Great DIY ideas to try with old clothes

by Cheryl Pendenza - Realtor®/Broker Associate 02/27/2025

Person measuring cloth

Do you have old clothes and fabrics taking up space at home? When donation isn’t an option, DIY projects with old clothes are a great way to bring new life to these materials. From home decor to dog toys, there are countless options for repurposing your old clothes.

Accent wall with fabric picture frame centerpiece

Really make your accent wall stand out with a beautiful fabric picture frame. Consider using old shirts with fun patterns on your frame to contrast the wall. For example, you could use a bright floral print t-shirt to bring some color and energy to a dark wall. 

Throw pillows from an old tote bag

Before you head to the store for new throw pillows, consider making your own from old tote bags. Many tote bags are made from canvas material, which is sturdy and stylish. Other materials like cotton, linen or denim also make excellent pillowcases.  

DIY dog corner complete with dog toys

Denim is a fantastic material for crafting DIY dog toys. Denim is durable, so it makes for a good chew toy. Create a fun bone shaped toy by outlining the shape onto two pieces of denim and cutting out the pattern to sew together. Remember to supervise your pet when giving them a new toy.

Fabric scraps for paint job cleanups

If you intend to paint your interior walls or working on an art project, fabric scraps can be helpful. Fabric scraps can soak up extra paint quickly and help in the cleanup process. Rather than buy shop rags or waste paper towels, put your old clothes to use in your other home improvement tasks.

Other home decor ideas using a sewing machine

If you have a sewing machine, you can combine old fabrics into a blanket. Blankets make for wonderful gifts as they can be put to use daily or used for decor. 

If you have a bunch of old clothes and fabrics, donating them can help others get much needed resources and helps to ensure the items are put to good use. Any leftover fabrics can be used around the home for your next DIY projects. Using old clothes and fabrics saves money and helps you to live a more sustainable life. 

About the Author
Author

Cheryl Pendenza - Realtor®/Broker Associate

Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the table, Cheryl has a paralegal degree, banking background, and is a member of many professional, civic, and community organizations.

Qualified • Experienced • Skilled

"As a full-time Real Estate Broker, I am dedicated to providing my clients with a high level of service by building relationships, marketing, and negotiating on their behalf. As a homeowner, I realize how important homeownership is.

Cheryl brings warmth and compassion to her client relationships and referrals have become the backbone of her business. "I’m grateful for every referral and welcome the opportunity to help clients achieve their real estate goals.”

Cheryl Pendenza, Broker Associate affiliated with RE/MAX Andrew Realty Services since 1999 is a local businesswoman and formidable negotiator who can help you achieve your real estate goals. Supporting family, community and local business is important to Cheryl and she can often be found at one of the local restaurants, shops, or galleries.