DIY's & Crafts

Upcycle Your Old Clothing Instead of Throwing it Away

Are you decluttering your closet and have old clothing to get rid of? Why not upcycle it instead of tossing it? Here are some great ways to upcycle your old clothing and get more use out of it.

Since we’ve been cleaning out and organizing our bedrooms for the past two months, I’m sure there are clothes you have that you need to get rid of.

Do you have a bunch of clothes that no longer fit? Or are way out of style?

Or maybe you have clothes you’re hanging onto for sentimental reasons; like grandma’s shirt because it was her favorite.

Sometimes it’s hard to get rid of old clothes. For me, I hang on to a lot of clothes because I just can’t bring myself to spend so much money on a new wardrobe. Or because I keep telling myself I’ll actually fit into those jeans again one day.

Of course, some clothes aren’t donation-worthy and who knows where they’ll end up if you send them to Goodwill.

By now I’m sure you’re thinking, “Well, what should I do with all these old clothes, then? Just throw them away?”

No! Upcycle your old clothing instead!

Ways to upcycle your old clothing

*Click the links to go to the page with the DIY.

Upcyled t-shirts

Make a rag wreath. Just rip the t-shirt into strips and tie them onto a metal wreath form.

Make a rag rug. Rip the t-shirt into 1/2″ strips and tie them onto a non-slip rug pad.

Make t-shirt pom poms. I think these are so cute! Just rip the t-shirt into strips, wrap them around cardboard, cut and tie to make pom poms!

Make a t-shirt pillow. This is a great way to use a t-shirt that is sentimental to you. It’s also a lot of fun for kids to make, too because it’s really easy! I still have some of my daughter’s favorite t-shirts that she wore when she was little. She would love making a pillow out of them!

Make a dog’s toy. Rip a t-shirt into strips, braid the strips together, and tie off both ends.

Make some pretty bracelets. These are so easy to make, too. Just rip a t-shirt into strips, braid the strips together, and wrap around a metal bangle.

Upcycled jeans

Make coasters. These cute coasters would also make great gifts! They look easy to put together, too.

Make a pillow cover. This pillow cover is beautiful! For some reason, it reminds me of sitting by the beach. And it makes me want to learn to sew ASAP!

Make potholders. Protect your hands while getting those hot pans out of the oven with these cute potholders made from jean pockets!

Make a wine bag. Can you believe these wine bags are made from pants legs? They’re so cute! And perfect for gift-giving.

Make a planter. How cute is this planter made from old jeans? I searched and searched, but I cannot find how to make these, which is sad because I want to make some! Any suggestions? I’m thinking maybe fill the legs with dirt? Here’s the funny thing – imagine what they’ll look like when you water your plants!

Which of these is your favorite? How do you upcycle your old clothing?


Before you go, make sure you check out these great home hacks:
Amazing Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
20 Creative Uses for Safety Pins
Baking Soda Benefits for Health & Household
20 Creative Uses for Paper Clips
10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With Lemons


Thank you for sharing!
Michelle

Michelle lives on a small homestead with her husband, daughter, 6 silly hens, 1 crazy rooster, 2 lazy cats, and 1 rescue dog. She loves DIYs, frugal living, crocheting, and reading. She's also a full-time proofreader.

View Comments

  • Oh my goodness! I have a big bag of clothes that I haven't gotten around to donating yet. I may have to try some of these. I have a machine, but I need to learn how to so, too! Too cute <3

    • I hope you find something creative to make with your clothes! I have bags sitting around, too since all the donation centers have been closed. That's not good for me because I keep taking things out! haha!

    • Aren't the pompoms so pretty? I think they're my favorite along with the rug. I'm waiting for my husband to go through his t-shirts so I can make one for my bathroom. :D

  • Neat Idea Sister in Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua Michelle!!

    I Love you all Everyone through Jesus-Yeshua Christ, because HE LOVED EVERYONE FIRST!! ? Praise Jesus-Yeshua Christ for Today and Everyday!!

    “Happiness keeps You Sweet, Trials keep You Strong, Sorrows keep You Human, Failures keeps You Humble, Success keeps You Glowing, But Only GOD keeps You Going.”!! Amen-Amein Praise Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua Hallelujah!!

    Love ? Always, YSIC \o/

    Kristi Ann

  • Wow. I am loving this. I love the pillow, pom pom and the wine jar more. The flower pot looks funny, though it is resourceful. ?

  • Thank you so much Michelle for sharing my bookmark craft and photo with everyone, you are too sweet. Have a beautiful week and you and your family stay safe out there.

    • You're welcome! I thought they were so cute! I had to share them! Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful week, too! :)

  • I didn't even realize it as it's just the photo I used to refer to my site when others pin it to Pinterest. I'll remove it and make a new Pinterest photo. Thank you for pointing it out.

    • Thank you, I don't even use Pinterest so that is nice to know that my photos are showing up. I don't mind if anyone shares as long as there is a link back to my post and site whenever a photo is posted on someones site. I would appreciate it if you include this with your original post as well.I will have to be careful to mark all my photos now. That was a photo from my older post.

  • Lots of great ideas - I've tried several before but am now inspired to try something different.

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