Those videos on our Insta feed where old clothing items are given a twist to create something totally new, have us hooked for sure, but have you ever tried any of them yourself? Probably not. Fashion icon Urfi Javed captured everyone’s attention with her sense of styling old attire and fabricating them into new ones. That kind of sparked off a trend of recycling or upcycling old clothes. Not just a different clothing item, old clothes are also being made into bags, mittens and much more. There’s no limit of options once you unleash your creativity.
The advantage of recycling an old item is not just that you get double value out of it, it enables you to showcase your creative side. You can also preserve memories of loved ones or memorable occasions by reusing old clothing into furnishings like comforters or cushions. So why wait? t2 has some innovative ideas to start with and create some useful items:
(l-r) Bags, Quilt
1 BAGS: You may make tote bags out of used T-shirts, trousers, and other clothing. A T-shirt should be turned inside out, with the bottom sewn after removing the sleeves and neckline. Next, make handles out of strips cut from the top of the shirt and sew them to the bag. Cut the legs off of jeans and stitch them together to create a strong tote bag.
2 MITTENS: It’s a terrific way to breathe new life into worn-out pieces and keep warm during the cooler months by using old sweaters to make mittens. Utilising a mitten pattern, create the form by chopping off the sleeves of a jumper. If desired, add a lining. Old leather coats may be recycled into chic gloves, while old wool sweaters can be used to make cosy winter mittens. To make your mittens unique, you may also add accents like buttons.
3 WALL HANGINGS: Old scarves may be used as wall hangings or table runners. You can drape old scarves across a table to create a colourful table runner or hang them on the wall to create a one-of-a-kind decoration. Using thread or ribbon, fasten the cloth to a branch or dowel after cutting it to the appropriate size and form.
Mittens
4 DENIM ATTIRE: Repurpose worn-out jeans by converting them into shorts, a skirt, or a purse. The cloth may be used to make a purse, or the legs can be cut off to create shorts or a skirt. Giving your favourite denim pair a fresh lease of life and giving them a stylish summer makeover is a terrific idea. For an antique touch, decorations or distress look can be added to the shorts.
5 JACKETS: Jackets may be made from worn-out clothing, including sweatshirts and trousers. You need to know a bit of pattern-cutting for this. You can make them fashionable by adding buttons or a zipper. Alternatively, you may utilise worn-out denim vests or jackets and adorn them with patches or other details to create a distinctive and fashionable style.
6 PILLOW COVERS: You can recycle old clothing into pillow covers. Sew the edges of the cloth together after cutting it to the appropriate size and shape. To make it more fancy, you may also add some embroidery or other embellishments. You can also use used clothing to make cushions. To make a distinctive and cosy cushion, for instance, discarded T-shirts may be cut into squares and sewn together. For soft and cosy ornamental pillows, you may also use old sweaters or flannel shirts.
7 JEWELLERY: Jewellery pieces that are one-of-a-kind and distinctive can be made with vintage buttons, beads, and fabric. Fabric may be cut into designs and wrapped around wire to make earrings, or a bracelet or necklace can be made by stringing together buttons. For a distinctive and retro-inspired design, you may also utilise antique brooches or pins and link them to ribbons or bows.
8 HAIR ACCESSORIES: Old clothing may be recycled to make headbands and other hair decorations, such as scarves or bandanas. This is a fantastic way to give your clothing some colour and flair. Discarded T-shirts may be recycled into flexible, comfy headbands, and discarded belts can be reused to make one-of-a-kind, fashionable hair accessories. Headbands may be made by cutting up old T-shirts or other fabrics into strips and sewing them together. To make it more attractive, you may also add some beads or other embellishments.
9 QUILT: A cosy quilt may be created by cutting up old clothing into squares or various shapes and sewing them together. This is a fantastic method to keep memories of significant occasions or pursuits alive. To make a patchwork quilt, cut the clothing into squares or rectangles and sew them together. To make a unique family heirloom, you can utilise garments from friends or family members. Alternatively, you may make a quilt with a specific subject, such as a sports-themed quilt made from old jerseys or a travel-themed quilt made from worn-out T-shirts from various cities or nations.
10 RUGS: Rugs may be made using old T-shirts or other clothes that have been cut into strips and knotted together. This is a fantastic way to add some colour and texture to the decor of your house.
11 BABY GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES: Old garments may be transformed into baby clothes and accessories. For instance, old scarves may be used with old T-shirts to make a beautiful and cosy baby blanket, and old T-shirts can be cut and stitched into cosy and fashionable baby onesies.
(l-r) Wall hanging, Baby garments and accessories
(l-r) Rugs, Pillow covers
Denim attire
(l-r) Hair accessories, Jackets