We often get asked for ideas on creating keepsake items using old clothing items from loved ones who have passed. It is such a nice way to remember someone and upcycle items that may have been dear to them such as a Grandads favorite shirt or Mum’s Cashmere sweater.
Sewing items using keepsake fabric is a lovely way to keep someone close in our hearts. Make smaller items to gift to multiple family members, such as the Key fob chain made from an old shirt could be handed to up to 20 people using just a single shirt. Maybe you want something to remember a loved one to display in the home, in this roundup of sewing patterns we have included some home decor items such as a lamp share, cushions, and even some floor rugs to stay warm by the fire. Anything that can be sewn with fabric can be sewn with keepsake items.
The most popular project is the keepsake memory bear for creating memories, but they may not be suitable for adults or older kids. I love the idea of a tote for college that was made using Grandads old sweater, or perhaps a pencil case for Math class, cause dad loved math.
So why should we try and recycle clothing? A cotton shirt requires 700 gallons of water to produce. The average American discards around 82 pounds of textile waste every year.
Every year, 92 million tons of textile waste are generated. In the last 20 years, the amount of clothing Americans tosses away has more than doubled. Approximately 85% of all textiles discarded in the United States – approximately 13 million tonnes in 2017 – are either disposed of in landfills or burnt.
According to the US EPA, textile waste accounts for roughly 5% of all landfill area.
Sweaters
Recycled Pullover memory Teddy Bear — CraftBits.com
Recycled felt hand warmers — CraftBits.com –
DIY Sweater Hat, Gloves, & Scarf Upcycle – Jennifer Maker
How to Make Sweater Pillows the Easy Way – The Boondocks Blog
Make A DIY Lampshade Using an Upcycled Sweater – Amber Oliver
https://sustainmycrafthabit.com/diy-christmas-stockings/
How To Make A Handmade Felt Brooch from Old Sweaters – Pillar Box Blue
How to Make Easy Christmas Stockings from Sweaters – The Boondocks Blog
How to Make a DIY Felt Rug Out of Recycled Sweaters – Pillar Box Blue
DIY sweater laptop tote {easy sewing tutorial} – It’s Always Autumn
Upcycled Sweater Pillow – Sometimes Homemade
Neck tie
Recycled Neck Tie Shoulder Bag — CraftBits.com
How to Make Bags from Old Ties! DIY gift idea for Men | Polka Dot Chair
Necktie Eyeglass Case — Olive & Love
Bespangled Jewelry: Necktie DIY: iPhone or iPod Pouch Tutorial
How-To: Luggage Accessories Using Recycled Neckties
Sew And Tell Quilts: Simple Necktie Rug Tutorial
Rick Rack Ruby: How to Make a Necktie Skirt Here’s a basic instruction for making a necktie skirt.
14 ties are required for a 30-inch waist.
Necktie Sunburst Clock – You will need 21 ties to make this sunburst clock.
A Pillow Made for Dad | Better Homes & Gardens
DIY: Upcycled Necktie Key Fob Tutorial – Here’s how to make your own key fob from an upcycled necktie
DIY Necktie Project – A Quick and Easy Upcycle Craft
Neck Tie Scrunchies – Muslin and Merlot
Upcycle Men’s Necktie for a fun Dad Gift Key Ring – My Bright Ideas
Making an Upcycled Tie Necklace | ThriftyFun
Repurposing: Neck Tie into Bow Tie | Make It & Love It For when a regular tie is just not enough.
Denim Jeans
Denim Jeans Pillow Form Cover — CraftBits.com
Up-cycled Denim Fabric Rose — CraftBits.com This idea makes use of the strip of denim you cut off when you turn them up. If the breadth is less than 1 1/2 inch, there will be nothing to sew up in the back.
Denim Chevron Wreath Tutorial – U Create
Apron made from old jeans — CraftBits.com This sewing tutorial shows you how to recycle a pair of old jeans into an Apron.
Upcycled Jeans Patriotic Flag Banner – Free Pattern – Orange Bettie
How To Make A Unique Stenciled Denim Table Runner A runner is an excellent way to add color, texture, and interest to your dining or kitchen table.
DIY rug with old denims – Ohoh deco
Old Jeans to Adult Coloring Pencil Bag — CraftBits.com Adult coloring books are very popular these days, so why not try making an adult coloring bag to hold all of your pencils?
How to make a Rag Quilt – DIY Denim Quilt – VickyMyersCreations
Flannel
Plaid Christmas Wreath from Recycled Flannel Shirts for Woodland Decor
Happy At Home: From Flannel Shirt to Pillow Cover – A Tutorial
How to turn upcycled flannel shirts into a cozy quilt – Swoodson Says The final quilt was around 50.5?? x 56??, which is little less than the normal throw quilt size, but you may tweak and add additional rows as desired.
Kinsey’s Easy ReStyled Fall Backpack – A Beautiful Mess
Shirts and T-shirts
5 Minute Tank Top Tote — CraftBits.com In only 5 minutes, you can upcycle an old tank top into an eco-friendly shopping tote with this recycled craft.
“Trick Up My Sleeve” Coin Purse
Check out these articles on refashioning clothing into different styled clothing to wear.
16 Sweatshirt Pattern Hacks and Refashions
8 Ways to Refashion Men’s Shirts Refashioning clothing is a big trend right now. Why not give it a shot with one of these 8 projects?
16 Button Up Shirt Refashion Tutorials
Handmade gifts are the best kind of gifts because they come from the heart. When you take the time to sew a gift for someone, they can feel your love and care for them through the stitches. If you’re not sure where to start, consider making a simple pillow or a stuffed animal. These gifts are sure to be cherished and used for years to come.
Creating keepsake memory items from up-cycled clothing is a wonderful way to turn old and worn clothes into something new and meaningful. Whether you’re looking to preserve a special piece of clothing or just looking for a new way to repurpose old items, these 50 ways to create a keepsake memory item from up-cycled clothing are sure to inspire you.
From turning an old t-shirt into a cozy quilt to creating a memory bear from a cherished piece of clothing, these ideas provide a wide range of options to choose from. Each one is unique and special in its own way and can be tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
Not only are these keepsake memory items a great way to preserve special memories and sentimental items, but they are also a great way to reduce waste and be more sustainable. Upcycling and reusing clothing is an excellent way to keep it out of landfills and to reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion.
These ideas are also budget-friendly, allowing you to create special keepsakes without breaking the bank. They also make great gifts for loved ones, especially for those who have sentimental attachments to certain clothes.
Creating keepsake memory items from up-cycled clothing is a wonderful way to turn old and worn clothes into something new and meaningful. These 50 ways to create a keepsake memory item from up-cycled clothing are sure to inspire you, and provide you with a wide range of options to choose from. Not only are they great for preserving special memories and sentimental items, but they are also a great way to reduce waste and be more sustainable. So grab your old clothes, and get ready to create something special and meaningful that will be treasured for years to come.
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