The frugal side of me cringes every time I watch my daughter outgrow an item of clothing that she’s worn once or twice. Come on! Can the children just stop growing? We plan to have more kids down the road, so I hang on to everything, but for those parents who are done having kids, here are a few great upcycling projects to help you make those clothes really go the extra mile. Check out these super-smart hacks for old clothes in the slideshow.
More Upcycling Projects:
15 Hacks for Old Kids' Clothes
Knot-Me Tie Skirt
Cut up on old tee-shirt and transform it into a cute new skirt for a little girl. Complete the look with an adorable bow. Get the how-to here .
photo: Simply Modern Mom
Turn Dresses Into Shirts
This shirt above was actually a dress for a twelve month old, but we are currently rocking it as a shirt! Just add shorts or pants, and those too-small dresses will work a little while longer. Get more tips for what to do with old kids' clothes here .
photo: Momtastic
Denim Apron
Okay, so this one is technically made from adult clothing, but those aprons are for kids. Get the how-to here .
photo: Happy Hooligans
Fabric Flowers
Fabric flowers are a bit of a statement item in a little girl's wardrobe. Make a mini collection by cutting up those clothes your daughter doesn't wear anymore. Get the how-to here .
photo: Make It & Love It
Rag Rug
Cut up all the old tees and make some jersey yarn from them. Collect several colors and make a rag rug. Get the how-to here .
photo: DIY Make It
Knee-High Socks
Recycle all of those tights and turn them into cute pairs of knee-high socks. Get the how-to here .
photo: Ruffles & Stuff
Bow Tie Bibs
These make any little man look as dapper as can be. They get bonus points for deflecting spills during meals. Get the how-to here .
photo: Make It & Love It
Sweet Sweater Dress
Finally! Something good can come from old sweaters stashed away in the closet. Get the how-to here .
photo: Make It & Love It
Too Short Pants into Too Cute Knickerbockers
These look adorable paired with tights. Get the how-to here .
photo: My Poppit Makes
Tee Shirt Tote Bag
Round up all the old tees and make an assortment of totes. Get the how-to here .
photo: Instructables
Memory Quilt
Create a soft quilt filled with memories by stitching together bits and pieces of old clothing. Get the how-to here .
photo: Beatnik Kids
Clothing Creatures
Okay, how do we get a bunch of these in my house? Those faces are super duper cute. Get the how-to here .
photo: Alisa Burke
Knit Headbands
The possibilities are endless with these sweet knit headbands. The jersey material ones might be my fave. Get the how-to here .
photo: Sugar Bee Crafts
Hemmed Shorts
Cut off jeans that have become too short and hem them with colorful fabric. Get the how-to here .
photo: Bees DIY
Cloth Hankies
If you feel guilty every time you run through a box of tissues, consider using a washable version. Old tees work great for cloth hankies. Don't forget the hankie hamper! Get the how-to here .
photo: Fun in the Making