Don't Toss Them Out! Upcycle Your Old Bed Sheets

Discover innovative and eco-friendly ways to repurpose your old bed sheets with our updated guide. Breathe new life into unused fabric.

Did you know that your old bed sheets can lead a fascinating second life beyond the linen closet? With a bit of creativity, they can transform into anything from chic home décor to practical everyday items.

Using old things in new ways is not just a trend; it is a way of life as we try to be more environmentally friendly. This updated guide to creating new things out of old bed sheets shows creative and environmentally friendly new ideas. No matter how experienced you are with do-it-yourself projects or how new you are to crafting, these projects are sure to inspire and delight you.

These ideas offer a range of new projects that cater to different interests and skill levels, from simple no-sew options to more complex sewing projects, all aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability through creative upcycling.

Fashion Forward with Bed Sheets

Boho-Chic Maxi Skirts

Create flowy, bohemian-inspired maxi skirts from patterned bed sheets. This project is perfect for beginners and adds a unique piece to your wardrobe.

A boho maxi skirt made out of old sheets.

Jammie Pants

With minimal sewing skills, one can turn old bed sheets into comfortable, easy-peasy jammie pants.

Clothing Linings

Solid-colored bed sheets can serve as an inexpensive lining solution for see-through garments.

Summer Dresses or Skirts

Lightweight bed sheets are perfect for sewing into simple summer dresses or skirts.

Bandanas or Headscarves

Create fashionable bandanas or headscarves, customizing them with fabric dye or stamps.

Practical Upcycling Projects

Custom Tote Bags

Durable and stylish, tote bags fashioned from old bed sheets are perfect for groceries or a day at the beach. Customize with fabric paint or patches for a personal touch.

Wreaths and Decorative Items

Following tutorials like the one by Two Shades of Pink, crafters can create cute wreaths and other decorative items from old bed sheets.

A white fabric wreath with flowers made from old sheets.

Produce Bags

Sew lightweight, breathable produce bags for your fruits and veggies. They’re washable and reusable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Pet Bed Covers

Sew easy-to-clean pet bed covers that can be swapped out and washed regularly.

Home Décor and Accessories

Braided Rug

Cut sheets into strips and braid them together to create a cozy, colorful rug. This project can be a fun way to involve the whole family.

Decorative Wall Art

Stretch and frame a section of a beautifully patterned bed sheet for instant, affordable wall art. This simple project can dramatically change the look of a room.

Wall art made from stretching bed sheet fabric over canvases.

Reversible Table Runners

Combine two bed sheets of contrasting colors or patterns to craft reversible table runners that match any season or occasion.

A reversible table runner made from old sheets.

Rags and Cleaning Cloths

An easy and straightforward way to repurpose any bedsheet. Simply cut the sheets into the desired sizes for a cost-effective cleaning solution.

Throw Pillows

Utilize old bedsheets to create decorative throw pillows for your bed or sofa, adding a touch of personalized decor to your living space.

Curtains or Room Dividers

Transform bed sheets into stylish curtains or room dividers to enhance privacy and décor.

Gardening and Outdoor Ideas

Picnic and Beach Blanket

Transforming bed sheets into picnic or beach blankets involves sewing two full-sized sheets together and adding quilting lines for stability.

Frost Protection

Gardeners can repurpose bed sheets to cover crops during light frosts, providing an easy and effective way to protect sensitive plants.

Outdoor Craft Project

Bedsheets offer a large canvas for children’s outdoor craft projects, enabling creativity and fun outside the house.

Bed Sheet Teepee

Creating a teepee from old bed sheets provides a fantastic play area for kids (and adults), with an amazing tutorial available to guide the construction process.

A children's teepee made from old sheets.

Protective Furniture Covers

Use bed sheets to create protective covers for outdoor furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upcycling Bed Sheets

Yes! Both fitted and flat sheets work great. Consider the fabric type for your project—cotton is versatile, while silk or satin can add luxury.

Not at all! Many ideas are suitable for beginners, and there are even no-sew options available.

Use proper care when washing and handling. For items like tote bags, reinforcing seams can add durability.

After you’ve transformed your old bed sheets into something spectacular, why stop there? Dive deeper into the world of creative upcycling with our collection of ingenious tutorials. Each guide is packed with easy-to-follow steps and ideas to inspire your next project:

22 New Uses for Old Pill Bottles: Discover how to turn those little bottles into useful tools and charming decorations with this eye-opening guide.
12+ Fun Ways to Upcycle Holiday Cards After the Season: Keep the holiday spirit alive year-round with these unique ideas for repurposing your old holiday cards.
Mason Jar Crafts You’ll Love to DIY: Mason jars are not just for canning—explore a myriad of ways to transform them into decorative and functional pieces for your home.
20 Creative Uses for an Old Milk Jug: Don’t throw out your old milk jugs! Our tutorial will show you how to give them a second life in ways you never imagined.

Whether you’re a seasoned upcycler or new to the DIY scene, these tutorials offer something for everyone. Click through to unleash your creativity and make the most of items you already have at home. Let’s turn the ordinary into extraordinary together!

If you’ve found value in this blog post and enjoyed reading it, why not share it with your Pinterest community? Pin the image below and spread the love!

A Pinterest-friendly graphic for my post on upcycling bed sheets into new and creative things.

Using old bed sheets in new ways is not only creative, but it is also a way to live in a more environmentally friendly way. I think the important “takeaway” from this is that bed sheets are free or inexpensive fabric sources. Instead of hauling old sheets away in boxes, figure out if there is some way you can give them new life. That’s the homesteader way!

What’s the most creative way you’ve repurposed an old bed sheet? Share your projects and inspire our community!

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213 Comments

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!

Jessica Lane says:

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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.

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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!

Jessica Lane says:

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

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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!

Jessica says:

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

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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.

Jessica says:

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

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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!

Jessica says:

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

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Sheila says:

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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. 🙂

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1. Jessica Lane says:
  
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  That sounds great. I love vintage sheets. I’d love a bunch of maxi skirts made of vintage sheets.
  
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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!

Jessica says:

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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.

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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.

Jessica says:

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I am a huge fan of unpaper towels!

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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.

Jessica says:

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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.

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1. Anonymous says:
  
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  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
  
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  1. Jessica Lane says:
    
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    Thanks for the much needed tip. I have a love/hate relationship with my duvet.
    
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    1. Carol S says:
      
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      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.
  2. Anonymous says:
    
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    You can also buy special clips for the corners! They are at Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
    
    Reply

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!

Jessica says:

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That is brilliant! My kids would love that.

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Mary says:

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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

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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.

Jessica says:

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

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

Jessica says:

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

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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

Jessica says:

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

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

Jessica says:

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

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

Jessica says:

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I love those ideas!

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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! 🙂

Jessica says:

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I love those ideas!

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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).

Jessica says:

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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).

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Don’t Toss Them Out! Upcycle Your Old Bed Sheets