How to Recycle Fabric for Christmas Wrapping Paper

With the whole planet going green, it is important for everyone to do their part. Think about an item before putting it in the trash to determine if there is a way it can be reused. Household fabrics such as table linens, draperies, throw pillows and more are perfect candidates for recycling. Below are some ideas to recycle fabrics for Christmas wrapping paper.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old lace curtains
• Plain colored gift paper
• Silk flowers
• Old tablecloths
• Craft braiding, lace or tassels
• Old tapestry shower curtains
• Strings of pearls or fancy roping
• Old pillows or throws
• Fabric glue, puffy paints or glitters
• Old doilies
• Plain recycled fabric
• Ribbon roses
• Tie-dye paints
• Craft paints
• Crafts or miniatures
• Old curtains
• Old chair coverings
• Unused kitchen or bathroom linens

1. Use old lace curtains over plain colored gift paper to add a touch of elegance. Add silk flowers instead of a bow for a perfect Victorian-inspired wrapped design.

2. Tablecloths that haven’t been used in a while and are still in great condition can be cut into various sizes for use as gift-wrap. Mix with stylish craft braiding, lace or tassels for a very elegant-looking package.

3. Divide old tapestry shower curtains into wide strips for wrapping packages. Sew the tapestry together in the back rather than gluing it. Tuck the ends under and sew them closed as well. Instead of ribbon, use strings of pearls or fancy roping.

4. Cut out the designs of old pillows or throws to use as part of the Christmas wrapping. Adhere the fabrics to the package with fabric glue, puffy paints or glitters.

5. Use old doilies over plain recycled fabric to make an elegant Victorian-inspired gift. Glue ribbon roses, which can be purchased at any craft store, to the centers of the doilies instead of using ribbon or bows.

6. Tie-dye plain colored fabrics in Christmas colors. Once the fabric has dyed, add dimension and depth with craft paints. Decorate the top of the packages with charms or miniatures from the local craft store.

7. Take apart old curtains to use their stripes, geometric prints or florals for Christmas wrap. Cut stripes into strips that can be put over plain wrapping paper for interest. Cut out geometric prints to decorate a package wrapped with plain fabric. Add dimension to the shapes with puffy craft paint. Do the same with floral designs or embroider the edges to keep the fabric from fraying.

8. Use beautiful jacquard prints from chair covers or other furnishings for gift wrap. Consider adding some color with fabric dyes, paints, or glitters.

9. Add interest to any package with unused kitchen or bathroom linens that are embroidered or otherwise decorated. For example, glue a potholder or cloth trivet to the top of a package. Use that bath mitt you didn’t want to add texture to another.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose fabrics that are still in good condition. If you can't use the entire thing, cut out the parts that are useable. Relegate the rest to dust rags.
• Use fabric glue when adhering fabric to anything permanently.
• Embellish fabrics with trims such as jewels or beads.