Where to go next with upcycling

Cushions, shirt projects and embellished jeans.

• Turn an old jumper, shirt or trousers into a cushion.
• Shirts are good for beginners: shirting cotton is usually good quality and stable. Open out sleeves to make a summer skirt, with the cuffs as a waistband.
• Use a free-motion or darning foot to repair and embellish worn jeans, with reinforcing denim tacked underneath first.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Oxfam GB: 20 upcycling clothes ideas