Old clothes can still have plenty of life left, even if they’re stained, worn out, or no longer fit. That faded flannel shirt, pile of old jeans, or sweater with stretched sleeves might be just what you need for your next DIY project.
Reusing clothing saves money, cuts down on waste, and lets you make things for your home, family, or pets. From handy storage ideas to seasonal decorations and handmade accessories, here are 24 ways to put those forgotten clothes to good use.
Upcycled Men’s Shirt Decoupage Planters
Turn an old men’s shirt into a colorful covering for plain flower pots. Cut the fabric into pieces and use them to decorate planters for houseplants, herbs, or flowers.
Related: 9 Ways to Upcycle an Old Men’s Flannel Shirt
DIY Candle Sweater Cozy
Save the sleeves of an old sweater to make soft covers for candle jars used in seasonal displays. They also make sweet handmade gifts, but keep fabric well away from open flames and hot surfaces.
Related: 24 Cool Things To Make from Your Old, Worn-Out Clothes
Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers
Turn flannel scraps into small, reusable hand warmers by sewing them into pouches and filling them with a suitable grain. Follow safe heating instructions for your chosen filling, and never heat a pouch that has metal, plastic, or synthetic decorations.
Related: 25 Creative Ways to Upcycle Thrifted Clothes and Fabric
Upcycled Sweater Easter Gift Bags
Sweater sleeves are just the right size for making small gift bags with minimal sewing. Add crocheted bunny ears, ribbons, or buttons to create reusable bags for Easter treats.
Related: 17 Ways Hydrogen Peroxide Can Help With Everyday Household Problems
Upcycled Shirt Cuff Pouch
A worn dress shirt may be past its prime, but its cuffs can still be useful. Turn them into small buttoned pouches for earbuds, coins, gift cards, or other little items you want to keep together.
DIY Face Mask
A clean cotton T-shirt can provide fabric for a homemade face covering. Choose a suitable pattern and material for your intended use, since a homemade cloth mask may not offer the same protection as a medical mask or respirator.
4th of July T-Shirt Wreath
Cut old red, white, and blue T-shirts into strips and tie them around a wreath form for a festive Independence Day decoration. Kids can help choose the colors and tie the fabric, making this a fun afternoon craft.
DIY Rag Garland
Save colorful scraps from old shirts, dresses, and other clothing to make a rag garland. Tie the strips onto string or twine, then hang your finished decoration over a mantel, along a shelf, or across a party table.
Blue Jean Planter
An old pair of children’s jeans can become a playful planter cover for a porch or patio display. Use a sturdy container inside the jeans to hold the soil, since denim alone won’t contain the dirt and water.
Cute Sweater Vase
Give a plain glass vase a softer look with fabric cut from an old sweater. Slip the material around the vase and secure it neatly, keeping the fabric away from water and using a separate liner for fresh flowers.
Ornaments Made From an Old Sari
A worn sari with pretty embroidery, beads, or colorful fabric can become a collection of handmade ornaments. Cut out the best sections and use them to decorate hanging ornaments for Christmas, Diwali, Eid, or year-round displays.
No-Sew Sock Cats
Turn a lonely sock into a small stuffed cat with a little filling and a few basic craft supplies. Tie or secure the openings, then add the ears, face, and tail, making sure any small pieces are firmly attached if the toy is for a young child.
Denim Tote Bags
Old jeans have sturdy fabric that works well for reusable shopping bags and everyday totes. Keep the original pockets for storing keys, a phone, or other small items you want to find quickly.
Fabric Baskets From Jeans
Use denim from worn-out jeans to make baskets for toys, craft supplies, laundry accessories, or household odds and ends. Add a firm lining or reinforced base to help each basket hold its shape.
Jean Cuffs
Save sections of denim from old pant legs to make bracelets or wrist cuffs. Decorate them with buttons, lace, embroidery, or beads to give each accessory its own look.
No-Sew Denim Dog Toy
Braid strips of old denim into a tug toy for a dog that loves fabric toys. Check it often for loose threads and fraying, and take it away if your dog starts swallowing pieces.
Denim Potholders
Thick denim works for a kitchen sewing project, but denim alone may not provide enough heat protection for handling hot cookware. If you make potholders, use proper heat-resistant batting and suitable layers, then test them carefully before relying on them around hot pans.
Denim Tassel Earrings
Small denim scraps can become lightweight tassels for handmade earrings. Attach them to suitable earring findings and add beads or embroidery thread for a personal touch.
No-Sew Denim Pillows
Turn old jeans into casual pillow covers by cutting the fabric into panels and securing the seams with a suitable fabric adhesive or another no-sew method. Use the original pockets as decorative details or handy spots for storing a remote or small items.
Flannel Quilts
Collect worn flannel shirts in different colors and patterns, then cut them into squares for a patchwork quilt. Sew the pieces together and add batting and backing for a warm blanket with plenty of personal history.
Sweater Gnomes
A sweater that’s too stretched or worn to wear can provide fabric for a stuffed gnome. Add a pointed hat, a soft beard, and a round nose to make a cute decoration for a mantel, shelf, or holiday table.
Denim Flowers
Cut old denim into petal shapes and layer them to create fabric flowers. Attach the flowers to bags, hats, wreaths, gift wrapping, or other craft projects that could use a little extra detail.
Gypsy Purse
Use fabric from an old skirt, dress, or shirt to sew a small purse for your everyday essentials. Add a lining, a secure closure, and a strap so it’s practical for errands or outings.
Ombre T-Shirt Rug
Gather old T-shirts in different shades and cut them into strips for a homemade rug. Arrange the colors from light to dark before j
