How to Make Clothes From Recycled Objects

Even office supplies can be upcycled into clothing and accessories.

People often think of recycling as the breaking down of products to form new ones. Upcycling is a similar concept in which items are not broken down, but are incorporated as they are into new products. Recycled and upcycled objects used in fashionable clothing reflect individual style, creativity and environmental awareness. By saving and adding odds and ends to clothes, or by making clothes out of old objects, people can take more steps toward reducing their carbon footprints.

Things You'll Need

• Recycled objects
• Recycled fabrics
• Needle and thread or sewing machine
• Sewing patterns (optional)
• Fabric pencil
• Washer and dryer
• Scissors
• Iron or steamer
• Fabric glue

Instructions

1. Search for suitable fabrics --- those that are safe for constant wear, washable and free of harmful dyes and chemicals. Plastic bottles and newspapers would not be good choices, but old clothes and old curtains would. Cotton and bamboo materials are especially useful for upcycling.

2. Wash and dry your fabrics, and steam or iron out any wrinkles or heavy creases. This will make sewing easier and more accurate.

3. Draw lines on the fabric using the fabric pencil to show where you would like to cut. For simple clothing items, such as wrap skirts or shawls, you may not need a sewing pattern. For more complicated options, such as pants or dresses, you can use patterns of your choice. Denim and large shirts can be cropped and taken in to make shorts, skirts and dresses.

4. Cut along the fabric-pencil lines or sewing pattern, then sew the garment using a needle and thread or a sewing machine. Locate recycled objects for accessorizing the clothing --- old buttons, zippers, bottle caps and other odds and ends.

5. Choose where you'll attach your upcycled embellishments. If recycling buttons and zippers, use a needle and thread to sew them into place. If using less-conventional objects, such as bottle caps, secure them in place with fabric glue and allow to dry.

References

• Crafting a Green World; Girl Reconstructed: Upcycling Old Clothes; May 23, 2008
• Gaiam Life; Upcycling: Turn Your Worn-Out Sweater Into Treasure; Valerie Gleaton
• Eco Life; How to Recycle Used Clothing; Maryruth Belsey Preibe
• Dornob: DIY Dress-Up Ideas: 5 Sexy Ways to Upcycle Old Clothing