How to Make Old Clothes New

Are you ready for a new look, but not for a shopping spree? Chances are, your closet is already full of clothes you can refurbish, alter or enhance to make them feel new again. Recycling old clothes is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and let your creative juices flow, all at the same time.

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   Dye clothes to coordinate with your existing wardrobe. Try mixing a few dyes together.
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   Design a new top.
   • Make a scooped, square or v-shaped neckline at the front of a top with a different neckline at the back.
   • Create an opening at the front or back of a top. Add an interfaced strip of fabric to create a buttoned or laced closure.
   • Cut open a shirt for a vest.
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   Take an ill fitting shirt that you really like because of a logo.
   • Just frame it.
   • Cut out the logo and apply it to simple basic shirt.
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   Recycle your jeans.
   • Turn old worn-off jeans into stylish shorts or Bermuda shorts.
   • Cut them to slightly below the knee, and then roll them up into capris.
   • Turn jeans into a skirt. Cut off the legs over the knee for a miniskirt or under it for a longer skirt. Rip the inner hemming, and glue together with fabric glue or preferably sew together.
   • Make Skinny Jeans out of flared ones.
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   Design a new skirt.
   • Cut off an oversized shirt right underneath the armpit. Fold the top part inward and hem it. You might need to sew it tighter or add elastic band at the top.
   • Create an opening. Add an interfaced strip of fabric to create a buttoned or laced closure.
   • Wear an open skirt over another.
   • Change a gathered skirt to a wrap-around skirt. Add a new waistband and ties.
   • Add lace or a contrasting fabric ruffle along the opening of a skirt.
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   Gather with casings.
   • Add seam binding to the inside of a side seam or waistline. Insert drawstrings.
   • Add vertical casings to the hemline of a top, skirt or dress.
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   Design a new dress.
   • Combine various tops and skirts.
   • Combine the fabric of a top onto a skirt and vice versa for a coordinated outfit.
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   Design a new item. Start a new trend.
   • Create a new purse or backpack.
   • Use an old tank-top as a cute handbag by just sewing up the bottom.
   • Design an attractive vest or halter top.
   • Use the bottom of shirts as shrugs.
   • Create a new hairpiece or fabric necklace.
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   Add details.
   • Add lace or crocheted inserts.
   • Add pockets and patches to different areas.
   • Stencil or embroider fabrics.
   • Add dangling beads, ruffles or feathers to accentuate.
   • Go to Michaels they're or might be some sew on animals.
   • If there's a Hancock fabrics near you they sell some sequins.