Reusing Clothing

Recycle Tank Top into a Bag

I go through my closet and dresser drawers at least once a year to weed out the clothing items that need to be discarded or given away. Well, I came across a couple of tank tops that I know I would never wear again, and considered giving them to the Goodwill or Salvation Army but I paused thinking, "Hmm, turn it inside out and sew up the bottom of it!"

For simple sewing time, I'll now have two new free green bags! :-)

By Deeli from Richland, WA

Reusing Fabric Clothing Ties

Recycling has always been a must for me. Just seems you can find a craft looming in almost everything that you really don't need or want on your clothing. I hate ties on my blouses and pants. When I can, I remove the ties and keep them for crafting. They come in really handy when you need a handle on something as they are already sewn.

An easy adaptation by stitching the ends inside a bag or attach a pair of children's gloves to their coats. There are so many other things you can use them for. They are one of those things like buttons you can do almost anything with. So save those pretty ties on your shirts or pants and make your next project with an already stitched tie.

By gem from Gordonsville, VA

Cut Down Winter Pajamas for Summer

If you have kids and you know their winter pajamas won't fit them next season, cut them down for the spring/summer. Cut the pants into shorts and the shirt into short sleeves or even tanks. Just make sure that you cut the shorts just a tad longer than you actually want, as the pants tend to 'spring up' and you'll be left with a "cheeky" situation!

The excess material can be used for scrapbooking or my favorite, dust rags, or if you're a sewer, the sky's the limit!

By Mom81402 from Bayville, NJ

Craft: Flannel Shirt Upcycled to Juggling Squares

Materials:

• scissors
• old flannel shirt or other scrap fabric
• pins (for holding fabric scraps together)
• sewing machine or needle
• thread
• measuring tape or ruler
• barley, rice, or other dried beans
• 1/2 cup measuring cup
• funnel

Directions:

Start with a nice pre-washed fabric that your child likes. Juggling takes time and practice to learn, and that is a lot more fun to do with sacks that they like looking at.

Measure 5 inch squares and cut out your fabric. I found that by folding the shirt in half you cut down on the cutting time and you can do two at once. A good number to shoot for is six, in order to make three juggling sacks.

Putting wrong sides together, pin them closed on three sides. Sew the bags closed on the three sides you just pinned. Now, on the fourth side you want to stop about an inch or two from totally closing it, as you need to be able to pull it right side out.

Pull the fabric right side out through the small opening and grab your measuring cup and rice/barley/dried beans.

Take your funnel and place the end in the opening. Measure 1/2 cup of the filling of your choice into the bag.

Remove the funnel and carefully sew the bag shut. Try to stay as close as possible to the edge in order to maintain a clean look.

By Teri M from Omaha, NE

Reusing Clothing as Pajamas or Loungewear

When I have comfortable clothing that is showing some wear, and too shabby looking for public appearances (pilling, fading, etc.) I give those items a new use as pajamas and/or loungewear.

By truerblue

Reusing Old Clothing

Don't throw anything out. I save old and outgrown clothes. I save old dresses and skirts that I liked the pattern on and use them for quilts or baby clothes.

I keep the mismatched and holey socks for dusting and cleaning (turn them inside out and you have a terry type of material). I keep all buttons and some zippers.

I donate and give away the ones that are in good shape and the rest go to my hubby's garage.

By Mary from Roseville, MI

Use Boxers As Summer Pajamas

Instead of spending a lot of money on my preschool boys' pajamas for the warmer months, I buy cute boxer shorts off season for next to nothing. They look as cute as can be in the fun boxers and undershirts.

By Britt from Boston, MA