7 Projects for Old Clothes

You probably have drawers full of clothing that you haven't worn in years--old sweaters, worn out t-shirts, those clothes you thought you would wear when you lost those few pounds. There is a solution to the abundance of clothing you own but don't wear. You could recycle those old clothes by having a yard sale or donating them to a thrift store. But this isn't your only choice. These remnants of last year's fashions can be re-purposed right in your home into cool new items. Let's take a look at some of the creative ways to empty your closets without throwing them away.

Make a Lampshade from Fabric Strips

Scrappy Lampshade – Once those lampshades get older, they start to look rather dingy and worn. But taking some of your colorful clothes and cutting them into strips can bring new life and color to your old lampshades. Stripping the lampshade down to the wire frame and tying strips of cloth to them with this really simple craft can give your shades a whole new look. Mix and match fabrics, colors, and patterns for the look you want.

Cover a Chair with a Recycled Sweater

Sweater Chair Cover – Whether it's an old chair around the house or a thrift store find that needs some love, it can get a brand new look with a sweater you no longer wear. By taking the sweater apart at the seams, the largest piece from the back of an adult sweater should provide plenty of material to cover the seat, leaving the front to be turned into a matching throw pillow. The sleeves could even be made into ruffles.

Quick and Easy Ornaments from Fabric Scraps

10 Second Ornaments – For quick and easy holiday gifts or for your own tree, this simple craft can deck your halls while recycling your old clothes. Taking plastic cookie cutters, some pipe cleaners, and an old scarf, flannel, or other scraps of cloth, you can wrap up some simple ornaments in no time.

Turn Wool Sweaters into a Winter Wreath

Winter Sweater Wreath – Keeping with the holiday season, those old sweaters can warm up your front door or wall. This decorative wreath is made from pieces cut in one simple leaf pattern and then attached to a wreath form using a hot glue gun or sewn onto a wire frame. Perfect for your home or as a gift that warms the heart.

A T-shirt Finds New Identity as a Pillow

T-shirt Pillow – No clue what to do with all those old t-shirts? Turn them into adorable throw pillows for your couch, recliners, or even your bed. With the main body of the shirt, make the pillow size you want. Then use the sleeves and scraps to create interesting designs on the pillows. Mix and match colors for a more interesting look. From old tie-dye to classic white, this can give those old shirts new life.

Fun Hideout Suits Kitty to a T

Cat Tent – Don't leave your cat out of the fun. Use an old t-shirt, two wire hangers, and an old cushion to create an adorable hiding place for your feline. This DIY cat tent requires no sewing, no cutting, and all fun. Of course this can also double as a dog tent for the smaller dogs, too. Get bigger frames and more material to make one for the larger four-legged family members.

Repurpose a Sweatshirt as a Snuggly Dog Bed

Dog Bed – Your dog won't get left out in the cold either. This beginner level project takes an extra-large man's sweater, some poly-fil, and some sewing skills to make a cozy bed for your dog to snuggle on.

Share Your Recycled Clothing Projects

These fun and easy projects are just a few of the ways you can recycle old clothing into new and useful items. With a little imagination, those tired hand-me-downs can turn into rugs, pillows, baskets, and more. The only limit to the things you can create is your imagination.

Have you ever found a new purpose for old fabric scraps or clothing? Tell us about it! Like our page and share with our followers on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @countrybrook or find our boards on Pinterest.