If this is your first time stumbling on Creative Fashion Blog, welcome! I love re-inventing and repurposing old clothes with simple upcycle tutorials. In today’s round-up roundup resource guide, I compiled the top 50 tutorials to jumpstart your creativity and hopefully give you some new ideas to create a handmade closet your excited to wear.
Each project comes with an easy to follow, step by step tutorial and photos as well as videos and even free printables. If you are just dipping your toes into clothing refashion or are a seasoned sewist, there is something here for you.
Enjoy!
Add Pom Poms To Upcycle An Old Sweater
You’ve probably seen pom pom sweaters in crazy colors floating around Pinterest, but personally I think the look is more wearable and practical (for me) in neutral colors. That being said, now my 7 and 3 year old want matching sweaters with yellow, green, pink, and purple poms. 😉 By the time you read this, I’ll probably be at my craft table making colorful, festive pom pom sweaters for them to match! SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Upcycle Your Old Leggings Into A Cute Top
In less than 5 minutes, I’ll be walking you through the step-by-step process that will have you excited to upcycle all those leggings you never wear anymore! This DIY crop top makes for a great swimsuit cover-up or can be worn with your high-waisted jeans or a maxi skirt for a totally different look. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Transform A Thrift Store Dress Into A Boho Top
This DIY is great for the beginner and takes less than an hour to complete. If you can sew a straight line, you can make this shirt. SEE THE FULL VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE.
Upcycle T-Shirts Into A Summer Dress
You can never have too many comfy, casual summer dresses right? In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to refashion t-shirts into a dress for the warm weather ahead! This dress is the perfect casual dress or even a swimsuit cover-up. It’s just as comfortable as your basic t-shirt, can be worn with a regular bra, and can even be completed in an hour if you use a sewing machine or 15 minutes without. I’ll walk you through both options. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL.
Make Your Own Pearl Accent Jeans
Pearl Accent Jeans are all over fashion blogs lately and make for such a cute update on basic denim. I love how the neutral pearl beads coordinate with almost anything and are incredibly easy to style. The only problem (like so many trends) is the high price tag that goes along with it. Rest assured, I’ve got you covered. In less than 20 minutes you can give your old jeans an updated look and you can rock the trend for a fraction of the price! SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Or Add Fun Details w/ These Beginner Embroidery Tutorials
Adding custom embroidery to a basic pair of jeans can really make an impact, but getting started with embroidery can also be incredibly intimidating. That’s why in this upcycle tutorial, we’ll be going over 3 easy ways to embroider your jeans even if you are an absolute beginner. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
DIY A Sexy Monokini From An Old Bikini Set
If you’re anything like me, you probably love the look of a monokini, but finding one that fits just right can be a major challenge. In this simple tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to transform a basic bikini you already have into a sexy, perfectly fitting DIY monokini. SEE THE FULL UPCYCLE HERE.
Add Iron-On Stencils (w/ Free Printables!)
I love how easy this Iron On Gold Foil
Make A Ruffle Shirt From A Baggy T-Shirt
This tutorial is a more feminine, pretty take on your basic t-shirt refashion. Is it just me or often, do t-shirt refashions start to look a little unfinished and sloppy? With this DIY, I’ll walk you through each step to create a polished, more finished look you’ll be excited to wear every day. GET THE TUTORIAL HERE.
Add Your Own DIY Suede Elbow Patch To A Basic Sweater
Granted, you can find hundreds (if not thousands) of DIY elbow patch tutorials on Pinterest. In this post, you’ll learn how to actually make a patch yourself and some tips on applying them to trickier fabrics like chunky knit sweaters. When you are done with this little project, not only will you have mastered a few new sewing skills, but you’ll also have the cutest little elbow patch sweater that is completely unique to you. SEE THE FULL REFASHION HERE.
Make No Sew Tassel Beach Hats!
Sometimes the sun can be a little intense. In situations like these, you’ll be glad you brought a cute, wide-brim, DIY beach hat. In this upcycle tutorial, I took the same project steps and applied them in slightly different ways to different hat shapes to show you how versatile this project can really be. Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside the box! After all, isn’t that what makes DIY so much fun to begin with? SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Add Chiffon To A Basic Tank For A Chic Update
I love this top so much more than the basic spaghetti strap this shirt was before. I would wear it as an undershirt or with my husbands pajama pants. Now it’s got some extra detail, a more comfortable shape, and an uber-chic drape. The best part about this little project is that you can refashion this SO easily from a tank you already have and an 18″ strip of inexpensive chiffon fabric. GET THE TUTORIAL HERE.
Easy DIY Boho Tassel Shoes
Making your own DIY shoes doesn’t have to be an intimidating process left only for shoe cobblers and professionals. With a few little tweaks and some small tricks, you can transform your old shoes into something you are really excited to slip on in the morning with this quick and easy shoe makeover. SEE THE FULL UPCYCLE HERE.
Add Lace Trimming To Upcycle A Plain T-Shirt
This project is perfect if you don’t consider yourself that creative or are just dipping your toes into the DIY fashion swimming pool. Within just a few minutes and a few basic tools, you can customize and personalize all of the uninspiring t-shirts you have lying around. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Add Lace To A Plain Sweatshirt For A Romantic Update
This pretty little tutorial will walk you through how to add lace to a basic sweater for a feminine, unexpected detail. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REFASHION BY DareToDIY.com.
Give Flats A Festive Update With Pom Poms
There’s something about the bright pops of color that just brightens my day. For this refashion DIY, we’ll be giving our summer shoes a fun little face lift into some DIY pom pom sandals. SEE THE TUTORIAL HERE.
Upcycle An Old Sports Bra Into An Athletic Tank
I love the draped design of this DIY workout tank and how it still shows off any detail your sports bra has in the back. This project is perfect for the beginner and can even be sewn by hand if you don’t have access to a regular sewing machine. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Give A Casual Black Dress A Modern Makeover With Chiffon
To make this dress you’ll need about 1- 1 1/2 hours of time. You won’t need any fancy tools besides a basic sewing machine and even though I use my beloved serger during steps, I’ll be sure to give other alternatives that I know you’ll love just as much. So, without further ado, let’s get started! SEE THE TUTORIAL HERE.
Paint Jeans With Handmade Lace Stencils
We all love a pair of blue jeans- but that still doesn’t mean we can’t mix it up every once in awhile right? This ten minute jean refashion is quick and easy and makes a feminine statement. I love how the subtle lace detail adds dimension but can still be paired with almost anything. SEE THE REFASHION TUTORIAL HERE.
Make A Chiffon Babydoll Dress from An Old Tee
By using a t-shirt as the top and just adding a simple chiffon skirt, you save a ton of time and can bust this project out in less than 2 hours. When I started this DIY babydoll dress, I planned on making it into a floor-length maxi dress. Sadly, when I put it on, I felt 6 months pregnant so cut the bottom off. Now it’s a sexy little dress I’ll pair with boots and the thigh high stockings we made last fall. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Upcycle Any Pair Of Pants into A Convertible Jumpsuit
Have you ever had that moment when you’re finally getting ready for a long awaited date-night or a chic cocktail party and you keep changing… and changing….. and changing? Me too. That’s why I’m so excited to show you guys today’s DIY convertible jumpsuit. SEE HOW TO MAKE IT HERE.
Weave A T-Shirt To Create A Whole New Look
This t-shirt refashion looks complicated but is surprisingly easy to do. I even included a handy little DIY video for you to follow along. When you are done, you’ll be ready to weave details in your leggings, hoodies, and more. It’s all the same technique so don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit and get creative! SEE THE FULL REFASHION HERE.
Refashion A Bra Into Sexy Lace Lingerie
Bra making doesn’t alway have to be hard. Granted, there is a lost art in lingerie making, but most of us don’t have the skills to whip up a sexy underwire bra after a busy day.
A bra refashion on the other hand, cuts a few of the tedious corners, recycles what you already have, and gives the rest of us the opportunity to make a sexy little DIY lingerie piece in a matter of minutes. That is why for today’s DIY, we’ll be bra making the easy way via a quick and simple refashion. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Add Lace & Grommets For A Quick Sweater Refashion
In my opinion, a lace-up sweater is the perfect winter trend. It’s the perfect way to make a sweater have more personality and detail and still keep you warm (unlike the bare-shoulder sweater trend.) So for today’s post, I’ll be showing you how to make a sweater with a lace-up front from a chunky knit sweater you already have. SEE THE FULL DIY HERE.
Add Gold Foil To Customize Plain Shirts
How many old t shirts do you have lying around that are ready for some extra lovin? If your dresser looks anything like mine…. chances are…. a lot. That’s where today’s DIY t shirt stencil makeover comes in. Similar to the scissor stencil we created last year, (that has over 1,000 downloads by the way!) this free feather printable will give your old clothes a brand new look. GET THE FREE PRINTABLE & TUTORIAL HERE.
Make A Sundress From An Old Button-Down Shirt
The process is so incredibly simple and the fabric most button-downs are made of is incredibly easy to work with, which makes this project excellent for the beginner. Best of all, this little DIY takes minimal supplies and can be done in about an hour or two. So without further ado, let’s get started! GET THE DIY HERE.
Easy No Sew Sweater Upcycle w/ Printable Stencils!
This no-sew sweater design is quick and easy, to the point, and nearly impossible to mess up. I promise! I’ll include the link to print and make your own feather stencils and even the links to purchase the exact DIY tools I’ll be using to make this project as simple as possible. SEE THE UPCYCLE TUTORIAL HERE.
Turn Your Old Yoga Pants Into Joggers
We all have a pair of yoga pants that are really too short, pjs that look unnecessarily frumpy, or a pair of stretchy pants that are soooo comfortable but don’t excatly make us feel like a million bucks.
These are the pants that would be absolutely perfect for this refashion DIY. This super-simple tutorial on how to turn that pair of pants into cute, versatile DIY joggers. JUST READ THE TUTORIAL HERE.
Suede Lace Up Boot Upcycle
Who doesn’t love a quick and easy boot makeover? Today’s project is a ten minute tutorial to update the look of your old boots and give them just a little more personality and character. SEE THE 10 MINUTE TUTORIAL HERE.
Update Old Shorts With Lace
Do you have a pair of shorts floating around that could use a little face-lift? Maybe even get a little longer? In this DIY, you’ll learn a quick and easy way to refashion your denim shorts with this simple DIY lace shorts refashion. In about ten minutes, you’ll have a brand new pair! SEE HOW HERE.
When In Doubt, Add Fringe
To update your t-shirts with fringe embellishments, set aside just 15-20 minutes of time. This project is great for the beginner and if you don’t have a basic sewing machine (or feel intimidated using one) you can get the same look by using No-Sew Fabric Glue
Refashion A Sweatshirt Into A Cardigan
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ sweatshirt refashion? In today’s post, I’ll show you exactly how to turn any sweatshirt into a leopard print cardigan with just a few easy steps. SEE THE FULL REFASHION HERE.
Add Glitter To Your Sneakers
From the first time I saw the glitter trainers trend, I knew I needed some. I love how easy they are to style in basic black and love the unexpected, feminine pop the glitter adds. Pair them with basic jeans and a t-shirt or dress them up for a night out or even a formal event. They are more comfortable than heels and surprisingly, go with almost anything. LEARN HOW HERE.
Refashion A Boring Swimsuit
Lately, embellished, embroidered bikini tops are everywhere. I love the added texture and detail. But embroidering our own swimsuit would be a pretty hefty project that we just don’t have time for today. That’s where sew-on embellishments come in. You can fake the look of embroidery with a sew on embellishment strip (and save yourself loads and loads of time!) SEE THE DIY HERE.
Go Bold With Paint & Patches
Lately I’ve been absolutely loving the bold, new shoes that we’ve been seeing on the runways. The only problem is, while statement-making shoes are fun, I’m just not committed enough to the trend to fork over my credit card. That’s why in today’s DIY I’ll be making these Gucci inspired loafers for less than $15 by showing you how to decorate shoes. SEE HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HERE.
Get Creative With Bleach Pens
Before this little DIY, I loved this black maxi dress. It was great for airports, farmer’s markets… basically anywhere I wanted to go and look presentable and still be ridiculously comfortable. It’s the perfect length and has a low back with some sexy cross-straps. Now, after I took a bleach pen to it, I love it even more. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
3 Ways To Upcycle An Old Slipdress
This refashion project includes several dress making ideas you can incorporate into several different projects if you’d like. In thiss slip dress DIY, we’ll use 3 simple techniques to add some extra detail to the neckline, waist, and hemline of a boring slip to make a totally new maxi dress with so much more detail and style.
What’s great about these dress making ideas, is that you can add a waist detail to basic t-shirt to create a more figure-flattering silhouette, add a new hemline to an old skirt for a whole new look, or add lace to a basic camisole for a touch of sex appeal. Basically, today’s DIY can carry on to give some new life to several other pieces in your closet when you are done. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Add Leather And Denim To Basic Jeans
Sylvia from DareToDIY.com has come up with another way to upcycle your old denim jeans into something really unique and beautiful. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Upcycle An Old Bra Into Lingerie
Just like the lace bra refashion, this DIY lingerie is quick and easy, can be completed in less than an hour, and can be made from what you already have lying around the house. Today we’ll be taking that old bra you have in the back of your dresser and refashioning it into something you’ll be excited to wear this Valentine’s Day. SEE THE FULL DIY HERE.
Add Embellishments to Basic Accessories
With a little creativity and about an hour of time, this will become your favorite boho bag that will be ready to take on the rest of the year! CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL.
Refashion Dresses With Lace Trim
This refashion tutorial is perfect for those dresses you have that are “almost awesome.”
I tend to buy a lot of boring basics from thrift stores like this…..those maxi dresses that are so comfortable but would also be so much better if they just had a little more detail. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Easy DIY Studded Sweater
I love how the extra detail of the hardware makes a big impact in the overall look of the top. Once the studs are put on, your sweater is good to be washed and rewashed without your studs slipping. This is why I like applying them with jewelry pliers instead of fabric glue. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL.
Glue On Poms For A Festive Update
Bright, woven purses are everywhere this season but often, the price tag can be just as impressive as the trend. To create this DIY, you’ll need to block out about 10 minutes and collect a few supplies. SEE HOW TO DIY THIS BAG HERE.
DIY Sequin Shorts Refashion
I love how the mix of denim and sequin can be dressed up or down. Now, I pair these shorts with a loose-fitting tank or you can dress it up with heels. Either way, they’re so much more fun than they were a few days ago. CLICK HERE FOR THE DIY.
Add Laces And Tassels To Basic Shoes
This DIY is ridiculously simple and adds a little whimsy and burst of color to a dark, winter closet. They compliment any skirt style and elevate skinny jeans without sacrificing comfort.
For this shoe refashion DIY, I used some plain black wedge heels that were just taking up space in my closet before. Any color or finish of shoe will work, but keep in mind that this tutorial will be slightly more difficult if the shoes are lined with a netted fabric. CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL.
Make A Fringe Clutch From A Kitchen Placemat
In this quick and easy tutorial, we’ll be making a boho-style, DIY fringe bag out of a straw kitchen placemat! This is seriously the easiest DIY purse tutorial you have ever seen.
You can get this project completed in under 30 minutes, takes inexpensive supplies, and looks unique when you’re finished. Sounds perfect right? READ THE TUTORIAL HERE.
Use Broken Jewelry To DIY A Trendy Beanie
This beanie is a must-have winter staple because it makes you feel feminine while lounging around or in the most casual situations. I love the contrast and extra detail the embellishments add! SEE THE VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE.
Turn A Scoop-Neck Shirt Into A V-Neck
Sometimes it doesn’t take much to give an old top / dress/ sweater new life. Sometimes all you need to do is update something basic and simple to give it an entirely new look. In today’s tutorial, I’m going to show you how to create a V neckline from a basic scoop neck. V necklines create a sexier silhouette and showcase different necklaces and jewelry better. Personally, I like a pretty low neckline for more formal pieces. If you’re going to dress up, turn up the drama right? haha! SEE THE FULL UPCYCLE HERE.
Upcycle A Bodysuit From An Old Dress
Bodysuits are perfect for creating tailored, fitted silhouettes where your top always looks perfectly tucked in. This DIY bodysuit is perfect for pairing with high waist jeans (like the ones I’m wearing) cut-off shorts, or even a flowing maxi skirt. Anytime you want a zero-fuss look, the bodysuit is perfect.
What gives a bodysuit it’s tucked-in look is the snap closures at the crotch. Think of it as a one-piece swimsuit that’s socially appropriate to wear in public. The snap closures make it easy to take on and off so you’ll never have to get naked to go to the bathroom. Because let’s be honest- that is totally unrealistic. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.
Combine 2 T-Shirts To Create A Casual Dress
If your dresser is anything like mine, you probably have a few extra t-shirts folded up in there. Turn two into a super-comfortable DIY jersey dress with this tutorial! SEE THE REFASHION HERE.
Add Fur To A Basic Purse
This winter, I absolutely love the fur purse trend. Why not carry something so soft and cozy around? In this tutorial, I’m going to show you a quick and easy way to add some plush faux fur to a basic purse you already have. SEE HOW HERE.
I really hope you loved these simple upcycle tutorials and feel inspired to refashion everything in your closet!
Until next time,
Lisa
