3 Great Ways To Upcycle Old Materials

Do you have old jeans, shirts, and bedding that maybe have a few holes in them? Even if they're in otherwise great condition, a few holes here and there make you feel like you have to toss them out, but that's not true! Here are 3 clever ways you can repurpose your old material into great, everyday things.

1. Pillow Mat From Bed Sheets

You'll Need:

• 1 bed sheet
• needle & thread
• ribbon
• 8 buttons
• 4 pillows

Here's How:

1.1 Cut the sheet down the middle lengthwise. You'll need one of the halves for this project and can save the other half for something else.

1.2 Divide the sheet into 4 equally-sized sections, one below the other.

1.3 Sew off the sections, stopping about 6 inches from the edges.

1.4 Sew a ribbon loop on both sides of each section.

1.5 Flip back the upper side of the duvet cover and cut an incision every 2 inches.

1.6 On the back, sew a button on either side of each section.

1.7 Fill each section with a pillow and close it off by pulling the ribbon loop around the button.

2. Cushion Cover From T-Shirt

You'll Need:

• 1 T-shirt
• 1 small throw pillow

Here's How:

2.1 Place the pillow in the middle of the T-shirt and use scissors to cut off the sides and sleeves of the top.

2.2 Cut slits in the T-shirt around the pillow and cut away the corners.

2.3 Place the pillow between the 2 T-shirt pieces.

2.4 Knot the slits together to create a fringed edge.

Now you have a unique throw pillow or pillowcase!

3. Bag From A Pair Of Jeans

You'll Need:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 belt
• needle & thread

Here's How:

3.1 Cut off one pant leg below the knee.

3.2 Cut the belt a bit beneath the buckle. Cut two short pieces without holes from the long side of the belt and keep the other end of the belt with the holes.

3.3 Place the cut belt end on the bottom of the cut pant leg and sew it in place.

3.4 Sew one of the short belt pieces perpendicular to the previously sewn piece.

3.5 Turn the pant leg inside out and insert the piece with the belt buckle.

3.6 Sew the piece with the belt buckle to the fabric and then sew the pant leg fabric together.

3.7 Turn the pant leg right side out and sew the second short belt piece also at a perpendicular angle, above the belt piece in front of the buckle. Then roll the pant leg down from above and close the bag with the belt.