We all have that one item of clothing we can’t throw away.
For me, it’s a summer camp baby-tee, stained with memories. The cotton sweater that kept me cozy all through exam season, now a victim of my coffee habit. A dress I thrifted that had so much potential… until it shrunk in the wash.
If I’m honest, I don’t just have one piece of clothing, but a growing pile guiltily accumulating at the back of my wardrobe. Too frayed to donate, yet too loved to give up on.
If this sounds a little bit like you, here are are five ideas for giving your unwearable clothes a new life. The best part? You can reduce fashion waste with minimal effort and sewing skills.
Image Credit: Olesia Buyar from Unsplash
Idea one: Making a jump rope
I became obsessed with jump ropes a few months ago when I discovered weighted ones at my local gym. Not only is skipping the perfect full body warm up but they are still as fun as you remember from childhood!
For this DIY you will need 3 T-shirts (different colours create the best look), a pair of scissors, and 20 minutes of your time.
Cut the t-shirts into horizontal loops, so that they look like giant rubber bands. Line them up and tie them together with a overhand knot at the top. Ensure there’s a loop big enough at the end that can be used as a handle
Then, began to braid the loops. When you start to run out of fabric to braid, loop a new strip through the bottom so they tie together to create a seamless transition.
Keep braiding until you reach a desired length. Then tie a knot at the end- this also creates a handle.
Now you have a stylish and surprisingly sturdy skipping rope!
Here is a super quick video to give you a better idea:
https://youtu.be/Icyw8Z3uIP8?si=VpfCPEIeTyDA68MF
You can also play around with other ways to use a fabric rope. For example, a stylish belt, a new strap for a worn bag, or create a swirl and hot glue the fabric to cardboard to make unique coasters!
Image Credit: Megan Wilson
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Idea two: T-shirt Bag
This is an amazing alternative for a tote-bag that you can DIY in less than 20 minutes.
First, find a t-shirt with a cool print or design, or a plain t-shirt that you can customise later. Cut around the arm seams to remove the sleeves. This goal is to have a straight profile along the sides.
If the T-shirts head hole is too narrow, use a bowl and a marker to draw a curved shape around the neckline. Cut around this to create a ‘tank top’ look.
Next, Lay the t-shirt flat and cut tassels from the bottom going a 5 to 8 inches up. Make sure to stretch these tassels. Now, tie each corresponding tassels from the front and back of the t-shirt together in a double knot.
You can leave it here or snip the top of the arms, stretch the fabric and tie the front shoulders together, and the back shoulders together- think halter top- for a more classy twist.
I adore the boho tassels in this look by, but for your look you could choose to turn the bag inside out
To jazz up your bag, use thread or a glue gun to appliqué gems, fabric shapes or draw a design with a fabric marker- anything goes! I love the idea of adding ribbons to the handles.
You now have a functional and cute bag perfect for beach days, farmers markets- the choice is yours. What I love about this DIY is the simplicity- you don’t have to worry about getting it right, just experiment!
Here is a basic video to give you an idea but there are hundreds of variations you can try: https://youtu.be/fp61jijGYbU?si=uCxOwMNr1vulghuu
credit: Madalyn Cox from Unsplash
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Idea 3: Scrunchies
This DIY will mean you never have to use a boring hair tie again! You will need an old jar, a hair-tie and a fabric of your choice. You will also need a glue gun for a no-sew diy, but you can use a sewing machine or needle if you prefer.
Cut a strip of 3 inches by 15 inches out of your unloved clothing. Glue the ends together to create a loop, with your design facing inside. Then, wrap this around your old jar. Secure this with a hair tie, or if you prefer a looser scrunchie you can use a basic elastic.
Fold over an inch of the top and bottom, so the design is visible. Next, use your glue gun to glue the brims together all around the scrunchie. You now have a scrunchie to be proud of, in less than 10 minutes!
This YouTube tutorial shows you everything you need to know:
https://youtu.be/TsUhGFUE21g?si=SipFR99iy576w6P
Credit: Skylar Kang from Pexels
Idea 4: Suncatchers
This project I found from Sadie Season Goods is high on my dream DIY list. It’s perfect for those gorgeous opaque textiles that capture the light, like summer scarfs or chiffon blouses.
All you need is your material, scissors, some string/ribbon and an embroidery hoop. Small hoops (3-5 inches) are ideal.
Carefully iron your fabric and decide on the part of the design that you’re most drawn too. Set the inner hoop underneath the part you want to isolate then place the outer hoop over it. Next, use fabric scissors to trim as closely around the hoop as you can.
Finally, use ribbon to suspend the hoop from your kitchen or bedroom ceiling. Now your chiffon has a new lease of life and you have a sun catcher to brighten up your space!
Check out her youtube video below:
https://youtu.be/-LN02tX5uHA?si=tX8S8gix9kG71vOq
Credit: Szabo Viktor from Pexels
Idea 5: Pet beds
I refuse to stop talking about DIY pets beds! It’s so much fun to create little hideouts and wait for your pets to explore them. If you don’t have a furry friend, you can still enjoy making them and donate them to your local pet rescue centre, who are always grateful for donations.
For the first version that cats adore, you’ll need a medium size cardboard box and a t-shirt. Tape up the box, and stretch your t-shirt over the box. Use the head-hole as a guide to cut a circle into one of the walls.
Finally, tie the ends of the t-shirt at the back, and add a cosy old sweater or blanket inside. Your pet will be exploring in no time!
If you have an old jumper and a needle and some thick thread you can make an even cosier pet bed, suitable for dogs or cats. With a simple stitch, sew shut the jumpers head hole. Cut up some old soft textiles- like t-shirts or blankets- and stuff the sleeves and body. I like to throw in all my old or mismatched socks, too.
When the bed feels comfy enough for your pet, sew shut the bottom of the sweater. Bring the arms around to make a circle and sew it secure around the base.
This could make the most adorable Christmas jumper diy, that any pet would love you for! Here are some that I made:
Image credit:Megan Wilson
Your Future DIYS
I’m a strong believer that clothes hold memories. They represent eras of our lives, versions of ourselves we presented to the world.
I hope these ideas give you some inspiration of ways you can hold onto the clothes you love. There are plenty more options out there, especially if you can sew. With a bit of imagination and some fabric, anything is possible!
