Don’t Toss Them Out! Upcycle Your Old Bed Sheets
Discover innovative and eco-friendly ways to repurpose your old bed sheets with our updated guide. Breathe new life into unused fabric.
Did you know that your old bed sheets can lead a fascinating second life beyond the linen closet? With a bit of creativity, they can transform into anything from chic home décor to practical everyday items.
Using old things in new ways is not just a trend; it is a way of life as we try to be more environmentally friendly. This updated guide to creating new things out of old bed sheets shows creative and environmentally friendly new ideas. No matter how experienced you are with do-it-yourself projects or how new you are to crafting, these projects are sure to inspire and delight you.
These ideas offer a range of new projects that cater to different interests and skill levels, from simple no-sew options to more complex sewing projects, all aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability through creative upcycling.
Fashion Forward with Bed Sheets
Boho-Chic Maxi Skirts
Create flowy, bohemian-inspired maxi skirts from patterned bed sheets. This project is perfect for beginners and adds a unique piece to your wardrobe.
Jammie Pants
With minimal sewing skills, one can turn old bed sheets into comfortable, easy-peasy jammie pants.
Clothing Linings
Solid-colored bed sheets can serve as an inexpensive lining solution for see-through garments.
Summer Dresses or Skirts
Lightweight bed sheets are perfect for sewing into simple summer dresses or skirts.
Bandanas or Headscarves
Create fashionable bandanas or headscarves, customizing them with fabric dye or stamps.
Practical Upcycling Projects
Custom Tote Bags
Durable and stylish, tote bags fashioned from old bed sheets are perfect for groceries or a day at the beach. Customize with fabric paint or patches for a personal touch.
Wreaths and Decorative Items
Following tutorials like the one by Two Shades of Pink, crafters can create cute wreaths and other decorative items from old bed sheets.
Produce Bags
Sew lightweight, breathable produce bags for your fruits and veggies. They’re washable and reusable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
Pet Bed Covers
Sew easy-to-clean pet bed covers that can be swapped out and washed regularly.
Home Décor and Accessories
Braided Rug
Cut sheets into strips and braid them together to create a cozy, colorful rug. This project can be a fun way to involve the whole family.
Decorative Wall Art
Stretch and frame a section of a beautifully patterned bed sheet for instant, affordable wall art. This simple project can dramatically change the look of a room.
Reversible Table Runners
Combine two bed sheets of contrasting colors or patterns to craft reversible table runners that match any season or occasion.
Rags and Cleaning Cloths
An easy and straightforward way to repurpose any bedsheet. Simply cut the sheets into the desired sizes for a cost-effective cleaning solution.
Throw Pillows
Utilize old bedsheets to create decorative throw pillows for your bed or sofa, adding a touch of personalized decor to your living space.
Curtains or Room Dividers
Transform bed sheets into stylish curtains or room dividers to enhance privacy and décor.
Gardening and Outdoor Ideas
Picnic and Beach Blanket
Transforming bed sheets into picnic or beach blankets involves sewing two full-sized sheets together and adding quilting lines for stability.
Frost Protection
Gardeners can repurpose bed sheets to cover crops during light frosts, providing an easy and effective way to protect sensitive plants.
Outdoor Craft Project
Bedsheets offer a large canvas for children’s outdoor craft projects, enabling creativity and fun outside the house.
Bed Sheet Teepee
Creating a teepee from old bed sheets provides a fantastic play area for kids (and adults), with an amazing tutorial available to guide the construction process.
Protective Furniture Covers
Use bed sheets to create protective covers for outdoor furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upcycling Bed Sheets
After you’ve transformed your old bed sheets into something spectacular, why stop there? Dive deeper into the world of creative upcycling with our collection of ingenious tutorials. Each guide is packed with easy-to-follow steps and ideas to inspire your next project:
- 22 New Uses for Old Pill Bottles: Discover how to turn those little bottles into useful tools and charming decorations with this eye-opening guide.
- 12+ Fun Ways to Upcycle Holiday Cards After the Season: Keep the holiday spirit alive year-round with these unique ideas for repurposing your old holiday cards.
- Mason Jar Crafts You’ll Love to DIY: Mason jars are not just for canning—explore a myriad of ways to transform them into decorative and functional pieces for your home.
- 20 Creative Uses for an Old Milk Jug: Don’t throw out your old milk jugs! Our tutorial will show you how to give them a second life in ways you never imagined.
Whether you’re a seasoned upcycler or new to the DIY scene, these tutorials offer something for everyone. Click through to unleash your creativity and make the most of items you already have at home. Let’s turn the ordinary into extraordinary together!
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Using old bed sheets in new ways is not only creative, but it is also a way to live in a more environmentally friendly way. I think the important “takeaway” from this is that bed sheets are free or inexpensive fabric sources. Instead of hauling old sheets away in boxes, figure out if there is some way you can give them new life. That’s the homesteader way!
What’s the most creative way you’ve repurposed an old bed sheet? Share your projects and inspire our community!
I found a cute kids patterned king size sheet set really cheap. From that set I made a sheet set for a toddler bed, pillow case, throw pillows,curtains, a chair pad for the rocking chair, a doll bed sheet set, doll blanket and pillow for the doll cradle, a little girls nightgown and a nightgown for her doll. And all from one kingsize sheet set! And all for $10! Sheets are awesome!
That is a great deal! DIY ingenuity rocks!
My physical therapist used a twin sheet for some exercise. I found used sheets and practiced at home . that extra work really paid off in mobility from a shoulder injury.
I use my old fitted sheets to cover the box spring..got tired of fighting the bed skirts and I use old pillow cases to make dog beds for my pups
I think this idea just saved me a bunch of money and time! I don’t have a frame under the box springs (movers broke the frame!).
I made a beautiful dress for my daughter from a double-sided duvet that was pink on one side and polka dotted on the other. I got TONS of material for $4. The first dress that I made didn’t fit so I actually made 2 dresses from this one cheap purchase. I’ve been hording thrift store sheets ever since then for my sewing pleasure!
That sounds lovely.
Old pillowcases are great to store quilts in. It keeps them clean from dust & lets them “breathe” which helps the fabric to last longer than to put them into plastic bags. I use sheets for the backing on most all of the larger quilts I make & if I have to purchase sheets for the project to get the right color or design, I use the fitted one to give to (or add a little bit in cost) my customer as an extra incentive to buy the quilt.
When my daughter was little many of her night gowns were pillow cases. I kept the deep hem edge as was and just the top. Some were no sew with the shoulder pieces cut to be tied. Some were cut to self line the armholes and neck.
Some churches still roll bandages that are used in the African mission field and use old cotton sheets for them. They are cut into 1 1/2″ strips and rolled into tight coils. At our church we made little rolling machines that make the job very easy. In many areas of Africa the hospitals and clinics do not have sterile one use supplies and use these bandages that can be washed and sterilized and reused.
I use old fitted twin sized sheets as tablecloths for those picnic tables at campsites or parks. They fit perfectly on the corners and the wind doesn’t blow them all over the place. I just throw them in the washer to clean them, and store them in the cooler until the next time!
That might be the most brilliant suggestion ever! Thank you!
You can cut up a flannel pillow case into rags to curl your hair!
You guys are genius! I love the hauling weeds one, will have to use this idea this spring when we have to trim back the hedge trees! That is some very prickly work.
I use old sheets in several ways. But I use them often to make copies of patterns I like as the paper wears out where pinned but the sheet fabric doesn’t! I use sheets to line non-lined drapes, lining for upholstery fabrics, practice fabric when teaching my grandkids to sew. They get well used around my house, lol.
I use a twin size sheet that matches my car’s interior to hide what I’m carrying in my hatchback car. It’s a good idea when traveling at Christmas time to cover gifts and keep them out of sight to discourage a break-in.
That’s a good idea!
Good idea! I do the same thing only have a full size top sheet that I keep folded inside a bag. It can also be used as an instant picnic cloth.
U can put an old shower curtain on back of a sheet for a picnic blanket that won’t let the damp thru
Sheets are perfect for kantha or sashiko embroidery. I love to use quilts done that wa for pillowcoverings or upholstery.
Sheets can make very nice curtains…… 🙂
Noni, I love your sheet idea for overalls. I do not sew very much, some hair scrunchies here and there, but that it. Would actually pay money for a pair of those. They sound so comfortable. Great idea.
I use a bed sheet to make a custom skirt for my bed.
I used an old stripey sheet to try out an overalls pattern for size. Loved the look and wore them! Didn’t like the “proper” overalls I eventually made nearly as much ?
A good pair of overalls are hard to find. They sound cute!
I have been using bed sheets to make quilts! I am on my 7th one and in most cases I have $10-$12 in each one. You can also use them in the place of batting and ,or backing for a softer touch and not so heavy quilt. Years ago I made a beautiful dress out of a sheet. No one ever knew!
I made maternity tops out of a stack of sheets my mother gave me. Also made a full set of sheets, pillow and pads for the babies crib when he was born.
I use a sheet to haul the weeds I pull from the garden to the disposal site.
I use old sheet to line quilts! Works great
I used my old flannel sheets to make diapers for my daughter’s first baby; she’s still using them on their second one. Used strips from old towels in the middle for added absorption. Cheap, and cute, too!
I get another year out of my old sheets by patching them with pieces of older sheets.
I have sewn 2 flat sheets together to make a duvet cover. It seems the flats are always in much better shape than the fitted sheets when we move on to new sets. Even simple duvet cover seem so highly priced that I just couldn’t justify paying what was being asked in stores and online.
GREAT IDEAS!!!! I save ALL our old bed sheets to make curtains, kitchen towels, fabric yarn, ANYTHING that requires fabric yardage!!! Also, if I need/want more, I just pop over to my thrift store and see what they have for sheets – I got 3 all-cotton queen sets for $1.50 each (it was their monthly half-off day)!!!!
Great buy!
My mother made stacks of flannel shirt diapers for my first son. The second boy used them. Then they were tags in the shop. She did it again for 3rd son and 7 years later she made diapers and night gowns in newborn size for my daughter. Always great to use.
I have been wanting to get some clearance fabric to make hot rice bags to put in the microwave to heat…I am thinking that my old sheets would work great for this! Thanks for getting the ideas in my head spinning!
I made a rice bag with flannel sheets and it worked great.
I use scraps from flannel sheets for rice bags.
I make duvets with them.
I’ve used them as wall paper! Acouple flat sheets with a print/pattern you love & a staple gun ….you’re good to go!
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend doing more than an accent wall this way, but if you’re that ambitious you go right ahead!
Funny you should say that. I was sick of seeing the washer and dryer from my office, so I made a faux wall from a cute full-sized sheet I found at the thrift store. No more eyesore 🙂
Actually, this is an awesome idea! I have a laundry room with walls that resemble a dungeon. Wondering if a sheet would spruce things up a bit.
To the author of this blog post, thanks for all the ideas!
Wow, and all I do with mine is use them for painting drop cloths!
I had pretty drapes but needed tie backs. I used scraps of a pretty print the went well with the color of the drapes.