How to recycle your old clothes

We are living in a society increasingly conscious of the effect we are having on the environment, and making changes to improve it. This includes separating out recyclable items. If you have ever wondered what to do with your old clothes instead of throwing them away; why not use these three recycling clothes ideas to turn them into something new.

When deciding what to do with your old clothes, especially if you have items that aren’t worthy of donating even after using a superior cleaning product like Skip, there are some great recycling clothes ideas you can use to give them a new lease of life.

Why do we recycle**?**

No one wants to live next to a landfill, and the more rubbish we create, the more need there is for landfill sites. Separating out recyclable items, including your old clothes, will reduce the amount of landfill space we require.

There are plenty of simple ways to reduce, reuse and recycle resources such as paper and glass at home, but what about clothing or fabrics? Once you’ve established that you’re unused old clothes can’t be donated or handed down, then clothes recycling or upcycling is the next best thing.

Turn your old shirt into a recycled dress

With three simple steps you can change your old shirt into the perfect button up children’s dress.

1. Remove the front pocket (if your shirt has one) and use scissors to remove the seams.

2. Choose your pattern and cut the shirt accordingly, ensuring the buttons lie central.

3. Follow the pattern instructions to sew the your recycled dress

Always take extra care not to cut yourself when using sharp items and store scissors, pins and other hazards away from children and animals.

Use your loved one’s old clothes to create a memory quilt

When it comes to clothes recycling, nothing is more personal than creating a memory quilt – especially if it uses your children’s old clothes!

1. Select your favourite pieces and cut squares of fabric from them

2. Pin the squares together to create an interesting pattern and then sew them together

3. Keep adding new squares to your quilt or blanket so that it builds over time

Turn your old t-shirt into the perfect fruit and vegetable bag

With these easy steps, your old t-shirt can be turned into a bag perfect for carrying fresh produce.

1. Turn your t-shirt inside out, draw the shape of bag you desire, and cut it out.

2. Sew a straight stitch around the sides and bottom of the bag and then finish the edge.

3. Use the existing hem to strengthen the top and cut holes to create handles. Turn inside out to use.

Top tip! Want to allow extra ventilation in your fruit and veg bag? Make a few small snips in the main body of the bag, about 1cm long, to create air holes!

So now you have some great recycling clothes ideas why not get started and see how you can reuse old items at home? And if completely transforming your old clothes sounds a bit adventurous for your first project, why not give tie-dying a try instead? Our article on how to tie-dye a shirt can help.

• Clean your old clothes first using a product like Skip.

• Make sure you remove any hard embellishments like buttons or zips if they won’t be used.

• Try and unpick or cut along seams where possible.

• Try and use as much of your old fabric as possible – use smaller scraps in a quilt or as rags.