Wondering what to do with old jeans, towels or even pillowcases that keep stacking up in your recycling? Here are 37 cool ways to repurpose fabric as well as some unexpected uses for recycled jeans, towels and pillowcases. You’re going to be blown away with these tutorials that include placemats, a banner, purses, dresses, cover ups, curtains, ottoman, rug, purse, booties and a wall organizer. {squeal} They’re cheap, durable, and adorable!
How to Repurpose Fabric
Tip Junkie has 183 sewing patterns including over 1000 Homemade Gift Ideas all with pictured tutorials to learn or how to make. You can always search there if you’re looking for more Simple Crafts with step-by-step instructions. {wink}
Denim Crafts
1. All Occasion Denim Pocket Banner ~ Make an all occasion pocket banner from denim jeans. You can string it together with any type of ribbon or twine to alter the look for any holiday or occasion. You can also use it as an advent calendar. {wink}
2. How to Make Denim Pocket Placemats {tablescape} ~ Using old jeans, learn how to make the most adorable denim pocket placemats. Wouldnt these be adorable for your next picnic or outdoor gathering? Click on link for full tutorial.
Recycled Jeans
3. Ampersand Pillows from Old Jeans ~ These recycled denim throw pillows are amazing! Ombre chevron stripes, ampersand applique and even patchwork. The possibilities are endless. You could even sew a pocket on the pillow for a remote control cubby.
4. Denim Pouf DIY {Denim} ~ While this project is not for the faint of heart, the results are worth the work! This denim pouf looks amazing and could be the perfect addition to your play room! Denim is a durable fabric, which makes this pouf even better!
5. Crochet Denim Rug ~ Crochet a circular rug with strips of denim. Not only is it eco-friendly it’s modern and stylish.
6. DIY Denim Rag Quilt ~ Make a rag quilt from recycled jeans. I love that the pockets were used as well. Back it with flannel for a soft comfy quilt. It’s perfect for cold winter nights.
7. Denim Pocket Organizer ~ A great way to take random items and turn them into something functional. These denim pocket organizers are perfect for craft/school supplies, makeup or even sewing items. 8. Denim Do-it-All Bins ~ Give old jeans a new purpose with these adorable craft bins.
Recycled Denim Crafts
9. Repurposed Denim Aprons ~ Denim is the perfect durable fabric to make an apron with. Add some cute embellishments for personalization.
10. Jean Pocket Patches ~ Cover up holes in jeans with a denim pocket. What a clever idea! 11. DIY Camera Cozy ~ Keep your camera protected in this adorable camera cozy. The free template can be adapted for any size camera.
12. Recycled Jeans Bag DIY ~ Make a fashionable purse from an old pair of jeans. An old tie was used for the bag strap and an old brooch for embellishment. So chic!
Craft Recycled Materials
13. Recycled Denim Baby Shoes ~ This sweet little pattern is totally hip and stylish. Use an old pair of jeans and they are free. Your little baby will be on the leading edge of the latest fashion trends.
14. Denim Bib ~ Quickly and easily make these adorable bibs to give as a baby gift to an expecting mom. Embellish them with ribbon or scraps of fabric.
Towels To Wear
15. Beach Cover-Up Made from an Old Towel ~ I adore this beach cover-up! I think it would be cute paired with a summer dress. Especially, for those cool summer evenings. 16. Embellished Hooded Towel Tutorial ~ Make a statement with these absolutely adorable hooded towels. Customize the towel with ribbons and ric rac or embroider an initial or name. These would make fantastic gifts. 17. Kids Swim Cover Up {Tutorial} ~ I have to admit, Im not the biggest fan of the kids swim cover ups that look like big towels or robes. But even I have to relent on this its pretty dang cute.
18. How To make a Beach Towel Dress ~ This fashionable beach towel dress is made from non-other than a beach towel. It would be perfect as a bathing suit cover-up for the beach or pool. There’s even a free sewing pattern.
19. Reversible Kids Apron From Dishtowel {tutorial} ~ Follow along with Brendas simple steps for transforming a dishtowel into a reversible kids apron. Since you can always find a wide range of dishtowels for different holidays, this is a great go-to gift no matter what time of year it is.
20. Spa Towel Wrap ~ These fabulous ruffled spa towel wraps are perfect to wear after a shower. Add straps to your childs mini-wrap and leave yours strapless. They are a fraction of the cost of a store bought wrap!
21. Beach Sarong From An Old Towel ~ The added ribbons and buttons give this old towel an exemplary look. Cover-up at the beach with this or wear after a shower. There is a free pattern.
Towel Homemade Gifts
22. Ruffle Kitchen Towel Pattern {Housewarming Gifts} ~ Add hand-stitched ruffles to a kitchen towel to create a one-of-a-kind housewarming gift for friends and family. This adorable kitchen towel also makes a thoughtful thank you gift or Christmas gift. 23. Ruffled Tea Towels {Sewing How-To} ~ Dressing up inexpensive tea towels with some ruffles and ric rac make a great house warming gift for a new neighbor or old friend. Throw in a plate of homemade goodies and you have a simple gift that anyone would enjoy. 24. How To Make a Towel Tote ~ This towel tote is not only a tote, but also a beach towel. Perfect for a day at the beach or at the pool. There are inside pockets to store other items like lotion, cell phone or car keys. 25. Swim Bag and Matching Towel Tutorial ~ Are you tired of packing EVERYONES stuff to the pool or beach? Want to make someone special their very own sling swim bag to carry their essentials (matching swim towel, sunscreen, and goggles) to the pool or beach this summer? Now you can. 26. Beach Towel Tote Bag ~ Turn your bath towel into an all-in-one tote bag and beach mat.
27. How to Make a Beach Tote Blanket ~ Do you have some old towels you would like to use or re-purpose? You can make one of these beach blankets using four old towels. 28. All In One Apron/Dish Towel/Double Pot Holder {Free Pattern} ~ This basic sewing pattern is an ideal project for any level of sewing experience. The resulting All In One Apron/Dish Towel/Double Pot Holder is the perfect gift for anyone that cooks, if they enjoy it or not. Its so useful it will win them over.
Pillowcase Dress
29. Pillowcase Nightgown ~ How to make a darling nightgown from a pillowcase and lace.
30. Sassy Pillowcase Dress ~ Pillowcase dresses aren’t just for little girls. You can transform a king sized pillow case into a sassy and chic dress perfect for women.
Free Pillowcase Patterns
31. How to Make Slipcovers from Pillowcases {repurpose} ~ Here is a great tip for you. Use pillowcases on your chair backs secured with ribbon to create an instant slipcover!
32. Tutorial: Turn A Vintage Pillow Case Into a Window Shade ~ A free pattern on how to make a window shade out of a vintage pillowcase.
33. How to make a Pillowcase Apron ~ An easy sewing tutorial on how to make an apron out of a vintage pillowcase.
34. Embroidery Hoop Hamper {diy} ~ A unique and clever way to make a functional laundry hamper that’s inexpensive and easy to make. All you need is an embroidery hoop, pillow case and twine. You can hang it in your children’s room or on a peg hook in the laundry room.
35. Pillowcase to Doll Blanket ~ How to turn a pillowcase into a darling blanket for your daughter’s doll.
36. Ruffled Pillowcase Tote Tutorial ~ A darling little tote embellished with ruffles made out of a pillowcase.
37. Pillowcase Grocery Tote Tutorial ~ How to turn a pillowcase into a grocery tote to as a green way to purchase your grocery’s.
More Repurposed Crafts:
- 12 Baby Food Jar Crafts
- 15 Cool Things to Make with Pallets
- 24 Things to Make out of Bathroom Towels
- 13 Cool Things to Make out of an Old Door
Thanks Ladies! I just adore these pictured tutorials. Feel free to share your I was featured on Tip Junkie badge on your blog, Facebook, or Instagram. You earned it! {knuckle bumps} I’m honored to have the opportunity to feature your creative DIY ideas and homemade projects.
Promoting creative women through their tutorials and products.
~ Laurie {a.k.a. the Tip Junkie}
P.S. Join the conversations over on the Tip Junkie Facebook page. It’s a great place to ask questions on how to make things or for specific tutorials you need.
Melissa Lea-Wood says
these are just incredible!