Recycle Old Clothes Into Something New

This is a Follow Up To: So They Don't Drive You Insane



In this post I'm going to tell you some ways in which you can recycle your winter clothes into summer clothes. There is one thing you need to know about turning you long sleeve shirts into short sleeve ones. The back of the sleeve is always shorter.


1. Make a sleeveless shirt. Remove the sleeves from a shirt. Turn the edges of the armhole over twice and stitch a narrow hem. Add lace to the neckline or armholes.

2. Make a short sleeve shirt. Cut and hem long sleeves into short sleeves. Try cutting sleeves to three-quarters of the original length. Add a cuff, lace or small ruffle of contrasting color to the hemline of the sleeve.

3. Shorten a shirt. Cut and gather the hemline. Place a buttonhole at the front or side of the hemline for a colorful drawstring. Tie the drawstring into a bow or double knot.

4. Make a vest. Remove the sleeves from a zippered sweatshirt. Finish the edges of the armhole if desired. Recycle the fabric into pockets for the inside or outside of the vest. Try inserting a pouched pocket along the side seams.

5. Make a jacket. Cut and hem a coat. Recycle the fabric into pockets or a belt for a different coat. Gather the hemline or add a cuffed waistband. Change the buttons.

6. Make shorts or capri pants. Cut and hem pants. Try fraying the hemline or rolling it into a cuff. Add a small bow or fabric flower to the outside of the cuff.

7. Make something new. Change a pair of pants into a cute summer skirt. Recycle fabric into a bikini, tube top or halter top.

8. Make loungewear or pajamas. Remove collars, sleeves or pant leg elastics from comfy, soft garments. Leave hemlines unfinished.