Upcycling

 

When we think of repairing, we often just think about using a needle and thread to fix an item of clothing. Another way of thinking about repairing is upcycling. Some people have been upcycling for years without having an identifying word to cover the process. What is upcycling? One definition of upcycling is: The process of transforming waste materials and discarded or unwanted products into something of a higher quality or value, often using crafts or artisanal knowledge as tools. (National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme, Clothing Data Report, 2022.) In other words, re-style and love again what you already have.

With a little imagination, any piece of clothing can be upcycled. Someone’s husband is a great up-cycler and placed a patch over his McDonalds cap golden arches to create a different look.

If you aren’t confident to upcycle garments, you might enjoy learning to sew. Otherwise, take them to a tailor or seamstress for their skills. Experts at repair cafés can give you tips and tricks and inspiration.

Upcycling clothing isn’t just about sewing. Iron-on patches are an easy way to jazz up an old pair of jeans or worn elbows on sweaters. Use fabric glue to add fun embellishments like stud buttons or lace. One of the easiest upcycling tricks is turning old jeans into shorts by cutting them with a pair of scissors – the frayed look is very in.

Another way to upcycle a plain t-shirt is to use embroidery. After choosing the message you want to convey, use this tutorial from Look What I Made to perfectly stitch it onto your shirt.

Upcycling can be to change the purpose. An example given to us is of someone’s dad who was a railway station master who wore a navy blue uniform and cap. His wife turned his old uniforms into school boxed pleat uniforms – very creative. An oversized or faded t-shirt could be great for comfy pyjamas. An outdated skirt could be turned into an attractive apron.

There are thousands of resources on the Internet with ideas on how to upcycle clothing. Upcycling extends the life of the clothing you already have and thereby reduces the amount of clothing that ends in landfill, which is a great result.

Further reading

Upcycling Clothing: 11 Beginner Friendly Ways to DIY Your Closet https://pebblemag.com/magazine/doing/upcycling-clothes

900+ ideas for upcycling clothing https://www.pinterest.com.au/jenuinemom/diy-upcycle-clothing/

National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme

https://ausfashioncouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AFC-NCPSS-Data-Report.pdf