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Save money and time on handmade gifts by making one of these upcycled gift ideas. These repurposed gifts are useful and thoughtful.
Are you looking for some quick gift ideas? Upcycling makes sewing quicker and easier since part of the process is already done. These gifts are great for neighbors, friends and family.
Some of these sewing projects are for the home and kitchen, and some of these are great accessories. Some of these are for adults and some of these are for children and babies.
WHAT IS REFASHIONING?
Refashioning is to fashion clothing again or differently. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing clothing to fit different or to look different, but the majority of the item stays the same.
WHAT IS UPCYCLING?
Upcycling is to reuse material to create something better than the original. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing adult clothing into clothing for children or I’m sewing clothing into an accessory or house item.
Do you love to upcycle? Try one of these fun sewing projects:
- Easy gifts to sew
- Gifts to sew for women
- T-shirt refashion and upcycle tutorials
- Dress refashion tutorials
- Button up shirt refashion tutorials
- Sweatshirt Hacks and Refashions
- Pants refashion and upcycle tutorials
- Coat refashion projects
Upcycled Gift Ideas
This is a fabulous and easy gift idea for neighbors, teachers, friends, and family. Use a tea towel to make a quick and simple DIY tea towel apron!
Learn how to upcycle jeans into a tote bag. This beginner sewing project is a quick and easy bag to sew, and it already has pockets!
Use one of these three ways to make a sweater to a cardigan refashion. Each tutorial works differently for different sweaters.
Learn how to make an upcycled jeans fabric basket using the hems cut off of jeans. These small diy fabric baskets are perfect for organizing drawers!
Learn how to make a DIY sunglasses case by upcycling a sleeve or pair of leggings. Reuse the hem for fast sewing and a scrap of fleece for cushion.
Learn how to make a DIY water bottle holder by upcycling a pair of pants. Reuse the hem for quicker sewing for this easy, summer sewing project!
I love cutting up clothing to make something new. It's so great to be able to reuse something I have and to save time and money! Enjoy this free pattern for a DIY t-shirt romper for your baby.
Make a beginner sewing project with this free hanging kitchen towel sewing pattern. Use a towel or quilting cotton for an easy gift to sew!
Learn how to make a DIY bike bag by upcycling the leg of a pair of pants. This sewing project is quick and easy, and it holds all the essentials on your bike!
Turn a t-shirt into a simple backpack! It's a great simple backpack for kids!
Learn how to make a DIY sweater headband perfect for gifts and beginner sewing! Upcycle an unwanted sweater into a cute sweater headband!
Turn a gorgeous scarf into an easy refashioned skirt. Use three different kinds of scarves to make three different kids of skirts.
Learn how to upcycle and make sweater mittens from an old sweater. This is a great way to refashion a sweater and make a warm, useful gift!
Learn how to sew a hanging dish towels that can’t be pulled off. It’s perfect if you have kids or pets, and it makes a great gift!
Learn how to make an infinity sweater scarf by upcycling a sweater! Use a soft sweater to make it cozy for this beginner sewing project!
Learn how to make a hat out of a sweater. This upcycling project is a great gift since it’s easy to sew and quick to make!
I love making baby shoes. They’re fast and cute, and my babies walk holes into them so quickly. My favorite baby shoes are upcycled baby shoes with this free baby shoes pattern.
Turn those holey socks into easy to sew pockets! This upcycled sock pockets tutorial makes use of all those socks with holes in them!
If you make something using this tutorial, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!