5 Easy Upcycle Projects

If you're just starting out on your upcycling journey you may be unsure of exactly what you can do with what you already have on hand. If you can look through your old clothes in a new way, you'll be able to get so much more use out of them. Sometimes that means just wearing an item in a new way, other times it can mean taking an item completely apart so you can transform it. Keep reading to learn 5 easy upcycle projects you can do to make your old clothes feel new!

Denim Embellishment

This one has endless possibilities for you to choose from. Whether you want rhinestones, buttons, appliqués or trims, denim is the perfect blank canvas for transformation. You can also go from jeans to shorts or jeans to skirt or even jeans to dress depending on how crafty you are. Most embellishments can be ironed, glued or hand sewn, some projects will require a sewing machine but most can be done without it. Just decide on your vision and make sure you have any supplies you need.

Tuxedo Stripe Pant

This is a super simple project especially if you’re just learning how to use your sewing machine. You can also make this a no-sew project if you have a good strong fabric glue. This works best with a simple pair of pants that aren’t lined and already have a side seam. Depending on the fit you may end up needing to add a small amount of elastic if the stripe makes the pants too big for your waist. I opted to do it with a pair of pants that were slightly snug so that they would end up being roomier for me. All you have to do is open up the side seams, either by seam ripper or scissors, and use ribbon or a strip of fabric to create the stripe.

T-shirt tote

There are a few ways that I’ve turned t-shirts into tote bags, but the easiest is the no-sew version here: https://www.highlycrafty.com/post/no-sew-t-shirt-tote Not only does this project have a super short list of supplies, it can also be done in less than 30 minutes! You could also try out this version of a t-shirt tote from the Highly Crafty YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XsWikoc9fI This project does require a little sewing, but is still a very beginner friendly upcycle.

Sweater to Cardigan

Occasionally I make things that I just don’t like, which sounds weird since I’m the one making it, but it happens! Most recently I made a sweater that I couldn’t quite get to look how I wanted it to, so I cut it right down the middle of the front and opened it up into a cardigan. Normally you would need to hem the edges, but if you’re working with a stretchy fabric or one that won’t fray you can leave it as is. You also have the option to add buttons, a zipper or hook & eye closures, but those are all optional and depend on the look you want.

Dress to Separates

Turning a dress into separates is one of the first upcycle projects I tackled. Once you decide where to cut the dress, all you have to do is finish the edges. Depending on the fabric your dress is made of and your waist size, this could be done without sewing. Even if you do end up needing to hem edges, you can always use a strong fabric glue to make it work. I did end up sewing in an elastic waistband to get the proper fit on my skirt, but if the fit on your dress is snug this might not be necessary. I’ve also used a dress to make a crop top and shorts, but it took some very strategic cuts and manipulation to make it work with a knee length A-line dress!

Whether you decide to do all or none of these projects, the fact that you’re thinking about upcycling is awesome! Getting the most wear out of clothes that you already own is great for the environment AND your creativity. Who knows what new style you’ll discover when you lean into personalizing your fashion.

Happy Crafting!