The fashion world is responsible for so many amazing things, but it’s also a known for being incredibly wasteful. Clothing is something that shouldn’t end up in a landfill as much as it does, and one of the easiest ways to prevent that from happening is through thrifting and upcycling.
If this is something you’ve either always loved to do or have become super interested in, the collection of thrifty hacks below is sure to inspire you.
DIY Upcycled Tulle Skirt
Ah, tulle. What’s not to love about it? It’s light, airy, and has the ability to make anyone wearing it feel like they’re in a fairy tale.
If you adore tulle as much as I do, you’re going to love this refashioned skirt.
Well, what are you waiting for? Head over to Brassy Apple’s tutorial, and then keep your eyes peeled for anything that has the potential to become a swoon-worthy tulle skirt just like this.
DIY Lace Top
For those looking for something a bit more daring, this lacey top created by One O using an old bra and pretty appliques should do the trick.
Va-va-voom!
As you can see, a piece like this would look stunning with a high-waist skirt or underneath a vibrant blazer — and it’s the perfect way to reuse a bra that may still fit but has lost its luster.
No one has time for cold hands, and a pair of sweater mittens would take care of that problem in a heartbeat.
[Feathering My Nest]( http://featheringmynest.ca/2015/11/22/sweater-mittens/ has put together a great tutorial outlining how easy it is to make a pair. And even if you aren’t a master seamstress, don’t worry! This DIY requires basic thread and needle skills that anyone can wrap their head around.
DIY Sweater Mittens
Before you toss that old sweater in the trash, consider using its warm material to make a few sets of cozy mittens for you and others to enjoy this winter.
DIY Necktie Wreath
I’ve seen others use old neckties for various DIY projects, but for wreath-making? Never! But I guess creating amazing things out of something completely unexpected is what Sadie Seasongoods does best!
It’s perfect for the Fourth of July, don’t you think?
Sadie raided her secondhand tie collection and simply used safety pins, followed by a thread and needle, to create a series of patriotic pendants around a wire wreath form.
Let’s be serious, a toy that can be torn to bits in thirty seconds is a waste of time and money!
So, Pillar Box Blue used denim from old jeans to create the cutest chew toys imaginable, and as a dog owner whose pupper shows his toys no mercy, I’m confident they’ll last.
DIY Denim Dog Toys
Denim is a super durable material, which means it’s the perfect thing to use if you want to make your furry friend a toy that’ll be able to withstand their rough and tough play sessions.
DIY No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag
I don’t know about you, but I have a teeny tiny problem when it comes to graphic t-shirts, and by that I mean I have way too many of them.
Every trip I take or event I attend, more often than not, I walk away from it with at least one t-shirt.
So, if you’re like me and have more graphic Ts than you know what to do with (but you can’t bear the thought of parting with them), take inspiration from Mommypotamus and turn those closet fillers into practical tote bags.
DIY Dyed Faded Thrifted Dress
This is by far my favorite transformation out of everything I’ve shared so far. It involves making over a faded dress covered in a fall foliage print with nothing more than some pink fabric dye on a stove top.
Doesn’t it look great?!
Thriftanista In The City admitted she’d never dyed printed fabric before, and was a bit nervous about what would happen to her vintage find. But obviously the risk she took was totally worth the reward.
This dress is STUNNING, and I need it in my life!
And if you’ve ever looked at ottomans in a store, you’ll know how expensive they can be! Which is why DIYing one is such a good idea.
Alice Wingerden started by removing the sleeves from a cable knit top she found at Salvation Army and stitching it shut with standard needle and thread. She then created an insert for her thrifted ottoman using scrap fabric and polyester fiberfill. BOOM! Instant floor pouf!
DIY Sweater Pouf Ottoman
Another fun way to upcycle an old or thrifted sweater is to turn it into a floor pouf, which can come in handy if you’re looking to put your feet up after a long day, or are in need of extra seating while entertaining guests.
DIY Cardigan Embellishment
Cardigans are essential for anyone who has to work in an office that’s always cold. However, they can really put a damper on style, especially if there’s nothing to them.
Thankfully, this is a problem that can easily be avoided.
The Sisters Blog came up with the cutest way of amping up the style factor of any bland sweater, and all it takes is a bit of scrap fabric and some basic sewing skills.
Create Your Own Funky Patterned Jeans
To create a lacey pattern like this, all you need is a square of lace, fabric spray in a color of choice, and of course a pair of jeans.
It really leaves the coolest unique print and it’s so easy to do!
Save Your Buttons For A Hand Embroidery Project
If you love to embroider, this is a fun one!
You can use all those old extra buttons to create the cutest hand embroidered floral bouquet.
Repurpose Old Denim Pockets
If your denim has become tattered or no longer fits, you can cut out the pockets to create a unique wall organizer.
I would have never thought to do something like this!
Use Extra Fabric To Make A Floral Garland
It looks difficult, but it actually only requires some twine, fabric, and a hot glue gun!
Sarah over at Making Joy and Pretty Things run step-by-step through how to do it, and I might have to give this a try on a rainy afternoon!
DIY Cutoffs
Denim cutoffs are always in style, and you don’t have to spend $70 when you can cut them yourself.
My tip is to always start long — this way, you can ensure you don’t cut off too much.
Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Napkins
There are tons of fabric scraps at the thrift store, and you can even find some fun vintage designs that would look great on your table!
Cloth napkins are so much better for the environment than paper ones, and you can really dine in style.
