The Shortlist: Upcycling Garments and Textiles
Looking to give your wardrobe a makeover using things you already have to hand? Perhaps, like me, you’ve inherited some rather lovely tablecloths and bedsheets that you want to repurpose into something you can wear.
If you are curious about upcycling but don’t feel like you want to freestyle a design, we’ve curated sewing project ideas, especially for you!
It can be very rewarding to transform those pre-loved garments and textiles into fabulous new pieces you’ll love to wear. As sewists, we tend to treasure the garments and textiles we own and feel guilty about not using the materials we already own. By upcycling pieces you no longer wear you are giving that textile an opportunity to be loved, saving it from the charity shop drop off or even landfill.
We have searched the shop for some ideas to get you started. From tablecloths to old blankets to jeans to shirts, we’ve found sewing pattern inspiration to make the most of treasured textiles waiting to be given a new look…
Most of us wear jeans and as we wear them out or have style or body fluctuations, we may find this hardwearing textile no longer has a purpose. It is one of the most popular garments to upcycle because denim is so durable it lends itself to being transformed into something new. A skirt is a great way to go as it can be created with a pair or two of jeans (you can google for ideas on doing this without a pattern). Bags are also a great way to use up old jeans or jackets as they need small pieces or even a sleeveless vest style.
- Fibre Mood Fenna Skirt
- Greyfriars and Grace Jeans to Joppa Children’s Dress
- Sew Over It Hobby Bag
- Juliana Martejevs Ava Bag
- Puff and Pencil Top Stitch Vest
Are you new to upcycling? A shirt is a great way to go for your first masterpiece. Greyfriars and Grace has a couple of patterns for turning an existing shirt into a new top using the features it already has. A cute summer top would also be an easy overhaul and you can use up the odds and ends by sewing accessories such as this necklace or whipping up a scrunchie.
- Greyfriars and Grace Tweedsmuir Top
- Juliana Martejevs Judy Blouse
- Greyfriars and Grace Stockbridge Shirt
- Juliana Martejevs Rose Necklace
If you love hunting for treasure at car boot fairs, charity shops or flea markets, you are likely to have come across some pretty lovely tablecloths. There is a trend for turning white embroidered tablecloths into delicate summer blouses that have an heirloom feel to them. You might have also spied cool 50s-70s designs that have fun prints that would look great on a garment. Tops and skirts are the most realistic projects for these finds unless you have found a tablecloth for a banquet table – in that case, well done you!
- Birgitta Helmersson ZW Tier Dress
- Fabric Godmother Fleur Dress and Blouse
- Made by Rae Cleo Skirt
- Birgitta Helmersson ZW Cropped Shirt
I’ve spotted some lovely vintage blankets on my travels and it has occurred to me that they would make great garments. If you have scored a vintage treasure or have had a special blanket handed down to you, it could become a coat you adore! If you want to make the most of a particular pattern like a check, a skirt is a great option too. The blanket stitch finish is trending right now so will bring your garment up to date.
- Style Arc Wren Jacket
- Birgitta Helmersson ZW Block Pant (skirt version)
- Juliana Martejevs Nelly Coat
- Juliana Martejevs Lilly Skirt
Curtains are one big piece of fabric which is a win, but tend to be heavier in weight so you might think they can’t be transformed into fashion items. The old trick of using curtains for a frock is a good one. Look for vintage shapes that are designed with structure in mind. You can also use up your old curtains to make a useful apron or bags.
- How to Do Fashion Hammerhus Bag
- Greyfriars and Grace Balerno Bag
- Greyfriars and Grace Nova Scotia Skirt
- Merchant & Mills Victor Apron
- Cashmerette Upton Dress
I’ve seen a lot of sewists being nifty with a bedsheet in my time! By nature, they have a lot of fabric to play with so are perfect for voluminous garments that are fabric-hungry. Many people use bedsheets for making a toile (test garment) but I think you could also keep them in the bedroom by transforming them into PJs!
- Fibre Mood Judy Dress
- Tilly and the Buttons Jaimie Pyjama Bottoms
- Juliana Martejevs Utah Dress
- Birgitta Helmersson ZW Soft Blouse
Do you find yourself drowning in fabric scraps or tempted by those fabric shop remnant sales that leave you with little bits to turn into a whole garment? If you haven’t discovered Matchy Matchy Sewing Club patterns yet, you are going to thank me! Many of their designs use style lines that allow you to incorporate smaller cuts of fabrics creating a mix-and-match look.
- Matchy Matchy Stash Pocket Tote
- Matchy Matchy Quilt Scarf Bundle
- Matchy Matchy Horizon Day Dress
- Matchy Matchy Recess Play Pants
- Matchy Matchy Collage Gather Top
- Matchy Matchy Float Wave Top
Finally, if you have discovered a quilt that is so beautiful you want to wear it, I have a couple of pattern ideas for you. The cosy nature of a quilt lends itself to outerwear, so a jacket or gilet is a good way to go. You can browse patterns for pre-quilted fabrics if you want more ideas.
