Belt with Braided BarkOriginal accessories will stand you out from the crowd. I figured out how to make this original belt decorated with braided bark. It is very easy to make, especially if you know how to braid 3 strands.
New Braided Belt From an Old BeltEven if your old belt looks very disgusting, don't rush to throw it away. Use the buckle and double sided satin ribbon to braid a new cute unique belt.
DIY T-shirtI didn't want to pay the high price of a personalized type t-shirt, so I made my own for my granddaughter who is very involved in the sport of jiu-jitsu.
Five Step Tie Dye SneakersEveryone is stuck at home right now and might be getting a little bored. I am! While giving in to one of my guilty pleasures searching the Internet, I saw a bunch of craft ideas and DYIs so it gave me an idea. Tie dye is really creative and fun especially for those who have little kids that are a little energetic and restless.
Getting the Perfect Length on Cut-off PantsI recently found some cool pedal pushers in my community center. I hate the length, but they fit for shorts, so I had to cut them down. Sometimes, getting each leg the same is a challenge.
Foil SpidersAfter reading a story about spiders, the kids and their friends wanted to make a spider craft. They all had a blast playing with their spider friends! This would be a fun craft for Halloween as well.
Altering Clothes to Fit More SnugglyYou ever have clothes that you wish were a size or two smaller? This tip is what I do to all my clothes that I want them to fit snug.
DIY Off-Shoulder TopI was looking to buy an off-shoulder sweatshirt when I noticed that most of them cost $10 to $15 more than their pre-cut counterparts. There is a super simple way to cut them to make them hang off your shoulder just right. Here's how to do it.
Corset-Back T-shirtThis is a simple way to turn any tee into a chic corset tie-up shirt. All you need is a shirt, scissors, and some sturdy ribbon.
How to Turn Pants Into Shorts and a BagTurning a pair of pants into a pair of shorts and a matching bag is fun and easy to do. I've had these eccentric pants for decades and I thought it was time for a change as the days warm up.
Upcycled Tie NecklaceI originally started upcycling my dad's ties when I'd realized I'd made a poor fashion choice when getting him one for Father's Day. Now, I upcycle them so I can continue his own stylish legacy, with his permission, of course! Dad's one of my favourite people and I love to wear things he no longer wears.
Hand Embroidered Modified T-ShirtThis tutorial will give a feminine flair to a plain boring unisex/men's t-shirt using four waist darts, two in front, two smaller ones in back. The design is hand stitched, and the lace edging on the sleeves was attached using a decorative machine stitch.
Altered T-Shirt for Shoulder SurgeryRecently, I searched online for medical clothing needed after a rotator cuff surgery and noticed the cost of such alterations was in my opinion over priced. After gleaning a few items, I decided to give it my best DIY version that was less costly and worked just as well.
Flames of Love Tie Dye T-ShirtOur economy in South Africa has been hit by a rough patch. I love clothes that are unique, but most clothing items have just become too expensive. Here is a great way to add a modern touch to a cheap white T-shirt, without breaking the bank in the process.
DIY Arm Warmers from SocksI got these cute LOVE socks from the dollar store. The only problem with words written on socks is that the letters tend to stretch out to the shape of your calves, and I've got shapely horse legs! I thought they'd look much cuter as arm warmers, especially with their longer length.
Tape-Dyed TopI decided to try this fun tape-dying craft after I spilled something on my top and couldn't fully get the stain out. It's one of my best fitting tanks so I didn't want to throw it out! With a bit of tape and fabric paint, I had an afternoon of fun turn into a cute new top.
Using RIT Dye in a Washing MachineOne method of dyeing clothing is in the washer. This is a page about using RIT dye in a washing machine.
Bull's Eye Tie Dye PatternThere are several tie dye pattern variations you can try. This is a page about making a bull's eye tie dye pattern.
Swirl Tie Dye PatternThe swirl tie dye pattern may look complicated, but it is in fact very easy to make. This is a page about making a swirl tie dye pattern.
Hemming JeansIf your jeans need adjusting it is best to hem them properly after sizing. This is a page about hemming jeans.
Use Vinegar When Lengthening GarmentsSometimes when you lengthen a garment the crease line from the previous hem remains. The way to get rid of that is to moisten the crease with vinegar, and iron on the hottest setting allowable for the fabric. I always use a press cloth to protect the fabric.
Crossover Purse StrapI don't like the narrow crossover straps that come with purses. With a belt and a few minutes, you can make a very nice, comfortable alternative.
Hemming Jeans Like a ProThere is a way to hem jeans that preserves the original stitching. In my area it is called a "special hem", and costs a lot extra if the store or a seamstress does it. Not only is the original stitching saved, but you do not cut any excess fabric away.
Lengthening a DressSo I found a really cute dress at a super great price the other day. The only problem is it is way too short! I couldn't find another one. This was too cute to pass up, so I decided I would get it anyway and fix it myself. It was very quick, very easy, and now I get to wear my dress.
Necktie PurseCreate little purses out of neckties!
Lace and Button SocksWith a pair of socks, some lace, and 4 buttons you can create these cute decorated socks.
Design Your Own Silk ScarfHow to make your own silk scarf in a few short steps! Use for fashion, give as a gift, or even use to wrap presents!
Turning a Crew Neck Shirt into a V-NeckI recently found some t-shirts on sale at the craft store for $2. I was excited, but I despise crew neck shirts. I found a youtube video explaining exactly how to turn your shirts into v-necks and they looked like you bought them that way. It's easy and takes less than half an hour.
Re-purposed DressI had a special occasion coming up and wanted a new dress. Budget was quite tight so I decided to make my own from clothes I already had. I had 2 items that I had purchased for only a couple bucks from a thrift shop. I decided to cut them up and make them into something new.
Make Capes from Favorite T-ShirtsTurn kids' old tees, or character shirts, or PJ tops into fun capes! Give the cute shirt designs a second life, especially if the kids still love them but have outgrown, ripped, or soiled some parts of them.
Decorating Shoes With Duct TapeMy son bought an inexpensive pair of tennis shoes at Target awhile back and recently decided to fancy them up a bit. What better way to do this, than with duct tape and spikes?!
DIY Feather FascinatorI was going to a vaudeville-themed costume event and needed a little extra something to dress up the outfit I had pulled together from what I had in my closet. I decided a fascinator would be just the thing.
Infant Bow TieI made this bow tie for my son's 1st birthday. They are easy to make and would be great for any special occasion.
Tie Dye ShirtsI found some plain white shirts that I didn't wear anymore and decided to turn them into something cute.
Bull's Eye Tie Dye PatternThe bull's eye pattern is easy to make and is a great choice for displaying the colors that you chose.
Swirl Tie Dye PatternWhile the swirl pattern looks complicated, but it is actually pretty easy to make.
Turning Pants Into CaprisI had a pair of casual pants with legs that were too wide and out of style. The pants were almost brand new because I would keep thinking I would wear them, but never did. I decided that they would be perfect for cutting down for capris.
Making a Sharpie Tie Dyed T-ShirtThis is a page about making a Sharpie tie dyed T-shirt. This project is an easier way to create a tie dyed looking t-shirt, that even the kids can help with.
Glam ShoesThese fabulous shoes can be yours. It's easy to spruce up an old pair of pumps and make them glamorous once again. All you need is some glitter and good adhesive.
Sharpie Tie Dyed T-shirtUsing Sharpies to tie dye t-shirts is easy and would be a great kids' craft!
No-Sew Fleece ScarfI always find myself looking at fleece at the fabric store, but I can only make so many blankets. So I decided to start making scarves so that I could still buy the patterns I like.
Making Cloth DiapersThis page is about making cloth diapers. A very green way to deal with your diaper needs is to make your own.
Making a No-Sew TutuThis page is about making a no-sew tutu. Making a tutu doesn't have to require much sewing.
No-Sew TutuI decided to make a no-sew tutu for our daughter to wear at our wedding. It was so simple to make and it was easy to customize it with the colors I wanted.
Altering Old Clothing Into New OutfitsThis is a page about altering old clothing into new clothes. You can reuse many of those clothes you were thinking of getting rid of, with some do-it-yourself alterations.
Sewing to Salvage Stained ShirtsTwo shirts with one problem: stains. One shirt with a special feature: decorative embroidery. Here's a simple solution to use what's left of the pair and create a cute "new" shirt in the process.
Freezer Paper Stencils For Painting FabricA friend recently showed me how to make stencils out of freezer paper for painting personalized T-shirts. We made a variety of T-shirts both freehand and using a computer graphic as a template.
Turn a T-shirt Into a NightgownI wanted a new nightgown, and figured there must be something in my wardrobe that I could fashion into one rather than buying one. A touristy tee shirt that someone had given me was just the thing.
Embellished Dollar Store ScarfI found a plaid, fleece scarf at the dollar store, but I felt it needed more fringe and a pop of color. Using some red yarn and red felt I had on hand, I added more fringe and made felt flower pins as embellishment. I now plan to give it as a Christmas gift.
Recycled T-shirt ScarfBefore discarding t-shirts you no longer wear, consider making a lightweight scarf out of them. This scarf is light enough to wear year-round and would make a great, inexpensive Christmas gift for that hard-to-buy-for teen on your list!
Infinity ScarfThis is a recycled craft that would make a great holiday gift. I created this infinity scarf from a long dress that I no longer wanted. I used a cutting mat and rotary cutter, but you could use a ruler and scissors.
Autumn AccessoryFall colors wearable in 3 ways!
Recycled T-ShirtMy daughter had a stain on one of her shirts that I was unable to get out, and she had another shirt that she had outgrown. I decided to use the outgrown shirt to create something to decorate the shirt that had the stain. This is the result!
Fascinator (English Hat)Ever since the Royal Wedding the big craze for 'Fascinator" has been going on. Dainty, bold, or simple this beautiful headpiece will make you the "life of the party" or the "belle of the ball."
Fabric Painted ShirtI was recently invited to a stork party and wanted to take a special gift for the soon-to-be-born baby boy, without breaking the bank in the process. I came across a lovely white tee shirt and decided to do some fabric painting to turn the tee shirt into something special.
Jean Embellished SweatshirtI love to wear sweatshirts and continue to try to "enhance" them. This one has a western feel. I hope you enjoy.
Synthetic Silk Flower PinsDress up a simple tee or wear it in your hair, either way they are fun to make and wear.
Feminine Flowered T-ShirtRuffles and flowers are so big this spring so I thought I would make my own designer looking shirt.
Altered Dress Shirt Into a Summer TopI have several dress shirts in my closet that I used to wear as jackets over camisoles or T-shirts. Some of them I haven't worn in over a year, so I decided they either needed to go, or they needed a transformation. Since I'm pretty frugal, transformation won out.
Swimsuit Alteration After Weight LossHave you pulled out last year's favorite swimsuit and found that now it doesn't fit up top in the "cup" area? You finally lost a little weight, then found out the bustline seems to be the first to reduce. It happened to a friend of mine recently.
Recycled "Jacketshirt"Have a sweatshirt that is stained or worn out on the front, but the rest is in good shape? How about a jacket that you are tired of or is out of style, but you can't bare to part with? Here is a way to save them and make a "Jacketshirt"!
Denim WalletMake a pattern from a leather or cloth wallet to get the size and shape desired. Once you have a pattern, cut out the wallet from the denim scraps.
Tea Towel ApronI have an abundance of calendar tea towels in my linen closet. Paired with a bed sheet for the lining, I decided they would make great thrifty aprons for family and friends. The year of the calendar does not show, eliminating the dilemma of who should own the apron and why.
Alter Sweater To CardiganFor over a year, I've had a pretty knit top that a friend gave me. The fabric was so soft, it was one of my favorite colors, and it fit everywhere EXCEPT the neckline, which was so low and stretchy that I could never wear it and nothing looked good worn underneath it.
Zipper Flower PurseA purse with unusual trim.
Ladybug HatWhat says summer more than a little lady bug. Here is a hat that will make you want to go sit in the garden with a large glass of ice tea and just watch the world go by.
Ruffled T-shirtThis is a craft idea I came up with because all the clothing you see for the summer has ruffles.
Protective Button CoversIf you have lovely vintage solid glass or perhaps old rhinestone buttons you'd like to recycle and sew onto homemade or even purchased garments, but were afraid they'd break in the laundry, here's another solution rather than having to pin them on each time
Recycled Toddler's PursePlastic purse for a toddler, made from recycled detergent bottle. Sketch outline of purse on bottle as shown in diagram 1. Make certain to extend handles so they are long enough to overlap later for tying.
Sturdy Felt HatThese instructions are adaptable to any kind of hat, but they detail a multi-color fedora since that will cover the most complicated aspects of hat-making. If you just want a bonnet, your life will be much easier!
Simple Fleece HatSuper simple fleece hat! Easy to make, warm and adorable. Suitable for children and adults alike!
Craft Project: Beaded Flip FlopsSummer is here and Flip Flops to enjoy wearing are a must for comfort and style. Ever see all those beautiful embellished flip flops in all the stores that cost $10 or more and wish you could buy them but can't afford to splurge and do so?
Plastic Canvas PurseA purse made from plastic canvas. First, cut plastic canvas to the dimensions above (or any size you want) then cut fabric to that size and sew it onto plastic canvas. Sew the pieces together to form a rectangular purse then sew lace or whatever inside for a liner.
Making Clothing for a Premature Baby?Any suggestions for making clothes for premature babies? I'm thinking doll clothes (12"-15"-18") Does that sound right?
Here are tips from our ThriftyFun community. Do you have any experience with preemie clothing. Post your advice here!
Bling ShoesI had seen these bling shoes at the local children's boutiques, but could not stomach the $100 price tag that they went for so I figured out how to make them myself.
Layered Look T-Shirt/BlouseWant to update your tops? Grab your husband's old T-shirts that you are now using for rags! Cut four inches from the bottom of an old t-shirt. (Generally the bottom part is still in great condition.) You will want to use the existing hem as the hem to the bottom of your update layered T-shirt/blouse.)
Making Fabric Stronger for Purses?Ways to make fabric stronger for handmade purses.
The purse could be lined with fabric, or craft foam, or iron on interfacing could be ironed on to the fabric pieces before you sew them together.
Cheap Clothing Dye?Cheap alternative dyes from the ThriftyFun community.
Cigar Box PurseInstead of throwing out that old cigar box, why not make it into a fashion statement this July 4th. A variation of a cigar purse with an American Flag on the outside
Spring HatJust glue on the things you have then tie ribbon around and hang as a decoration. Just use your imagination.
Shortening Pants and SleevesTips for novices sewers about how to shorten long sleeves and pants. Also advice on beginning sewing machines.
Modifying Your Favorite T-ShirtTurn plain Jane t-shirts into something casually interesting, fun and cool! Start by carefully cutting away the neck. Then with scissors at the arm begin cutting strips about 1/4 inch wide inward (upward) the length of your scissors.
Use a Handmade Patch to Cover a Stain or AdIf you find a big stain on the front of your infants onesie or child's t-shirt, or would rather not be advertising some company name splashed across the front, cover it up with a hand-made patch!
Decorating Clothing with RibbonHere's a quick, cheap and easy way to jazz up some underwear or add a touch of class to a top. This uses needle and thread, ribbon and a little glue to keep it from fraying.
Simple Fleece SocksThese socks are great as an extra layer while moseying around the house and also make a great gift.
Recycled Sweater Kids PantsLink for Recycled Sweater Kid Pants. Thought this was such a cute idea and wanted to share.
Game Board PurseMake a purse out of a board game! Detailed pictures and instructions. I am going to start out by saying that I am an amateur at sewing so if any experts have any sewing tips feel free to submit feedback, it would be greatly appreciated by many.
Playing Card HandbagEveryone has them - cards that are no longer a full deck, but you hate to throw them away! They are lying in a drawer somewhere taking up space. Now you can make them into a stylish, eye-catching accessory for most casual occasions.
Duct Tape WalletThis very simple version of an old duct tape favorite is functional and sturdy enough for everyday use.
Fall Season Felt PurseA cute purse made from various leaf patterns. Can be made in different colors for different seasons!
Beaded Snowflake ScarfEasy Holiday craft project. Make a scarf from fleece and bead simple snowflakes on them. Then you can use the scraps of leftover fleece to make some mittens!
No-Sew Bandana Skirt and TopWhat do you get when you hand four bandanas to a crafty kid with her own sense of style? The result just might be this very cute two piece bandana halter top and skirt. The little set is not quite no-sew, but the few stitches that you take are so simple that it's hardly sewing at all.
Pillowcase SkirtMake a skirt out of a pillowcase, either with a zipper or elastic.
