Upcycling is on the rise and challenges us to be creative with old objects. A way to make an 'end-of-life' phase of something much more beautiful than throwing it away. Breathe new life into your clothing and textiles and end up with a personalised and 100% unique item!
We'd love to take you into the world of upcycling! ????
What can you upcycle?
In short: anything, but some pieces lend themselves to upcycling more easily than others. This can range from an old T-shirt to offcuts from your previous sewing projects or old tablecloths. Denim and other cottons are often used because they retain their structure well and can be used for a huge range of applications such as bags, skirts, jackets, etc. Is this your first upcycling project? Then try working with fabrics that are easy to handle (canvas, denim, sweat fabric...) and keep the ones that require more TLC (leather, drapey fabrics, fine knits) for subsequent projects.
Tip: Looking for fun items to upcycle? You're sure to find your thing in second-hand shops!
Upcycling ideas
So what can you do? Merge different pieces into a completely new item ... add personalised accents on existing items... create new fabrics and much more!
- Patchwork:
You probably have scraps from previous projects. Pieces that you think you will “do something with one day”... Now is the time! You can stitch these pieces together (on top of a base piece of fabric if needed) to create a new fabric (Pattern in pictures: Polly)
- Reshape:
Some transformations don't require much effort, for example, you can simply shorten a long dress or skirt giving you exactly one whole new item. You can then use the piece you cut away to make a new top or bag, that way nothing goes to waste. ???? Or that one pair of jeans you haven't worn in a long time? Maybe you'll wear them as jean skirts soon! Totally on trend!
- Cutting and creating:
Do you like it a bit more challenging? Then you can take the transformation to the next level by making a completely new item. That old T-shirt that you no longer wear but can't bear to part with will then get an update that allows you to use it again. Before you start cutting, think carefully about the elements you like to keep and what you want to do with them.
FM patterns to start with
- Hoda top by Lynn: Lynn made her Hoda out of a jumper that had a washing machine accident.
- Marcia jacket by Anke: Old jeans? Anke knew what to do with those, she made a new coat with them. A winner if you ask us.
But the following patterns certainly qualify as well:
- Etta & Bruno (transform your old jean jacket into a trendy new bag with matching bucket hat)
- Gabriela bodywarmer (create a fun statement jacket with patchwork made from offcuts)
- Elis jumper for kids (turn jumpers that are no longer worn into a brand new item for the littlest ones)
Can't wait any longer to get started on your upcycling project? Then be sure to share the results on our website under the 'Your creations' tab or share them on Instagram with #fibremoodupcyclingchallenge. We can't wait to see the results!
