Sew for Free and Recycle Too! (702 Views)

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• Step 1 of 9

  First of all, you have to be willing to compromise. If you have a specific pattern in mind with certain fabric, this probably will not work out. However, its good for remaking clothes into something completely different. Even if you do have a pattern in mind, maybe you could scavenge some zippers or buttons. Also, you will have to buy your own thread. I haven’t thought of any way to get that for free, but I'll write it down when I do! So here we go, into the exciting world of recycling…

• Step 2 of 9

  Buttons are easy to get. Just cut them off of soiled clothes, purses, etc. I've heard people say you should cut the buttons off your clothes before you get rid of them. I think if you really don’t want the clothes anymore but it is still wearable, you shold leave the buttons on and donate them to charity.

• Step 3 of 9

  Elastic is a little tedious to get. You can cut it off the waist of old tights, leggings, sweatpants, or children’s clothes. A lot of clothes for little kids have elastic waistbands. There are several ways to cut it, but the most important thing is to go slowly and carefully. If the elastic is concealed inside the fabric (sweatpants), you should cut one layer of fabric around the elastic. Double check before you start, or you might accidentally destroy the elastic. If the elastic is unconcealed (tights) your in luck. It is probably softer and you can just cut away the seam and voila! You have elastic! If it came off your own clothes, you know you have enough to fit yourself next time you need it. How great is that?

• Step 4 of 9

  Long skirts and dresses are a good source for a small sheet of fabric. You just need to rip the seams. A lot have a pretty floral pattern that make a great accent on a dress or the perfect mini skirt or bag. You also can get fabric from old sheets and pillowcases. You probably have some great pastel colors you don’t even use because they no longer match anything else in the house.

• Step 5 of 9

  Zippers are pretty easy to get. Actually, you could get it from all those clothes you cut apart in step 4. All you have to do is carefully cut around the zipper. I like to leave ½" to 1" of fabric around the zipper, to make it easier to sew on. Note: If you can rip the fabric off the zipper, more power to you! But its easier (in my opinion) to learn how to sew an invisible zipper. Besides hiding the old fabric on your new garment, you have a invaluble new skill. I always knew recycling would lead to good things… Including learning how to sew invisible zippers!

• Step 6 of 9

  Zippers are pretty easy to get. Actually, you could get it from all those clothes you cut apart in step 4. All you have to do is carefully cut around the zipper. I like to leave ½" to 1" of fabric around the zipper, to make it easier to sew on. Note: If you can rip the fabric off the zipper, more power to you! But its easier (in my opinion) to learn how to sew an invisible zipper. Besides hiding the old fabric on your new garment, you have a invaluble new skill. I always knew recycling would lead to good things… Including learning how to sew invisible zippers.

• Step 7 of 9

  Zippers are pretty easy to get. Actually, you could get it from all those clothes you cut apart in step 4. All you have to do is carefully cut around the zipper. I like to leave ½" to 1" of fabric around the zipper, to make it easier to sew on. Note: If you can rip the fabric off the zipper, more power to you! But its easier (in my opinion) to learn how to sew an invisible zipper. Besides hiding the old fabric on your new garment, you have a invaluble new skill. I always knew recycling would lead to good things… Including learning how to sew invisible zippers.

• Step 8 of 9

  A lot of old clothes have some sort of decoration on them that you can cut out and sew onto something else. A little lace on a collar, a picture on a t shirt or embroidery on a bright blouse. You can cut these out and sew as an applique on something else. It adds a lot of visual interest.

• Step 9 of 9

  Don’t throw out old t shirts, the kind you get for free at a fair or just something you've been wearing so long that it has holes in it. Besides making good rags, if you have a few they make good linings (especially for purses), underskirts, and interesting quilts if your the adventurous type. They also are good for testing out new techniques (freehand embroidery) on. Also, they can be saved for a day of tie dying.