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What do fabric scraps, second hand sweaters, and worn-out jeans have in common? With a little ingenuity (and the right tutorial), you can transform all three into display-worthy decor.
So, before you discard your old tights, consider the fact that they can be turned into trendy tassels, and rather than tossing stretched out t-shirts, revamp them into a woven rug.
Whether your primary focus is saving money or living more sustainably, these upcycled textile DIYs are worth a try.
Rug Wall Hanging
Woven wall hangings are back—and in a big way. But instead of blowing your entire budget on a custom piece or spending hours weaving your own, save time and money by creating a faux tapestry. Start with a textured rug as the base, and jazz it up by adding on 3-D flowers and yarn.
Get the how-to on The Kipi Blog.
Recycled Sweater Blanket
It seems that no matter how many blankets we have, we can always use more—particularly as cooler weather approaches. The hexagon patchwork pattern and denim waistband trim make this throw one you’ll want to snuggle up in (and show off) all season long.
Get the how-to on Pillar Box Blue.
Lampshade Vases
Switching up your lampshade is an instant way to upgrade a lamp—but what happens to the discarded shade? You could toss it… or, you could convert it into a chic vase. We’d go with the latter.
Get the how-to on The House That Lars Built.
Woven T-Shirt Rag Rug
Area rugs are great, but in high-traffic areas like entryways and mudrooms, they often get destroyed pretty quickly. Rather than investing in an expensive floor covering, fashion your own from some t-shirts.
Get the how-to on Adventures In Making.
Denim Gift Tags
The holidays will be here before you know it, which begs the question—how are you going to top last year’s festive wrapping? The answer is these upcycled denim gift tags.
Get the how-to on Pillar Box Blue.
No-Sew T-Shirt Produce Bag
Looking for an eco-friendly way to tote around your fresh fruits and veggies? First, put your paper shopping bags in the recycling bin. Then, go into your closet and grab a t-shirt that hasn’t seen the light of day in a while. (Hey, we all have one or two.)
Next, follow this no-sew tutorial. Finally, the next time you go to the farmer’s market, be sure to bring your new (gorgeous!) produce sack.
Get the how-to on Delia Creates.
Levi Apron
Styles change, denim stretches, and kids get bigger—whatever your reason might be for holding on to your old jeans, we’ve found just the project to put them to good use.
Get the how-to on A Girl & A Glue Gun.
Crocheted T-Shirt Yarn Hanging Planter
This crocheted hanging planter is perfect for displaying greenery, all while infusing some ‘70s flair into your abode. Choose bright hues to give your space a burst of color, or use neutrals for a more mellow vibe.
Get the how-to on Clover.
Coil And Crochet Scrap Fabric Rug
If you’re an avid crafter, you probably have tons of fabric scraps around the house. And if not, you can score some from the discount bin at your local second hand shop. Either way, this thrifty tutorial is a brilliant way to take (what some might consider) trash, and turn it into a treasured floor rug.
Get the how-to on My Poppet.
Tight Tassel Garland
It might sound crazy, but you can totally create a tassel garland out of tights. (And you can pick up never-worn, irregular pairs for super cheap.) This is a clever, low-cost way to spruce up a dorm or kid’s room, and if you’re in a pinch, it makes for an adorable party decoration.
Get the how-to on Dream A Little Bigger.
See more DIY:
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