I’ll be honest, when I woke up this morning to write, I was drawing a blank. I had several topics in mind, but all of them required me photographing steps. I just wasn’t feeling ambitious enough to pull out the camera. I was sitting in front of a blank screen and blinking cursor, scanning the house for inspiration. Something really cool to share with you. Something brilliant I had discovered. All of a sudden my eyes landed on the perfect something. A bed sheet hanging loosely from the corner of a window, blowing gently in the breeze.
Why would I have a bed sheet hanging from my window, you might ask? I have no shades in my kitchen, only a frosted panel in the top (with little cutouts of cutlery) to keep the sun from your eyes while eating your toast. On really hot days the sun comes blazing in through my front windows causing the A/C to work even harder than it needs to. The bed sheets filter the sun so we can stay cool without having to feel like we’re living in a dark cave.
I’ve also used Thomas the Train bed sheets to make a curtain and valance for my toddler’s room. The big fold in the top of the flat sheet is perfect for sliding a rod through (you just need to remove a few stitches to open the ends) and the “extra” at the bottom can be turned into a valance. Just last week I recovered a small arm-chair with a nice satin pinstripe bed sheet. It won’t last as long as upholstery fabric, but I got the bed sheet for $2 at a thrift store and the upholstery fabric costs twice that a yard. I’m okay with doing it again in a few years.
This got me thinking about all the ways you could repurpose or upcycle an old bed sheet. Now, keep in mind I’m not the best seamstress — though my harvest apron isn’t too shabby — but even I can handle these projects.
Repurposed & Upcycled Bed Sheet Ideas
#1 Obviously they can be cut down used as rags & cleaning cloths.
#2 Gardeners use them to cover crops during light frost.
Image courtesy of Whole Lifestyle Nutrition
#3 You can keep one folded up in your trunk for an impromptu picnic lunch or in case you need to change a tire in nice clothes.
#4 Two full-sized sheets sewn together are the perfect size and weight for a beach blanket. You can do some random lines for quilting to keep the bed sheets from slipping. It will dry in no time on the line when you get home or you could just toss it in the dryer.
#5 A quick and easy drawstring bag with hundreds of possibilities – shoes, kid’s toys, toiletries, etc.
#6 A solid colored bed sheet might be just the thing to line see-through clothing for cheap.
#7 Pillow cases make awesome reusable grocery sacks. Check out the tutorial here. I did it and they work great (though I still prefer my tote bags for heavy items).
Image courtesy of LuckyPalm
#8 Here is another great bag option using a pillowcase. It’s a bit easier than the one from #7, so if you’re new to sewing or you prefer simplicity, this might be the right one for you.
#9 If you live in an area with long periods of bad weather, a bed sheet rag rug might be just the project for you.
#10 You can make a cute wreath like this one by Two Shades of Pink.
Image courtesy of Two Shades of Pink
#11 You can make some easy-peasy jammie pants.
#12 Or maybe a skirt is more your style.
#13 You can create simple wall art from pretty bed sheets. This tutorial is in Spanish (I think), but you can figure out the steps even if you don’t have Google Translate.
Image courtesy of Dcoracao
#14 You could make throw pillows for your bed or sofa.
#15 You can give your kids an awesome outdoor craft project.
#16 A bed sheet teepee is fun for kids and adults. Here’s a tutorial from The Handmade Home and another from My Poppet.
I think the important “take away” 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!
Do you have some awesome way of reusing old bed sheets? Tell us below in the comments. If you’ve got a tutorial, feel free to share the link. Just learning how to sew? Trying to hone in on your skills. Check out the Craftsy online sewing classes.
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An old white sheet can be used as bandages in a pinch. I’ve used new curtains to make curtains for most of the rooms in our house. So easy and not as expensive as pre-made curtains or even fabric for them. Anything you can make with fabric, you can make with a good sheet. I lined a patchwork spread for our bed and lined it with a king sized sheet. We have tall queen sized bed.
great quality of the bed sheer
Hi, great ideas!
I make “angel gowns” for local NICU hospitals. (Burial gowns for the preemies who don’t make it.).
I use edged pillowcases, sheets, even lace curtains I find in thrift stores & yard sales, & trim w/ribbons & lace..
Some of those little ‘angels’ are so tiny, there isn’t anything to fit. I convert or shrink doll clothes patterns. And I offer a prayer that seeing their little angel dressed beautifully instead of just wrapped gives the parents a little comfort.
You’re a saint! 💕💗💕
I am a Volunteer at a hospital and a professional seamstress. I think your idea of making angle clothes is very thoughtful and kind.
OMG. What an amazing inspiring Blessing you’re DOING. I have a premiee and my grandson was a premiee too,, Both still with us that k the Lord. But I know the heart ache of not knowing and those I’m the NICU that didn’t make it. God bless you. And I am going to start doing the same making Angel Gowns here in Bakersfield CA. Tha k you for the inspiration.
A cork board could be covered with a pretty sheet to give pizzazz to a room.
I covered the old solid plastic slats of my patio door blind. Measure slat width (back and front for size plus 1/2 inch for 1/4 inch seam) and length plus 1/2 inch. Undo the small hem on the bottom, iron, cut strips from bottom edge of sheet, to fit to the top with no hem on top. Fold on length, right sides together, sew length and bottom end, invert, iron, slide plastic slat into covering, at the top, poke a small opening to fit onto the plastic hook. lightly hot glue to top. With the edging from the top of the sheet, make a valance and hot glue that to the top of the metal support of the slats. If the sheet has a frilly, lacy edging, the valance is gorgeous!
PS I made one covering, tried it, liked it a lot, then I measured one complete sheet marking the lines on the wrong side with a pencil.
All great ideas, I used an old twin sheet for a quilt backing and it was so soft as it had been washed a hundred times.
There would be different types of usage the old mattress could do. Thank you for sharing!
These are all very cool ideas. My only problem is it implies that you have pretty colored sheets. I only have an ugly orange sheet. If I picture it as these projects… It doesnt look pretty.
Any suggestions on what to use it for?
Halloween
You can add cool contrast trim to orange and make it pop. Another idea to use sheets for is tablecloths. Pillow cases can be trimmed at the top with neck and armholes for abtoddlers dress. No hem required. The pattern can be found on Pinterest.
Crochet a rug (bath mat)…can find cheap sheets at consignment shops to add other colors….so cute!
Painting drop cloth
When we do remodeling indoors that causes a lot dirt and dust hang a damp sheet in the doorways to catch the dust and keep the other rooms cleaner
When my kids were little I would put a sheet under the table and when they would drop food it would go on the sheet and not dirty the floor.
I use thrift store sheets and curtains for doll and dollhouse linens, clothes, and what-nots like purses, suitcases, etc. I have tons of left over fabric, but it’s better than paying a fortune for smaller pieces of fabric at stores that have fewer fabric choices. I’ve also used pictures cut out of sheets to put on the walls, either in frames or if you soak the fabric in starch it will stick to the wall. was inexpensive to decorate my son’s room and bathroom when he was young. And I use fabric to cover boxes and bottles for use as gift packaging.
This was a god read! I love the reusable grocery sack idea!
My teenage boys liked western shirts, but they were expensive. I learned that if I placed my pattern pieces right, I could get 2 shirts from one double size flat sheet. There were scads of nice patterns in sheets, barely used, at the thrift stores.
Love it! I have to say, in our house, we use sheets for many things, especially since we bought a new sofa, King Boulevard from these guys – https://www.kingliving.com.au/furniture/sofas-modulars-recliners . We cover it with sheets when our baby is in the room , so breathing new life into the sheets is something I’m interested in.
I am making gnomes for every holiday. Call it my Norwegian heritage surfacing. Anyway flannel is expensive. I pick up flannel sheets that are bright and or patterned at yard sales or thrift shops at fraction of cost of fabric for this use
I like to make “bunn ruggs” out of old sheets. If they are a light color, I dye them. Then I cut them diagonally so there will be some give when I crochet the strips. Bunn Ruggs are squares crocheted that one uses to sit on to be more comfortable. I made over 40 this year as gifts. I also go to auctions and buy fabric (can get it very cheap!) If you want a very comfortable one, use a Queen size set to make one. King gives you more so it can be made big enough to fit on a recliner and not be “stingy”!
what is a Bunn Rugg? a picture would be wonderful
I’d also love to know the answer to this. A Google search said, “Did you mean bunny rugs” and then showed me hundreds of pictures of coffee pots. So….
BUNN RUGS are for your BUM to sit on to be more comfy onmhard chairs etc.
In our small town, some of the church Ladies used sheets to make adult bibs for the nursing home and put some Velcro on to hold them around in the back….
Great ideas! I love the wreath, especially. I would also like your readers to know that your local ASPCA or other types of animal shelters always welcome donations of old sheets and blankets, they have many uses for them.
That’s great to know. Thank you Jinnie!
Our Humane Society turned down sheets. Said they couldn’t use them.
Thanks for all the awesome ideas. I love to repurpose wherever possible. I used two stripey duvet covers bought from an op shop split them in half along one seam and then sewed the two large rectangles together to make one huge square which I then used to cover an Australian Hills Hoist clothes line, for a gazebo like tent for my grandsons first bithday party in the back yard. Just tie the corners onto the corners of the clothes line with cut off ties. Makes great extra shade. I then did the same with my own clothes line in the summer to prevent the clothes from getting parched in the summer sun and its cooler when hanging clothes on the line.
Great ideas. I miss hanging clothes up on the line outside.
I still use a clothesline for most of my laundry in good weather and a wooden rack in bad weather stands inside.
Great idea, Julie, thanks! I could do this on my rectangular clothesline both to shade the clothes from sun-decay, and to provide a barrier between the laundry and the birds…
Cotton sheets make great rag curlers! Cut into strips about 6-8 inches long (depending on length of hair) and take a small portion of hair and start rolling up on strip of fabric and when you get near you head, tie the two ends of the rag around your hair. Sometimes we do a lose knot, so it doesn’t come out in your sleep. You roll with your hair damp and sleep in them and when you get up, you untie them and you have beautiful bouncy curls all day long! I have on daughter who her hair will only hold curl when I use this technique.
I still use a clothesline for most of my laundry in good weather and a wooden rack in bad weather stands inside. I did that for my daughter when she was young. Lovely long curls.
Great idea
It was in Potugese, not Spanish.
I love the pajama pants idea & will definitely have to try it.
I have used a bedsheets for making small petticoats for rag dolls.
I use them as strips for waxing my legs
I place elastic in the casing of an old pillow case. I then use them as a dirty clothes bag for camping or traveling.
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 them to put under the hedge when trimming, much easier to clean up afterwards.
Also, in my mothers day, they would tear the sheet in half down the middle where it was worn and then sew the outer edges together, thus making them into a usable sheet again.
We used them under plum trees and walnut trees to help gather up what shook loose.
Clever, good ideas.
I made a ironing board cover from an old sheet it looks prsettier than what you can buy in a store.
My mother taught me to make ironing board covers. Said she started doing that during the depression.
Resale shop sheets are fabric of choice for many women’s costumes for our theater group. Especially for petticoats, bloomers, nightgowns and corsets. Sheets were used in all the daughters outfits for “Pirates of Penzance” last spring and all the fairies in this falls “A Midsummer Nights Dream”.
Personally I have used 2 flat sheets to make duvet covers for decades and a twin flat sheet is just the right size for a bottom sheet for a queen size water bed, just add triangles to the corners to hold it to the mattress. Also used designer sheets to make wall covering in rental apartments back in the 80’s. Merimako had a lovely poppy design.
I have purchased sheets for my Medieval re-enactment clothing. I also got a beautiful dress out of a duvet cover. You never look at household linens the same way
Made valances for bedroom.
made curtains for a porch.
Old bedsheets make great covers for the front and back seats of cars. Or even a car cover.
my husband used bedsheets for the backing on guilts that he made when he was making them i like them for covering the couch and chairs in summer so its cooler to sit on .
I use queen size flat sheet to make sleeping bag for sleepover instead of using their bed sheets fold bedsheet in half and sew bottom and halfway on side, Just put that sleeping bag over any bed or sofa and just add a blanket Over it. You can also sew a pillowcase on top of that sleeping bag.. Just slide in a pillow .. You bring your sleeping back home to wash and you didnt use the bedding of where you were visiting…For winter use warmer sheets to make sleeping bag . Twin size sheet s are perfect for children sleeping bags.. Or Queen size flat sheets.
Great idea on the sleep sack, Maria. These are handy for hostel guests, too. And travelers who don’t quite trust the state of the linens in hotels where they stay.
I made twin sheets folded in half with quilt batting or old blankets cut to fit and sew up into a tube, then a seam across the bottom to make nap pads or bags for a local kingergardeb class. Kids all loved them.
table clothes – they are perfect
I use an old sheet when I give my dog a haircut. When I am done I take it outside and shake over the garbage can. Saves clean up time.
I’m going to give the jammie bottoms a go.
I have made curtains from bed sheets,but pj bottoms that’s new…….thanks for the idea.
If you purchase calico flat bed sheets, and sew a white ruffle around, you can use them for great drapes, and use the white ruffle for tie backs. They look really good in a log cabin, type home. My mom would use them for cleaning mirrors, as they don’t contain lint, and for curling my hair when I was little.
Cloth pads. Just finished one today: pillowcase, 6 layers of flannel, sweatpant fleece, snaps.
I used sheets from the thrift store to give me enough fabric to make a quilt and bought an even bigger sheet there for the backing. Saved TONS of money on fabric (of course I picked only colors I like for my quilt).
I tear them in strips and us to tie newly planted trees and/ or plants to a pole.
I’ve used them for tying up new fruit trees and tomatoes. Also a strip made a nice tied headband or tied a ponytail when I’m working.
About ten years ago, I was given a bunch of odd sized white sheets. Maybe they were hospital bed sheets. They were too narrow to do much with, but with a little work, such as tearing on grain and from there I made pillow cases and pillow case covers (with back flaps,that I call pillow case underwear). I gave quite a few to our adult children a few years ago, and now it is almost time to start replacing the ones we have.
I use them for lining inexpensive drapes and drop cloths for painting.
I use white sheets for table cloths
I learned from Pinterest that you can use fabric for classroom bulletin boards. Bed sheets might be cheaper than fabric. Also, I use old bed sheets to cover up my books and computers during summer vacation to keep dust away.
instead of using a plastic tarp to carry my leaves to the composite pile, I use a sheet, so much easier to handle.
My grandmother and mother would keep white sheets torn into strips to use for bandages on us kids.cheaper than gauze and tape.worked greatm
the wall art tutorial is Portuguese,by the way, from a fabric storeinRio, but we can figure it out thanks for all the ideas!!
I sometimes use them for quilt batting when I want a light-weight summer blanket.
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.
They are also great for making look a like dresses for little girls and their dolls
I also use them as drop cloths for painting, but also for other projects where I know there will be droppings on the floor or the table. I use our dining table to assemble/repair wreaths at Christmas and an old sheet protects the table from getting scratched and it saves the glitter, fake garland needles, etc. that fall. When I’m done, I just grab the sheet and shake it out outside. My husband uses them to put on the ground if he needs to work under the car or tractor.
I use my old bed sheets to cover my dogs beds. Then wash them when they are dirty. They never dirty their beds. So easy to keep their beds clean.
old flannel sheets make great reusable diapers. My daughter did that. you can make rag baskets with torn strips of sheeting. Think color and not pattern on this project. Make laundry bags to match kids room.They may even pick up their dirty cloths!Place mats and napkins and mug rugs. piece them for pretty table runners.
I’ve crocheted baskets from sheet torn strips. Also mug rugs, a large enough basket for my knitting, and table place mats.
Really old or bad ones are perfect painting dropcloths and last forever it seems .
I used vintage/novelty sheets and pillow cases for many of my projects…diaper bags, messanger bags, dresses, pj’s, curtains and so much more! I can pick them up at thrift stores for a couple of dollars. On average I can get about 4 yards out of a full size flat sheet. You can’t get those kinds of patterns on fabric anymore…lol. I have boxes and boxes of them.
I love that! I watch for “bag sales” at our local thrift store. It’s $5 for however much you can fit in the bag. Those are the days I hit the kid’s clothes and bed linens.
I make purses from the tops of old jeans from crotch to waisted band. I add cute ruffles to some with pretty print sheet scraps.
old flannel sheets are great for rag quilts or pj bottoms! Two Pillowcases can be sewn together and stuffed with old pillows for little ones to lay on the floor while they watch tv or lean one up on coffee creating a “couch” for them to sit on! You can just let your imagination take over!
That’s a great idea. My kids would love something like that.
Love these ideas for “vintage” bed sheets. There’s just something about the quality of older fabrics that I just can’t throw them away. You’ve all given some super ideas, thanx. Gotta ask 104 Homestead, I live in upstate NY and one of the main east/west rds is Rt. 104 follows along Lake Ontario from Niagara falls to Albany ( I believe) do you live along this route?
I don’t. We live in the Mount Washington Valley, a bit further down.
Hey! I used to live in upstate NY, near Lockport and took 104 all of the time. Just saying “104” made me think of home.
you can make your own DIY hammock, there are lots of patterns on Pinterest
I like that idea!
I keep old sheets in the trunk of my car for my fragile yard sale finds. Love your ideas!
That’s a great idea. You never know when you’ll find a treasure 🙂
I use pillow cases and curtains to make aprons for kids and adults. I make rag rugs from left over matetial. The rest i use to make dolls clothes
I need to start making rag rugs. It’s been on my “Skills to Learn” list for a while now.
it’s in portuguese, not spanish.
thanks for the post
this past summer i used a fitted standard sheet for a top on my swing.. the corners fit the frame perfectly..
I use bed sheets alongside the patterned fabric in my patchwork projects.
Also as backing material.
Cheap and big!
Great ideas! I’m afraid you forget one of my favourites: little girls’ dress with pillow cases…there’s a lot of great tutorials and patterrns on pinteres.
Best wishes, sil
I love those little dresses 🙂
I used a old (navy blue) flat sheet to cover my box spring. A new light blue set on the mattress. It looked nice the navy blue went to the floor.
I’m a quilter – I use bed sheets (primarily the unfitted ones) for batting for summer weight quilts, where batting would make it too warm. I’ve used the same bed sheets in flannel for batting for children and baby quilts, as they get washed MANY times & flannel holds up well to lots of wear. Also have used bed sheets to line drapes I’ve made for a window, to keep the drapery fabric from being sunbleached. I collect old bed sheets in the old prints, and eventually will make a few quilts out of the fabric. Quilters truly recycle!
Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t see anyone mention making rag rugs. IF I knew how to crochet I would make rugs out of 2 inch wide strips of old sheets and shirts. I love them!
I’ve been making rag rugs for years. You can get a lot more variety in your patterns if you use 1″ strips. Using a rotary cutter and cutting, it takes me a lot less time to cut them up and the edges are a lot neater.
I still want to take time to make a few rag rugs. The to-do list hasn’t allowed for it yet.
My mother made a large rag rug that was crocheted with 1″ strips of old cotton materials from shirts and sheets. I made a braided rug for my bedroom at the same time. It was a fun mother daughter project. We both cut strips and sewed them into long strips to roll into balls like yard.
I use them to make light summer time quilts or bedspreads. You can use the old fitted sheets as your squares and flat sheets ( a size larger than the bed you are making it for ) as the backing.
I use vintage sheets to back my quilts. Awesome individual style and at a great price!
I’m a teacher and I use old sheets as bulletin board backgrounds
Great idea! You could get some really neat patterns.
I have used old cotton sheets to make a loose fitting nightgown, because cotton is cool and breathable. I have also used it to make white dinner napkins to use everday , in place of so many paper towels. I plan on covering my bedroom lampshade using an old sheet , after I tea-dye the cotton sheet. I will be using strips of the sheet to mage rag-roses that I saw on Pinterest, to embellish the lamp. I like to make my own pillow cases from a large cotton sheet.
Sounds pretty 🙂
JUST FOUND THIS WEB SITE TODAY. IT REMINDED ME OF WHEN I WAS GROWING UP WITH MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS.MOM AND DAD WONDERFUL MEMORIES JUST READING THE COMMENTS. TREASURED SITE INDEED. I HAVE USED BEAUTIFUL QUEEN SIZE SHEETS TO MAKE MYSELF SOME DRESSES, APRONS AND CURTAINS. THE FABRIC LASTS FOREVER AND ENJOY WORKING WITH THE COTTON ONES. I MADE MY GRAND DAUGHTER A DRESS USING A PILLOW CASE. I CROCHETED THE NECKLINE. SO SO CUTE
With the future so uncertain, cut your sheets into 2-3″ strips and sew short pieces together These make great roller bandages We made these in church for foreign countries years ago. A great idea for medical supplies
I use bed sheets for the back or underside of a quilt. Every quilt i have made has a blanket for the batting, a sheet for the backing.
Dog rescue groups use them to cover crates if the dog is scared.
We do the same with our poultry. If they are stressed due to a new environment or injury, we cover them to offer security. It’s always wise to have a few on hand for that.
Great idea.
Actually the website listed in #13 is in Portugese, just in case people were unable to get in work in the Translator…
Just recently I made roman shades that I lined with a double layer of old sheets to help insulate. I also use old sheets for the back of quilts which is way cheaper than buying the fabric. And as mentioned above I also made draft stoppers from them, I then made covers for those out of nice fabric that can be removed and washed. Boil some white cotton sheet cut into small pieces for waxing instead of buying waxing strips. They never had enough of them in a box with the wax so I had to improvise 😉 Plus bags, rugs, coasters and anything you could do with other fabric.
You can also use them to make rag rugs with!
During our cold snap in December, I took a twin size flannel blanket, folded the top edge over, sewed it down, leaving the ends of that seam open. Then I slid a spring action curtain rod thru it, and hung it at the very top of a door of a room I did not want to heat. Have to keep the door open some for cats so they can get to their cat box, bit it left the door open just enough for them to go in, bit the sheet kept the heat from going into that room. The increase of our house temp by doing that, was very noticeable! Good ideas here!
I did the same for years because our entry was poorly insulated and so drafty. It allowed the kids to pass through easily, but kept the main part of the house warm.
Those are all great ideas! I just had to make curtains for my living room. It’s a very sunny room during the day, but with such an old house, the wind just blows right through the curtains during storms. Buying lined curtains would cost me an arm, leg and part of my soul. So I decided to make my own. I just used flat sheets to line the inside of my curtains. I scavenged some fabric from my grandmothers attic, and used neutral flat sheets as liners. It worked out great!
I am so glad to hear they worked out for you!
Once a week I use 2″ strips of old sheets instead of buying twine to tie up my newspapers for recycling. I’ve used an old pillowcase with pretty embroidery work as a cover for my sewing machine. Turn the pillowcase inside out and sew across to make it shorter.
Thanks for this helpful post! My children have enjoyed creating their own movies over the years. They have made many of their costumes out of thrift store sheets. It was a great discovery for them!
Bed sheets that have been soaked in liquid starch can be used like wallpaper. It’s especially good for renters, because you can change the whole look of a room, and all you have to do is spray it with water, and it comes right down, with NO DAMAGE to the existing walls or paint.
Also, bed sheets can be used for lining curtains, for extra energy efficiency and to protect your curtain fabric.
And if you make long tubes and then fill them with rice and/or beans, you can use it to stop drafts. Make them small enough that you don’t trip on them all the time!
I saw that on one of those DIY shows. That’s a great idea, especially if you’re doing a focal wall 🙂
I used worn bedsheets from my stash & the thrift store & old blue jeans to make rag rugs for Xmas presents.I got 3 made and will soon start on more. Plan to use some for batting on real quilts. I was actually at the thrift store looks for more sheets and scored Ralph Lauren sheets that are on my bed. If they ever wear out I will use them for quilting, but am hoping they don’t. I love them, probably 1000 count & I paid $7 for them.
I love thrift store finds like that! I was rejoicing yesterday on Facebook about the $60 worth of soap molds I scored for $18.
Its really wonderful post ,thanks for giving me information.I appreciate this.Kindly make new post regarding the bed sheet. This post is very useful.
I’ve used old sheets in place of batting for quilts. It doesn’t take much to over heat me so I enjoy the thinness of the quilt. I do have quilts made the traditional way and they’re usually on the floor where I’ve kicked them off during the night because I got hot. Many moons ago…I remember mom using a pillow case to make a clothes pin holder that she hung on the clothes line with a clothes hanger. I guess the best way to describe it is that it looked like a sleeveless shirt with the bottom sewed shut. LOL. The part of the pillow case she cut away (the ‘neckline’) she then used it to make a pocket on the outside of the bag to hold her plastic clips that she used on our slips and silky soft under garments (she used plastic ones so they didn’t snag like a wooden clothespin would do).
I have used my old sheets to make/alter patterns before cutting out expensive fabric when making clothing. Especially pants!
If I followed that advice, I bet my sewing attempts would have better outcomes. I rarely get it right the first time.
I used an old sheet when I made my sister’s wedding dress so I could be sure the size was right before I cut into the fancy fabric. Worked great, and I just found the top part still in my fabric stash!
I’ve been looking for some nice vintage sheets to make housedresses to wear instead of my usual worn-out stuff. I’d like to look nicer when someone comes to the door, rather than showing off my stained, holey, stretched-out clothes. 🙂
That sounds great. I love vintage sheets. I’d love a bunch of maxi skirts made of vintage sheets.
I have old sheets and often pick up old sheets at yard sales during the summer to use in the winter to cover my plants when it freezes. Works great. This year we had lots of cold wind with freezing tempts so I used some of the old flat sheets and had my husband staple them on the outside of my chicken pens to keep the girls warm. It worked great. It might look shabby to some but we live so far out that no one can see it anyway. The girls are happy and the eggs keep coming!
I have to admit, I aim for cute and chic, but when push comes to shove, I do what needs to be done. My chicken yard looks darling during the spring, summer and fall, but come winter there’s plywood, pallets and tarps galore. To heck with what the neighbors think. Gotta keep the ladies comfortable.
I have purchased cotton sheets from the thrift store for a couple of dollars. I was lucky enough to find two that were new and still in original package. I cut and sewed these into everyday dinner napkins. I hate buying paper products that I am just going to use once and throw away. This saves me tons of money since I don’t have to buy paper napkins or use paper towels.
I am a huge fan of unpaper towels!
I buy two sets of matching sheets(flat and fitted0. I sew the two flat sheets together on three sides with a french seam and sew buttons and loops on the open end. Then I purchase an inexpensive duvet to insert or reuse an old comforter that has seen better days and perhaps no longer matches the decor.
That’s a great idea. Do you have tips for getting the duvet to stay in place? I gave up on mine because it always seemed to travel to the foot of the bed.
Turn the duvet cover inside out, sew 2 straps to each corner.
Tie off the duvet (comforter) at the top corners, while turning the duvet cover as you go.
when you get to the bottom, tie off the corners.
Button up the duvet cover
Thanks for the much needed tip. I have a love/hate relationship with my duvet.
I used to make duvet covers at work, we would attach buttons to the duvet and elastic loops on the cover. Just button together and turn. Stays put.
You can also buy special clips for the corners! They are at Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
There’s always angel costumes for those white ones – even better if it has a fancy end that you can use for the hem!
I purchased 5 coordinating pillow cases at a thrift store and sewed them together side to side leaving the opening where you insert the pillow untouched. Next I purchased 5 inexpensive pillows to put in the cases. When my granddaughter wants to lie on the floor to watch TV, or has a friend over to spend the night, we slip the pillows into the cases sewn together and, voila!, we have an instant pallet to lie on or sleep on!
That is brilliant! My kids would love that.
I love that idea. Ill have to try it. I just bought 8 new pillows 2 for $3.50 clearance sale. Plan to use as throw pillows but I make my throw pillow covers like an envelope so they are easy to wash. Could use then both ways. Thanks
My elderly neighbor is an avid quilter and she stores her prized quilts in pillow cases. She said it is not good to store them in plastic (like trash bags) and suggest taking them out and re-folding them in a different direction on occasion to keep them safe.
I remember my grandmother use to refold her quilts to keep them in good condition.
Could you tell me details on how to make a bag with drawstring out of old sheets? Thanks
I used this pattern as a guide, but I’m pretty “free spirited” when it comes to patterns.
old sheets rolled up with some sting for door cover to stop drafts tack them from the top of the door in between storm doors
That’s wonderful. I might use that idea in my drafty house this winter.
Hi Jessica. Thanks so much for the vintage sheet pajama shout out. This is a great roundup of sheet ideas. Love your blog.
You are so welcome. I’m glad you came by 🙂
We use pillow cases to cover sleeping bags to keep clean. Sheets (white) make great ghosts.
I love those ideas!
I had a dog that shed badly and when I went to work she always jumped on the couch so I used queen fitted sheets (or use flat) to cover the sofas everyday before work, then just take them off shake em and your ready for company.
I also have used a white sheet as a backdrop for taking pictures of items for etsy.
I’ll check back to see if any other clever ideas turn up! 🙂
I love those ideas!
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing at Simple Lives Thursday.
I’ve made some pretty fancy cloth diapers out of old bedsheets, worn out bath towels for a soaker panel, and scrap elastic from old undies. Only thing I paid for was some new snaps to put on. (Bedsheet is kinda hard on the diaper pins).
You are a kindred spirit, I can tell. My children have strutted around the home in some pretty unique diapers because I refused to spend $15 for something I could make for less.
My son will hate me for this when he grows up, but do you want to know what I’m using for potty training? Little boy underpants and overnight pads with wings (I am a coupon diva and got them for free).