using patchwork designs to form beautiful framed wall art. Grab a random variety of clothing items and fabrics, and an empty wooden frame with no back. Decide on the idea; it could be abstract with a variety of shapes, patterns, and colors, or it can be a specific patchwork design like houses or trees. Cut up a variety of fabrics into squares or whatever shape you prefer. Stitch everything together to fit the frame’s size, staple it around the frame from the back and you’ll have beautiful DIY artwork brightening up your home. Add a vinyl backing to conceal the back of your art.

Make DIY t-shirt yarn from old t-shirts and polo shirts, and keep the yarn on hand for a future project.

Braided Rug out of T-Shirts

Making a braid or rag rug may seem difficult, but it’s actually an easy and pleasant activity to do. To make a 30” circular rug, you need several of your old tank tops, T-shirts, or cotton dresses, and cut them up into 1.5” strips. Use a rotary cutter to make it easier and faster. Gather three strips, stack them, and tie a knot at the top. Start braiding the strips together till they reach 4”. Coil the braid into a circle with a knot in the middle. Attach the braid to the coil by passing the closest one to the center under one of the loops. When you want to add more strips, cut a slit on the end of the last one and tie another strip to it tightly. Continue braiding and attaching together till it reaches your preferred size. 

Easy, Fun, and Stylish 

Worn-out clothes will always be a cheaper way to accessorize your home. Looking up DIY projects like the ones mentioned above that can  turn your old clothes into beautiful accessories is so satisfying. Get those creative gears turning, the ideas are endless! 

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