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By Jessica Lane | Last updated on September 2, 2019

Give New Life to Old Bed Sheets

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Jessica Lane

I am a non-traditional homesteader. What is a non-traditional homesteader? I'd like to think we are the people who don't fit the mold. I am a busy mom on a small bit of property with not a lot of financial resources, but I am figuring out how to live the life I want. A homesteader's life.
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Latest posts by Jessica Lane (see all)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. emma williams says

    January 14, 2021 at 6:34 pm

    Loved all your comments…It makes me feel good to see younger and older people share these ideas..Wish more and more people would share and use your ideas..By the way, I bought a waffle weave looked like new king size blanket for $1.00…I had foot surgery and had to stay off foot for 10 weeks , so I cut up the king blanket and made hand towels, washcloths, kitchen towels and some place mats..The towels I cut so I cut fringe them…The smaller pieces, I am using for dish rags and the pieces with edges I use for wipe ups or spills and also made a few to fit the swiffer…The color is a beautiful light lavender…Probably will give a couple sets to friends…and hope they enjoy them as much as I do..Happy sewing and making or whatvever all of you do…!!.

    Reply
  2. Deborah says

    August 30, 2020 at 9:09 am

    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.

    Reply
  3. tashi says

    April 27, 2020 at 8:19 am

    great quality of the bed sheer

    Reply
  4. Knitcrosew says

    February 17, 2020 at 11:55 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      April 13, 2020 at 9:08 am

      You’re a saint! 💕💗💕

      Reply
    • Jean says

      June 10, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      I am a Volunteer at a hospital and a professional seamstress. I think your idea of making angle clothes is very thoughtful and kind.

      Reply
    • Jeniffer Foster says

      July 26, 2020 at 11:28 pm

      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.

      Reply
  5. Sue says

    December 18, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    A cork board could be covered with a pretty sheet to give pizzazz to a room.

    Reply
  6. Carole Davies says

    September 29, 2019 at 8:52 am

    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.

    Reply
  7. Sheila says

    March 18, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    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.

    Reply
  8. Eric Bergmann says

    September 6, 2018 at 4:15 am

    There would be different types of usage the old mattress could do. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  9. B says

    July 19, 2018 at 11:42 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      August 9, 2018 at 7:24 pm

      Halloween

      Reply
    • Nancy says

      September 16, 2018 at 8:51 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      October 1, 2019 at 9:58 am

      Crochet a rug (bath mat)…can find cheap sheets at consignment shops to add other colors….so cute!

      Reply
    • susan says

      February 24, 2020 at 11:22 am

      Painting drop cloth

      Reply
  10. Kathy says

    June 15, 2018 at 10:35 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Bee Bee says

      April 18, 2019 at 3:53 pm

      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.

      Reply
  11. renee says

    May 28, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    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.

    Reply
  12. Vanessa says

    April 16, 2018 at 11:33 am

    This was a god read! I love the reusable grocery sack idea!

    Reply
  13. Phyllis says

    April 15, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    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.

    Reply
  14. Coop says

    April 10, 2018 at 3:12 am

    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.

    Reply
  15. Beth Lahore says

    December 8, 2017 at 10:18 am

    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

    Reply
  16. Dawn Ockomon says

    November 20, 2017 at 9:19 am

    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”!

    Reply
    • Camille nieblas says

      January 28, 2018 at 12:46 am

      what is a Bunn Rugg? a picture would be wonderful

      Reply
    • Chelsey says

      June 27, 2018 at 3:46 pm

      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….

      Reply
      • Iceni says

        August 29, 2018 at 12:03 am

        BUNN RUGS are for your BUM to sit on to be more comfy onmhard chairs etc.

        Reply
  17. Sue says

    February 23, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    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….

    Reply
  18. Jinnie Lee Schmid says

    February 15, 2017 at 11:43 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      February 15, 2017 at 1:24 pm

      That’s great to know. Thank you Jinnie!

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      January 26, 2018 at 6:55 pm

      Our Humane Society turned down sheets. Said they couldn’t use them.

      Reply
  19. Julie Weston says

    February 11, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 14, 2017 at 9:45 am

      Great ideas. I miss hanging clothes up on the line outside.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        October 2, 2018 at 4:06 pm

        I still use a clothesline for most of my laundry in good weather and a wooden rack in bad weather stands inside.

        Reply
    • Vickey says

      September 6, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      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…

      Reply
  20. Nakeba says

    January 29, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Ann Friederich says

      July 28, 2020 at 5:07 pm

      Great idea

      Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    January 22, 2017 at 10:32 pm

    It was in Potugese, not Spanish.

    Reply
  22. Anonymous says

    January 22, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    I love the pajama pants idea & will definitely have to try it.

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    January 16, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    I have used a bedsheets for making small petticoats for rag dolls.

    Reply
  24. M says

    January 15, 2017 at 12:01 am

    I use them as strips for waxing my legs

    Reply
  25. Nikki Robertson says

    January 12, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    I place elastic in the casing of an old pillow case. I then use them as a dirty clothes bag for camping or traveling.

    Reply
    • Leona Rice says

      February 11, 2019 at 11:22 am

      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.

      Reply
  26. Anonymous says

    December 28, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      We used them under plum trees and walnut trees to help gather up what shook loose.

      Reply
  27. Jillian S says

    November 27, 2016 at 11:24 am

    Clever, good ideas.

    Reply
  28. Sharon says

    October 10, 2016 at 12:04 am

    I made a ironing board cover from an old sheet it looks prsettier than what you can buy in a store.

    Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      My mother taught me to make ironing board covers. Said she started doing that during the depression.

      Reply
  29. carol says

    October 7, 2016 at 11:37 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Judy Johnson says

      March 11, 2020 at 8:21 pm

      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

      Reply
  30. Faye Bonner says

    October 7, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Made valances for bedroom.

    Reply
  31. Betty Boyer says

    September 7, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    made curtains for a porch.

    Reply
  32. Karen says

    September 4, 2016 at 8:17 am

    Old bedsheets make great covers for the front and back seats of cars. Or even a car cover.

    Reply
  33. nina hughes young says

    August 13, 2016 at 10:53 pm

    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 .

    Reply
  34. Maria Saulnier says

    August 12, 2016 at 9:02 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Vickey says

      September 6, 2017 at 3:26 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      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.

      Reply
  35. Anonymous says

    July 22, 2016 at 11:06 am

    table clothes – they are perfect

    Reply
  36. Deanna says

    July 13, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    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.

    Reply
  37. Robin Windsor-Robin says

    July 7, 2016 at 12:06 am

    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.

    Reply
  38. Ellen Briggs says

    July 2, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
  39. Chele says

    June 16, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    Cloth pads. Just finished one today: pillowcase, 6 layers of flannel, sweatpant fleece, snaps.

    Reply
  40. Sue Hodgson says

    June 7, 2016 at 8:58 am

    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).

    Reply
  41. Martha Reyes says

    June 7, 2016 at 3:32 am

    I tear them in strips and us to tie newly planted trees and/ or plants to a pole.

    Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      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.

      Reply
  42. Mary Lou says

    June 6, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
  43. Anonymous says

    June 4, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    I use them for lining inexpensive drapes and drop cloths for painting.

    Reply
  44. Anonymous says

    June 4, 2016 at 9:52 am

    I use white sheets for table cloths

    Reply
  45. Tina Lau says

    June 4, 2016 at 2:18 am

    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.

    Reply
  46. Anonymous says

    June 3, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    instead of using a plastic tarp to carry my leaves to the composite pile, I use a sheet, so much easier to handle.

    Reply
  47. c.shields says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    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

    Reply
  48. Polly says

    April 26, 2016 at 5:11 pm

    the wall art tutorial is Portuguese,by the way, from a fabric storeinRio, but we can figure it out thanks for all the ideas!!

    Reply
  49. Brenda says

    April 21, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    I sometimes use them for quilt batting when I want a light-weight summer blanket.

    Reply
  50. Tanya says

    April 18, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      April 22, 2016 at 12:11 pm

      That is a great deal! DIY ingenuity rocks!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        October 2, 2018 at 4:24 pm

        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.

        Reply
  51. Tracy M says

    April 18, 2016 at 6:19 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Nancy E Dillow says

      October 23, 2019 at 1:06 pm

      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!).

      Reply
  52. Chrissy says

    April 9, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      April 10, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      That sounds lovely.

      Reply
      • Leona Rice says

        February 11, 2019 at 11:44 am

        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.

        Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:28 pm

      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.

      Reply
  53. Jeanne says

    April 3, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    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.

    Reply
  54. Mary Kelley says

    April 2, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      April 4, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      That might be the most brilliant suggestion ever! Thank you!

      Reply
  55. Gaylene says

    April 2, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    You can cut up a flannel pillow case into rags to curl your hair!

    Reply
  56. Marcia Little says

    April 1, 2016 at 9:14 am

    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.

    Reply
  57. Gypsy says

    March 21, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    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.

    Reply
  58. P. Forsyth says

    March 13, 2016 at 11:45 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      March 21, 2016 at 11:41 am

      That’s a good idea!

      Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 28, 2018 at 12:03 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Astro says

        September 10, 2019 at 7:37 pm

        U can put an old shower curtain on back of a sheet for a picnic blanket that won’t let the damp thru

        Reply
  59. deniseinark says

    March 12, 2016 at 10:05 am

    Sheets are perfect for kantha or sashiko embroidery. I love to use quilts done that wa for pillowcoverings or upholstery.

    Reply
  60. edwina lee says

    March 12, 2016 at 12:15 am

    Sheets can make very nice curtains…… 🙂

    Reply
  61. Megan says

    March 6, 2016 at 4:35 am

    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.

    Reply
  62. Garden Goddess says

    March 5, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I use a bed sheet to make a custom skirt for my bed.

    Reply
  63. Noni Mercer says

    February 25, 2016 at 9:23 am

    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 ?

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      February 26, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      A good pair of overalls are hard to find. They sound cute!

      Reply
  64. Patti Davis says

    February 23, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      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.

      Reply
  65. Mary Ellen says

    February 19, 2016 at 12:55 am

    I use a sheet to haul the weeds I pull from the garden to the disposal site.

    Reply
  66. Carla says

    February 18, 2016 at 3:33 am

    I use old sheet to line quilts! Works great

    Reply
  67. Sue says

    February 18, 2016 at 12:21 am

    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!

    Reply
  68. Arlene Puentes says

    February 15, 2016 at 7:55 am

    I get another year out of my old sheets by patching them with pieces of older sheets.

    Reply
  69. Gigi says

    February 11, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    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.

    Reply
  70. LisaDiane says

    February 10, 2016 at 8:15 am

    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)!!!!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      February 10, 2016 at 10:57 am

      Great buy!

      Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:40 pm

      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.

      Reply
  71. Carly says

    February 9, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      February 10, 2016 at 11:01 am

      I made a rice bag with flannel sheets and it worked great.

      Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:41 pm

      I use scraps from flannel sheets for rice bags.

      Reply
  72. GoldenGirl says

    February 8, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    I make duvets with them.

    Reply
  73. Terri says

    February 8, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      February 10, 2016 at 11:08 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Nikki says

        February 25, 2016 at 9:43 pm

        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!

        Reply
  74. vikki says

    January 26, 2016 at 10:34 am

    Wow, and all I do with mine is use them for painting drop cloths!

    Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:44 pm

      I had pretty drapes but needed tie backs. I used scraps of a pretty print the went well with the color of the drapes.

      Reply
  75. Marilynn says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    They are also great for making look a like dresses for little girls and their dolls

    Reply
  76. Paula Carley says

    January 12, 2016 at 1:09 am

    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.

    Reply
  77. Pat Mills says

    January 7, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    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.

    Reply
  78. elizabeth frederick says

    January 2, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:48 pm

      I’ve crocheted baskets from sheet torn strips. Also mug rugs, a large enough basket for my knitting, and table place mats.

      Reply
  79. Skyval says

    January 2, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    Really old or bad ones are perfect painting dropcloths and last forever it seems .

    Reply
  80. Heartspell says

    January 1, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      January 2, 2016 at 10:09 am

      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.

      Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 4:50 pm

      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.

      Reply
  81. Kristi R aka Mama K says

    December 31, 2015 at 10:42 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      January 1, 2016 at 10:58 am

      That’s a great idea. My kids would love something like that.

      Reply
  82. Cindie Groth says

    December 7, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      December 8, 2015 at 10:25 am

      I don’t. We live in the Mount Washington Valley, a bit further down.

      Reply
    • Teri says

      January 9, 2016 at 10:51 pm

      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.

      Reply
  83. Nannie says

    December 6, 2015 at 3:09 am

    you can make your own DIY hammock, there are lots of patterns on Pinterest

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      December 6, 2015 at 2:52 pm

      I like that idea!

      Reply
  84. Nancy says

    December 2, 2015 at 5:53 pm

    I keep old sheets in the trunk of my car for my fragile yard sale finds. Love your ideas!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      December 2, 2015 at 7:53 pm

      That’s a great idea. You never know when you’ll find a treasure 🙂

      Reply
  85. Sheelagh says

    November 17, 2015 at 3:43 am

    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

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      November 17, 2015 at 8:19 am

      I need to start making rag rugs. It’s been on my “Skills to Learn” list for a while now.

      Reply
  86. gabriela says

    November 13, 2015 at 10:07 am

    it’s in portuguese, not spanish.
    thanks for the post

    Reply
  87. lorraine patterson says

    November 3, 2015 at 8:29 am

    this past summer i used a fitted standard sheet for a top on my swing.. the corners fit the frame perfectly..

    Reply
  88. June says

    November 1, 2015 at 5:06 am

    I use bed sheets alongside the patterned fabric in my patchwork projects.

    Also as backing material.

    Cheap and big!

    Reply
  89. silvina says

    October 31, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      November 1, 2015 at 9:55 pm

      I love those little dresses 🙂

      Reply
  90. Joyce says

    October 19, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    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.

    Reply
  91. Deb E says

    October 1, 2015 at 10:12 am

    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!

    Reply
  92. Nana Sherry says

    July 27, 2015 at 1:24 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Rena Dee says

      February 6, 2016 at 11:15 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Jessica Lane says

        February 10, 2016 at 11:09 am

        I still want to take time to make a few rag rugs. The to-do list hasn’t allowed for it yet.

        Reply
      • Mary says

        October 2, 2018 at 4:57 pm

        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.

        Reply
  93. Sara says

    July 21, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    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.

    Reply
  94. Corissa says

    July 20, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    I use vintage sheets to back my quilts. Awesome individual style and at a great price!

    Reply
  95. Anonymous says

    June 24, 2015 at 2:49 am

    I’m a teacher and I use old sheets as bulletin board backgrounds

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      June 24, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      Great idea! You could get some really neat patterns.

      Reply
  96. Tami Landreneau says

    June 20, 2015 at 12:02 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      June 21, 2015 at 10:28 pm

      Sounds pretty 🙂

      Reply
  97. LAURETTA BROOKS says

    May 23, 2015 at 2:23 pm

    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

    Reply
  98. Valerie P says

    April 27, 2015 at 11:21 am

    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

    Reply
    • Kat simms says

      January 6, 2016 at 11:00 am

      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.

      Reply
  99. Carol says

    April 25, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Dog rescue groups use them to cover crates if the dog is scared.

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      April 25, 2015 at 9:58 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        October 2, 2018 at 5:01 pm

        Great idea.

        Reply
  100. Tina says

    April 20, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    Actually the website listed in #13 is in Portugese, just in case people were unable to get in work in the Translator…

    Reply
  101. Vera says

    April 20, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    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.

    Reply
  102. LeAnn says

    April 14, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    You can also use them to make rag rugs with!

    Reply
  103. Ginger in Sweet Home Oregon says

    February 22, 2015 at 2:32 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      February 22, 2015 at 8:14 am

      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.

      Reply
  104. Joyce Kilpatrick says

    February 20, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Lane says

      February 20, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      I am so glad to hear they worked out for you!

      Reply
  105. Jeannie says

    February 12, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    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.

    Reply
  106. Teresa says

    January 26, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    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!

    Reply
  107. Liz says

    January 25, 2015 at 12:30 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      January 25, 2015 at 10:19 am

      I saw that on one of those DIY shows. That’s a great idea, especially if you’re doing a focal wall 🙂

      Reply
  108. Susan says

    January 22, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      January 22, 2015 at 8:29 pm

      I love thrift store finds like that! I was rejoicing yesterday on Facebook about the $60 worth of soap molds I scored for $18.

      Reply
  109. Pacific Lenon says

    January 22, 2015 at 5:22 am

    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.

    Reply
  110. Anna Gibson says

    January 12, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    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).

    Reply
  111. Angela says

    December 19, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    I have used my old sheets to make/alter patterns before cutting out expensive fabric when making clothing. Especially pants!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      December 20, 2014 at 9:38 am

      If I followed that advice, I bet my sewing attempts would have better outcomes. I rarely get it right the first time.

      Reply
    • Sheila says

      June 20, 2015 at 6:46 am

      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. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jessica Lane says

        June 21, 2015 at 10:27 pm

        That sounds great. I love vintage sheets. I’d love a bunch of maxi skirts made of vintage sheets.

        Reply
  112. Sandy Rayborn says

    December 14, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      December 20, 2014 at 9:49 am

      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.

      Reply
  113. Debra Waites DeBord says

    December 11, 2014 at 3:29 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      December 11, 2014 at 7:37 am

      I am a huge fan of unpaper towels!

      Reply
  114. Kathleen Boden says

    November 27, 2014 at 9:48 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      November 27, 2014 at 10:09 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Anonymous says

        April 17, 2015 at 2:29 pm

        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

        Reply
        • Jessica Lane says

          April 17, 2015 at 3:09 pm

          Thanks for the much needed tip. I have a love/hate relationship with my duvet.

          Reply
          • Carol S says

            May 2, 2020 at 9:48 pm

            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.

        • Anonymous says

          August 30, 2015 at 9:55 am

          You can also buy special clips for the corners! They are at Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

          Reply
  115. Anonymous says

    November 22, 2014 at 11:20 pm

    There’s always angel costumes for those white ones – even better if it has a fancy end that you can use for the hem!

    Reply
  116. Ruth says

    November 11, 2014 at 10:36 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      November 11, 2014 at 10:39 pm

      That is brilliant! My kids would love that.

      Reply
    • Mary says

      October 2, 2018 at 5:13 pm

      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

      Reply
  117. Ruth says

    November 11, 2014 at 10:29 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      November 11, 2014 at 10:38 pm

      I remember my grandmother use to refold her quilts to keep them in good condition.

      Reply
  118. Candice says

    November 11, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    Could you tell me details on how to make a bag with drawstring out of old sheets? Thanks

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      November 11, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      I used this pattern as a guide, but I’m pretty “free spirited” when it comes to patterns.

      Reply
  119. josephine stubaus says

    November 9, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      November 11, 2014 at 10:02 pm

      That’s wonderful. I might use that idea in my drafty house this winter.

      Reply
  120. Heather Grow says

    October 9, 2014 at 11:58 pm

    Hi Jessica. Thanks so much for the vintage sheet pajama shout out. This is a great roundup of sheet ideas. Love your blog.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      October 10, 2014 at 9:32 am

      You are so welcome. I’m glad you came by 🙂

      Reply
  121. Anonymous says

    September 15, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    We use pillow cases to cover sleeping bags to keep clean. Sheets (white) make great ghosts.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      September 15, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      I love those ideas!

      Reply
  122. Annette says

    September 15, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    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! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      September 15, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      I love those ideas!

      Reply
  123. realfoodmillie says

    July 16, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    Great ideas! Thanks for sharing at Simple Lives Thursday.

    Reply
  124. Erin Aileen Crary says

    July 9, 2014 at 1:45 am

    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).

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      July 9, 2014 at 8:01 am

      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).

      Reply

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My name is Jessica Lane. I live a nearly self-sufficient lifestyle with my three beautiful children on 5 1/2 acres in Maine. We raise Nigerian Dwarf goats, ducks, and chickens, and we grow as much food as we can. What we can’t grow or produce ourselves we barter for. If we can homestead where we live, what’s stopping you?

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