Did you know that every year, the world produces 92 million tons of textile waste? So much fabric ends up in landfills and incinerators, and some of it takes years to decompose. I like finding creative ways to repurpose thrifted fabric to give it a new life.
When I’m thrifting and I see a sheet or curtain in a pretty pattern, I don’t think of its original purpose. I see a piece of fabric ready to be sewn into my next project!
Treat textiles as raw materials, and you will soon come up with ways to use them. Here are some home decor projects that I have crafted from secondhand fabrics. I hope this inspires you to recycle and repurpose where you can!
When I found this blue and white sheet at the thrift store, I was quite taken with the pattern. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it, but I bought it and put it aside for the perfect project.
While browsing design magazines, I saw a table with a ruffled skirt. It was stunning! I decided to use the sheet to create a custom look for my kitchen table.
This project turned out beautifully! I do not have a tutorial yet because this was an intense process that I didn’t bother to photograph or film in any way. Maybe in the future!
I found a set of two vintage floral curtain panels at a thrift store for $4.99. One panels was the perfect size for my outdoor Ikea table! I just had to trim and hem on one side to make it fit.
This is a great late summer/early fall look with the deep colors and the hydrangeas. I’m obsessed! I still have a fabric remnant and one curtain panel leftover for future projects.
A great way to use thrifted fabric or sheets is to make cloth napkins! I found this madras plaid fabric at a yard sale. I cleaned it up and followed this fabric napkin tutorial. I’m thrilled with the results!
These are a go-to in the summer months. If you use a sheet or fabric not usually intended for napkins, try a fabric spray like scotch guard for extra protection.
I found a ton of vintage red toile fabric at the thrift store. It is very sturdy, so I used it to make some placemats. I love them! They are reversible and the other side is another secondhand fabric find.
Here is my placemat tutorial if you want to replicate this look. It’s a pretty easy project for beginners!
If you find a textile that is faded or a light color fabric that has some minor stains, fabric dye is your best friend. I often use RIT dye on thrifted doilies. Most recently I made over this runner, which had a small stain, by dying it hot pink.
Follow the instructions on the dye bottle and make sure you buy the right kind of dye for your fabric type. And keep in mind, different materials hold dye differently. I’ve had the same pink dye come out pale pink on other projects.
Follow @Lauren_Rose_Home on Instagram for more repurposing inspiration!
Design, thrifting, and entertaining are my passion, and I share that passion with you through this blog. I also love being in the kitchen and crafting cocktails. I love Jesus and occasionally, I talk about him too. He has been so powerful in my life, and I love to bring him glory with my hobbies.
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