Spring is finally here and for many of us, so is that annual spring cleaning ritual. One of the big areas for parents to clear out is our kids' outgrown and worn out clothes, but with Earth Day on the horizon, it's also a time of year to consider our planet too.
Of course clothes in good condition can be sold, given away, or donated, but what about that one piece that you can't bear to part with, or the stained or torn piece that has seen better days? Don't just pack away those special pieces and toss out the sad ones — there are some simple ways to upcycle clothes into items you can still use, and the kids can help too!
 AndreyPopov | Canva |
Memory Pillow
Making a memory pillow is a great way to upcycle a shirt with the torso area in good condition, especially one that holds sentimental value. Each of my kids have a pillow made from their grandpa's T-shirts and my daughter turned one of my son's favorite shirts into a pillow for him when she was in 8th grade.
You can make a memory pillow by sewing it or using fusible bonding web. You can also choose to use fiber fill to stuff your pillow or use an existing pillow/pillow form. Here are the basics for making a memory pillow with fiber fill:
Steps
- Lay the shirt flat and decide which part of the shirt design you will use.
- Cut off the sleeves, neck, and bottom. If possible, use the full width of the shirt for less sewing since the side seams will be done already.
- Turn the shirt inside out, or if you cut all sides, lay the two pieces on top of each other with the outsides (also known as "right sides") together and pin them in place.
- Sew the bottom edge and sides, if needed, or iron the fusible web between the layers, then sew/fuse most of the top, leaving enough room to get the stuffing in.
- Turn the pillow right side out and stuff with as much fiber fill as you'd like for firmness of the pillow. Don't forget to push it into the corners!
- Hand stitch or use fusible web to close the opening.
- Fluff and redistribute the stuffing as needed.
See how to make a no-sew pillow using a pillow form.
 Laura Miller | Macaroni KID |
Kids not ready to work with fabric? Here are some ideas to upcycle toys, trash, craft supplies, and more:
- Kid Craft: Making Animals and More Out Of Recycled Objects
- 5 Upcycled Art Projects for Eco-Friendly Fun
- Recycled Magazine Butterflies
- 5 Ways To Recycle Your Old Stuff Instead of Throwing It Out
 KaraGrubis | Canva |
Reuse the Fabric
For clothes that can't be saved, reusing the fabric is a great way to keep it out of the landfill. If you're not ready to start your project or need to gather more material, to save space trim off unusable parts and odd-shaped edges.
- Cut out large pieces with neat patterns and save enough to make a quilt
- Trim around fun designs and use as patches and appliqué on other clothes.
- Cut into long strips and braid to make a jump rope or handles for a bag.
- Cut into smaller strips and crochet a "rag" rug.
 vvoevale | Canva |
The possibilities are endless for transforming old clothes into something new. Plus you might learn a new skill in the process! This spring have fun creating while showing your love for the planet by keeping your favorite clothes from going to waste.
