Designing with Brooke: Upcycling Old Clothing

[slideshow_deploy id=’1207′]Aztec Shorts

Materials needed:

  • A pair of shorts
  • Scissors
  • A fabric marker

How to make it:

To make aztec print shorts, you’ll be drawing directly on the back pockets. First, pick out the Aztec print you want, I just looked up images online and compiled several designs. Next, either practice drawing it onto a piece of paper, or if you’re confident in your drawing abilities  you can go straight to designing. Lastly, draw your design on the back pockets and wash them alone and with a color catcher and they’re ready to wear.

Jersey Weave Sweater

Materials needed:

  • A solid color sweater
  • Strips of fabric(from anything from skirts to ties) in different colors
  • Scissors or a rotary cutter (if you have one)

How to make it:

Take your sweater and cut small vertical slits at a determined interval across the upper chest section of an old sweater (smaller holes work the best). For mine I did ½ inch slits every inch, but this is up to you and your preferences. Next take strips of fabric (can be cut off an old shirt, dress, skirt, tie, etc.) and weave them in and out of the slits. At the end of each row, tie the fabric into knots and your sweater is complete.

Peter Pan collar

Materials needed:

  • A collar cut from a man or woman’s button down shirt
  • A chain or ribbon
  • Embellishments such as dye, pearls, lace, sequins, glitter fabric paint, etc.

How to make it:

Begin by cutting a collar from an old button down shirt. Next you can either use this as a template and trace it onto the color fabric of your choice or simply use this collar. Next add a ribbon or chain to the back so it fits like a necklace. Lastly, decorate the collar in any way you’d like; add lace trim or cover it in lace, add pearls or other fabric embellishments.