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Fashion Suggestions: stylistic textile recycling ideas

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When you run out of fabric, don't throw away that old shirt or skirt. Instead, use it in a new way. Here are some ideas for what to do with your fashion scraps:

Cut out a grid pattern at the edge of your fabric and stitch on your potholders.

A Person Cutting a Fabric

To make potholders, cut out a grid pattern at the edge of your fabric and stitch on your potholders.

  • Cut out a grid pattern: Cut 4 to 6 squares (or rectangles) that are each about 2 inches wide by 3-4 inches long. Use your ruler to measure out how many rows and columns you want in your grid, then use that measurement as the length of each square/rectangle. The more squares/rectangles you have per row/column, the smaller they will be when it's all finished.
  • Stitch on your potholders: Sew one side of each square/rectangle together along one side with running stitch or backstitch (aka "ladder stitch"). Sewing is done from left to right so that when you flip over the piece you've sewn onto another piece, it will look like little boxes connected together in a row—this is where those design names like "cat's eye" come from! You can finish off with whipstitches or slip stitches if desired; these are decorative but not necessary for functionality because any holes created by them would be small enough not to affect heat transfer anyway (unless we're talking about going up against an actual cat).

Cut out a band of floral fabric, and sew around the edges.

Woman Sewing While Sitting on Chair

To create a band of floral fabric, you will need:

  • a pair of scissors
  • a sewing machine with thread that matches the fabric you’re cutting out (or thread that contrasts with it for added visual interest)
  • a piece of paper to act as your pattern guide if necessary.

Turn a garment into a tote bag by sewing two handles on each side and zippering them closed.

Woman with shopper with products walking among green plants

Turn a garment into a tote bag by sewing two handles on each side and zippering them closed. Use contrasting colors for the zipper, or use the same color as the garment, and make sure it’s not see-through. This is a quick project that will turn any old shirt or pair of pants into something you can use on the go!

Embellish a dress with dropped stitches or fringe that sits at the base of the bust.

Woman in Kona Hawaii wearing a crossbody bag, denim shorts and Wolven sustainable swimsuit.

A fringe is a textile term for the edge of a woven fabric—it can be made from almost any material. The loose threads or yarns are looped around and gathered together at regular intervals on one side, creating an ornamental effect. Fringe is often used as trimming on garments and accessories. For example, if you want to add some flair to your dress, try adding dropped stitches or fringe that sits at the base of the bust. Or simply use a Turkish Towel as a skirt to form a dress with cute fringes.

Use a long button as a necklace charm that sits at the base of the neck.

Silver Pendant on a Necklace

Create a necklace charm from a long button.

  • Select a button that is slightly smaller than the buttonhole.
  • Use a matching color or pattern for your fabric and make sure that it has a shank (a loop of wire used to sew buttons together). You can also use buttons with textures or shapes on them, like swirls or stars!

Make an applique that looks like wood grain.

Knotty Habit Ropes on Board

If you want to add wood grain appliqué, first cut a small piece of wood veneer. Then use a wood grain template and iron the veneer onto the fabric. Fold over the fabric so that it covers up most of the veneer, leaving just enough space around the edges for sewing. Sew down with either needle and thread, or a sewing machine—a glue gun works well too!

Different materials can be used in different ways to create unique effects in garments.

In the fashion world, there is always a new way to use different materials to create unique effects in garments. For example, you can use different materials to create unique effects in garments.

Just because the economy is slowing down doesn't mean you have to stop being a fashionista. With these tips and tricks, you can get even more wear out of your old clothes and save money at the same time!

 

Photo Of Woman Wearing Black Tank Top
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