How to Turn Old Clothes Into Fashionable New Pieces

Published on 06/25/2024
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Tying the Bottom Can Completely Change an Old Shirt's Style

This tried and true look works great with plain t-shirts and prints. It also doesn't require that you do any sewing, meaning it's one of the easier hacks on this list. All you need to do is make a cut along the bottom of your shirt and tie up the middle section. It's also really versatile in that you can create a bunch of different looks depending on how much you cut from the bottom.

It's a great way to spice up old printed t-shirts and can give your whole look a more chic and fun feel. Bonus points if you use an old band shirt.

Tying the Bottom Can Completely Change an Old Shirt's Style
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Turn Any Shirt Into a Unique Skirt

What better way to upcycle old shirts than by turning them into new skirts for your wardrobe? This one is straightforward, and all you need are a couple of shirts you no longer wear, elastic bands, and measuring tape. Only a little bit of sewing is required. We also recommend ironing the waste of your new skirt before sewing so that you're able to sew evenly throughout the hem.

We love this idea because you can turn just about any type of t-shirt into a skirt. Not even prints are off the table, depending on the pattern.

Turn Any Shirt Into a Unique Skirt
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Create a One-Of-A-Kind Rug

There are plenty of great DIY ideas for turning old clothes into home decor. But this one is hands-down one of our favorites. The colorful fabrics often used for shirts are great for creating different patterned and colorful rugs like the one pictured below. All you need to get started are embroidery threads and old t-shirt strands, and you can start putting together a rug similar to the one shown in this photo.

If you're not in need of a new rug, then why not turn your t-shirts into printed or solid-colored pillowcases? Or embroider shirt strands into wall decor? The options are nearly limitless when it comes to home decor.

Create a One-Of-A-Kind Rug
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Craft an Open-Back Look With These Simple Bows

In addition to being great for keeping cool in the warmer months, bow-back shirts make for a trendy addition to just about any wardrobe. To make your own and avoid spending money at a store, get yourself some basic sewing equipment (needle and thread), a pair of scissors, and some chalk. Next, mark out your desired pattern and start cutting. After you finish, you can hem in your bows.

Finally, take some thread and start crafting your bows. It shouldn't take long, and it's sure to turn more heads than a dull solid-colored tee would.

Craft an Open-Back Look With These Simple Bows

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Criss-Cross Cutout V-Neck Gives Old Pieces a New Edge

This idea is actually much easier than it might look in the photo. There's no sewing required, and it's a nice way to turn an old tee into a stylish v-neck that's great for day or night. Just use chalk to mark out your desired patterns and take a pair of scissors to your old shirt. You don't even have to go for the same exact pattern as the one shown in the photo.

However, you might want to leave the neckband intact unless you're going for more of an open top, which would also be a great look.

Criss-Cross Cutout V-Neck Gives Old Pieces a New Edge

Elevate Any Outfit With This Multi-Strand Scarf

It doesn't have to be freezing outside to rock a scarf - at least notthisscarf. This DIY is a great way to add texture and layers to your outfits; all you need is an old t-shirt. Just cut some strips out of old shirts and twist and sew them together. You can use the most basic stitch and wrap more strands around any messy areas to cover them while adding more texture, like in the photo below.

It's a great way to add a chic and unique accessory to an outfit, especially if you go with some earthy tones. You can take things one step further by adding fringe or beads to your layered scarf.

Elevate Any Outfit With This Multi-Strand Scarf
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A One-Shouldered Ruffle Top Perfect for a Night Out

This one-shouldered ruffle shirt is great for a night out and is much easier to make than you might think. All you need is an elastic band, a (very) oversized t-shirt, and a little bit of sewing knowledge. It can take as little as a few minutes to put together your ruffled shirt. You must first make specific cuts and leave enough extra fabric on the shirt to later turn into ruffles.

Either way, ruffled shirts are so versatile that you're sure to get plenty of use out of them. At least more so than you would an old shirt you're probably not wearing anymore.

A One-Shouldered Ruffle Top Perfect for a Night Out

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