It’s Day Twenty of National Sewing Month! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.
An updated wardrobe is always on the mind, but it might not always be in the budget. New clothes and accessories can be quite pricey, and no matter how stylish they are, the cost might not be worth it. As a sewist, though, you don’t have to find yourself subject to retail sticker prices when you can simply make your own clothes. Rather than spending inordinate amounts of money on designer clothes, you can use any number of free sewing patterns to find ideas for refashioning clothes.
Check out the free tutorials below for several fashionable sewing projects. Whether you’re looking for instructions on how to refashion tops, bottoms, dresses, or clothes for kids, there’s a free sewing pattern for you. Explore all of these ideas to find the clothing refashion project that’s just right for your needs.
How to Refashion Tops
You don’t have to set foot in the department store to find your next fabulous top. Learn how to refashion tops with these free sewing tutorials. You’ll love how much you can create, and you’ll love how low-budget all of these projects are to sew. With so many free patterns, there’s no need for you to ever sacrifice style to save money.
DIY Basketweave Hoodie Tutorial
How to Refashion Bottoms
You can sew eye-catching bottoms on a budget using any of these free sewing tutorials. Low-budget, easy sewing projects are just what you need to give your wardrobe a boost on a dime. When money is no longer a factor, the only big question you really have to answer is “What will I sew first?!”
Ready for Summer Denim Refashion
How to Make Refashioned Dresses
Walking away from fabulous dresses because they cost too much can be a heart-wrenching experience. Say goodbye to those traumatic moments by getting out your sewing machine and your favorite clothes that need a new life. Check out these sewing tutorials to learn how to refashion clothes you already have into fashionable dresses.
Upcycling Clothes for Kids
With the rate at which kids grow, keeping them clothed can get quite costly. Save some dough on your kids’ clothes by learning how to refashion garments you already have. Check out any of these free sewing tutorials for ideas on how to make refashioned clothes for your kids. With these easy projects, keeping your little ones high fashion will be a breeze.
Hoodie Into Child’s Cowl Neck Pullover
Man’s Shirt to Child’s Dress Refashion
Why do you think refashioning is so popular with younger sewers?
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I would say that it’s become popular with the younger population because of 2 reasons. first, they are into recycling everything, and secondly because of the economy. I can imagine they did this back during the depression too. Thanks for these great tutorials! I will probably be doing some of them myself, 🙂
I think making your own clothing is cheaper in many ways and you can make the clothing you want just the way you want. Most of the styles today aren’t that great. I’m 22 and these are my reasons to learn to sew. Also, making your own clothes is fun and rewarding.
I think having things that are unique is a big part of it. And the re-use and re-cycle mentality is probably a factor as well.
More than likely because it makes it easier to go clothes shopping. Even if you don’t like a particular piece, if it’s got plenty of good fabric and it’s inexpensive you can get it and tweek it until you’re absolutely in love it… and then you’ve got a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing!
In addition to the economical advantage of making their own fashions, it enables their own unique personality to show as well as a sense of accomplishment.
I’m 25. Clothes in the store seem to cost more and are lower quality. As a avid sewer it’s hard not to walk into the store, look around, and wonder how hard would be to make this and could I do it cheaper. 99% of the time the answer is yes and not very hard. It’s even better if there is something in my closet I can revamp!
It just makes sense on a tight budget and gives you an outlet for all your creative energy.
If you’re anything like me, you’re much to frugal (read: cheap) to buy new clothes, and so you make what you have work!
I think that one of the reasons why I refashion because I can save money and I change up items in my closet that have gotten why to big for me to wear as what they were bought for.
I think they like to be creative and they feel that repurposing old clothing into new is a form of creativity.
I love to recycle clothings because i just cant go shopping very often since my son is disabled from brain cancer surgery. im not able to shop so i go thru my 3 sons closet and make ” new” clothing from what we have around and this machine would REALLY come in handy:)
I think it is because of the economy and the fact that like to design their own clothes.
I think clever, crafty people have always liked upgrading their clothes with touches of their own personal style, that’s never been out-of date. But in this time of shrinking incomes and rising costs, many more are rediscovering the thrifty habits of their great-great- grandparents. Make do or do without!
I think it allows them to show off their own style – on a budget!
I think young people are realizing how fast the really expensive fashion items go out of style, and this is a way for them to be unique.
Wow lots of idea today!
The younger generation is into recycling big time. I see them in the thrift stores all the time. As an avid sewer I’m glad they have found ways to save money by starting off on a budget and improving creatively.
There is a resurgence in handcrafted things and clothing. Young people can learn these skills and get a new wardrobe for much less.
Love this site. It gives me some great ideas.
This site has some wonderful easy ideas. Love it.
I have first hand experience remaking and refashioning as there was nothing in my size and my mother sews. Most of the cuts are already there so easier if you don’t have to unstitch as well as great use of something that is no longer in fashion.
Retro fashion and up-scaling is “green” plus half the work is already done and minor alterations would be needed. Thrift store clothing an or “gifting” is near to nothing in cost.
Really enjoying the posts and projects from the sewing month…have a great day…learning a lot….
I love this site. When I am out of a creative thought, I can just get on this site and steal others ideas.
My daughter likes to create/alter t-shirts and pants just for the fun of it.
Gives a chance to be creative and green.
Upcycling old clothing is a great way to show off your creative talent.
I think refashioning is popular because it’s thrifty and good for the environment, but also because if you are new to sewing, it’s not as “scary” as cutting into a brand new piece of fabric.
1. Recycling
2. easier than making something from a pattern
3. cheaper to refashion something you already have or buy something at a thrift store and refashion it than making a purchase at a department store.
4. you have something unique that no one else has!
I have 4 daughter and I agree that by upcyclling recycling and remodeling clothes you can create a one of a kind sensational outfit especially for occasions like the prom where you definitely don’t want to come face to face with someone else wearing the same dress as yours.
It saves money and enables people to make a personal statement!
Love this! Gonna make them for my 2 girls- and myself of course!