How to Make Old Clothes Into New Fashion

An old dress can become new fashion by adding a belt.

Reviving old clothes is an art in itself. These days, we find ourselves revisiting our closets rather than going out to the store. Making old clothes into new fashion can be a wonderful way to create a different look on the cheap. With some easy steps and a little imagination, you can step out in new styles in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors
• Chalk
• Plastic container
• Pins

Instructions

Shorten and Accessorize an Old Dress

1. 

   By shortening a long hemline, an old dress is made instantly new.

   Put the dress on. Use a few pins to mark where you'd like the new hemline to fall.

2. Lay the dress inside out on a flat surface. Use chalk to mark your new hemline. Make sure that your marked line is parallel to the old hemline. Use a ruler to do this only if the hem is straight.

3. Remove the pins. Use scissors to cut the dress 1/2 inch longer than your marked line.

4. Fold back the hem on the marked line, with the excess toward the inside. Use the threaded needle to create a running stitch (see resources for image) along the hemline, catching the seam allowance as well. A running stitch is a stitch where the needle is inserted through the top of the fabric, then through the back about 1/4 inch away, parallel to the fabric edge.

5. Use a wide, brightly colored belt to cinch the waist of the dress.

Make a Pair of Old Jeans into Cut-Off Shorts

1. 

   Old jeans can become cut-offs.

   Lay jeans on a flat surface. Use pins to mark where you'd like the new hem.

2. Use the chalk to mark the new hem line. Remove the pins.

3. Use the scissors to cut away the pant legs where you have already marked.

4. Wash the shorts a few times to allow the hem to ravel and set.

5. Add an embroidered patch to the back pockets by stitching it on with a needle using a running stitch.

Dye and Accessorize an Old Jacket

1. 

   Dyeing a jacket gives it a whole new look.

   Fill a shallow, wide container with warm water. Add dye to the water and mix. Continue mixing the dye to get the correct shade.

2. Dip a small edge of the jacket into the dye to test for the right color. This could also be done with a piece of scrap fabric, but if the color is different than the jacket, it won't look the same.

3. Submerge the jacket in the dye bath and agitate.

4. Remove the jacket. Rinse it out using cold, clean water. If the color is too light, re-submerge in the dye bath.

5. Hang to dry.

6. Add a fabric flower or bow pin to the front of the jacket for a new twist.

Tips & Warnings

• A sewing machine can be used for any of the sewing.

• You may also dye a houndstooth or checkered jacket if the color is light. Keep in mind that light colors will be lighter in the dye and darker colors will be darker.

• Dye will color your hands, a bathtub and any other clothing that it comes in contact with, so exercise caution when dyeing.

• Wear plastic or rubber gloves when dyeing.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Hand Stitches: Running Stitch
• RIT Dye; Home; Dyeing Tips