According to a survey by Vogue, around 20% of us simply throw our old, unwanted bedsheets into the trash and 72% of sheets eventually end up in our landfills.
Producing sheets (yes, even your eco-friendly bamboo ones) requires the Earth’s resources and the resulting supply chain certainly doesn’t help the environment either. But letting them end up in a landfill so easily is a pretty bad way of “giving back.”
Upcycling might sound like just another trendy word, but finding new uses for old things saves time, money, and energy.
If you’re interested in finding some interesting ways of reusing old sheets instead of creating more trash, try a few of these out. They may not keep fabric out of landfills forever, but every bit of extra life you can give an item counts for something.
1. Sleeping bag liner
Now you can bring your own protective layer with you by turning some old sheets into a bed or sleeping bag liner.
All you need to do is fold a sheet in half and sew along the long edge and one of the short edges!
2. Cleaning rags
By simply tearing them up, you can make some simple, washable cleaning rags.
It’ll save your sheets from ending up in a landfill right away and save you money on cleaning supplies.
3. Cover up your plants
Your setup doesn’t need to be elaborate – you can just use some stakes to hold the sheets up over your plants.
4. Make a cute headband
You can find a quick tutorial here.
5. Pretty fabric-covered hangers
All you need is a glue gun, scissors, and strips of fabric.
Here’s an easy tutorial.
6. A plastic bag holder
But you can keep it all contained in a much cuter way by making a simple bag out of an old sheet.
Just check out the video above for instructions.
7. Draft stopper
Save some money on your energy bill by upcycling your sheets to make a draft stopper you don’t mind looking at.
If you need some guidance, you can learn how to make one here.
8. Kitchen aprons
There’s some sewing involved, but this is one way to make your sheets last for years.
Check out the video for a great tutorial (and some very cool sheets!).
9. Maxi dress
It’ll also give you some great pointers on how you can use those super-cute sheets to create the newest quarantine wardrobe staple – the nap dress!
10. Curtains
Use your bed linens!
You don’t need advanced sewing skills to turn a set of sheets into curtains – in fact, if you watch this video, you don’t need to sew at all!
But in this case, you’ll want them to be in good shape.
11. Decoupage decor
Here are some detailed instructions for dressing up your dresser.
12. Backyard movie screen
You can even invite over some friends for some socially distanced fun!
13. Dog toys
But some braided strips of sheets can make a sturdy and FREE toy for your pup.
As a bonus, you know it can go through the wash!
It’s a self-explanatory project, but if you’d like some specific instructions, you can find them here.
14. Pillowcases
You can find the tutorial here.
And if you want to get even more creative, you can make throw pillow covers as well.
15. Reusable shopping bags
We might be discouraged from shopping with them during the pandemic, but it never hurts to tuck one into your glove compartment just in case.
16. Crib mobile
You can find a tutorial for this crib mobile project using colorful sheets here.
Buying new baby trinkets is pretty wasteful when you think about how little they care.
17. Rag rug
Who knows, you might even find it relaxing to take up a new hobby.
Instructions to make your own rag rug are here.
18. Pajama pants
This project is more advanced but it’s still not all that hard.
And it’s a great way to reuse your favorite novelty sheets. You can find the tutorial here.
19. Bed skirt
You can find the directions here on how to make a bed skirt that matches your decor perfectly.
This is where nice, stiff white sheets come in handy as well for a more modern look.
20. Kids play cave
It’s also great for moms and dads who need a place to stash toys at the last second before people come over.
Just sayin’!
21. Shower curtain
You can find the tutorial here about adding some coziness to your bathroom.
22. Reusable gift wrap
There are so many cute options but you can even use your plainest sheets and spruce them up with all sorts of eco-friendly items.
Even if you don’t want to wrap a whole gift this way, you can still use strips of old sheets as ribbons.
23. Handbag liner
It does take some sewing skills, but here’s a tutorial to help you along.
It can even help your bag keep it’s shape!
24. Fabric-covered bangle
We especially like the idea of doing this with superhero or other kitschy sheets. Because where are you going to find a bracelet like that?
25. A fitted sheet
So save some money and learn a new skill by checking out this easy-to-follow how-to guide here.
26. Upcycled quilt
You can also check out the thrift store for some cool, vintage patterns that you just buy anymore.
27. Placemats
These items can be pricey and this project will save you money AND a trip to the crowded aisles of the department stores.
28. Wall art
For just a few dollars (0r less if you already have the embroidery hoops), this doesn’t require anything except a pair of scissors.
If this doesn’t seem self-explanatory, you can get some guidance here.
29. Bird nesting material
Birds use whatever they can find to make their nests. So why not let them come across some “decor”?
30. Drop cloths
Once again, it’ll save you money as well!
31. Garment bag
It’s a great way to store your favorite off-season or special occasion clothing. In fact, it’ll feel special every time you open to take out that item.
32. Compost
They’ll disintegrate over time if you use natural materials and use can even use them for “lasagna layering” where you lay down layers and compost them in place.
33. Ironing board cover
It’s not too hard and you might even want to show off that board if it’s pretty enough, making you use it even more often.
34. Doll clothes
And it’ll be so much cheaper than having to buy the pricey brand-name clothing – and so much more unique!
35. Leaf and yard waste hauler
Even if you do have other tools, this can be a great backup.
36. Bulletin board backing
But let’s face it, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.
If those adorable baby sheets are just taking up space, they make a really cute material for this project.
37. Pet bedding
They’ll just be excited you’ve given the a new thing to get all hairy and drooley.
And by using sheets you like you don’t have to search around for the perfect bedding that goes with your place.
38. Seat cover
But an old sheet can make a great barrier between those paws and your interior.
Even better, you don’t neeed to do anything fancy at all except tuck it in properly.
39. Picnic blanket
Just keep a sheet in your trunk and you’ll always have something to sit on when you see a great place to stop and chill when you’re out on a drive.
40. Donate them
Before you drop them off, give them a call to see if there’s a use for them at that time.
41. Simple cami
There’s measuring and sewing, but here are 15 different patterns to get you started.
42. Stuffed toys
Try your hand at making your own toys with a simple pattern from one of these ideas.
43. Fabric garland
We like this simple garland, but rag wreaths and holiday decor are options as well.
44. Face masks
Just make sure you find a good patter and include a pocket so you can slip in a filter.
Start here if you want some direction, but there are hundreds of instructions on websites and YouTube.
45. Shelf covers or backing
Why buy contact paper if you already have what you need?
46. Laundry bag
It’s way better than a basket, especially when you’re at the laundrymat!
47. Scrunchies
It’s even better if you have silk sheets to reuse!
48. Skirts
Just don’t let them sit in your attic forever. Instead, try your hand at vintage flair by making a skirt.
We’re pretty huge fans of this one.
49. Photo backdrop
Give it a try at your next gathering.
50. Baby bib
Try making them into unique baby gifts for other little ones, like this bib.
And even if you’re not crafty yourself, you can always pass them into someone who is.
There’s no good reason to toss them out!
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