You know that we love a good upcycle, and one of our favourite sources of textiles for reuse is household linens. Sheets, duvet covers, tablecloths, curtains - they can all yield plenty of fabric for garment sewing. Smaller-sized linens, like pillowcases, tea towels, and table runners can also be used in plenty of interesting ways, both decorative and structural (linings, facings, pocket bags etc.)
Even if you're working with a textile that shows some damage, like holes or worn spots, those imperfections can often be worked around with some creative cutting or mending. And if fabric is stained, or you just don't like the colour, it can be dyed.
Read on for some household linen-inspired upcycling inspiration...
Carol discovered that a linen pillowcase yielded just enough fabric for a short-sleeved Scenic Top, which certainly feels like next-level upcycling! She combined it with a skirt (based on the Wildflower Pinafore) as well as Skirt Hikes, and a coordinating shawl, to create an ensemble that is a true transformation - we'd never have guessed that the fabric started out as bed linens!
Melanie used fabric scraps and part of an upcycled sheet to create this tool roll - a handy way to keep sewing supplies organised. We love how she incorporated the tape measure holder into the tool roll!
Fanny upcycled two different fabrics to create a summer outfit: a white linen sheet for a Driftwood Blouse and a black cotton tablecloth for a Meadow Skirt. The white linen driftwood has such a beautiful simplicity, and the embroidered skirt waistband has us swooning!
Bunting is such a fun and festive way to use small cuts of fabric, like this pillowcase bunting that Janna made...
...and Deborah's vintage embroidered doily bunting. Many of her linens had holes or stains, but with some creative cutting, they've been repurposed into decorative bunting for her sewing room.
Michelle used a 20 cent flannelette pillowcase from the op shop to sew the lining for her tall Tie Back Boots. She finds that pillowcases are often sold very cheaply at the store, and are a great source of economical fabric. Flannelette is a great option for cosy slippers.
Tina created this stunning Wildflower Pinafore from lace-trimmed pillowcases. She thoughtfully incorporated the lace details into the bib and pocket, and modified the pattern so the back opens like an apron.
Essie transformed a thrifted bed skirt into a flowing summer dress. She modified the Driftwood Dress pattern to include a shirred elastic waist, and shared the details of how she did it here.
Miriam thoughtfully transformed vintage bed linens, with embroidered straps and pockets into a summery Wildflower Pinafore. The fabric was passed down in her husband's family, and this is such a beautiful way to honour it.
While sheets aren't always ideal for garments, Lisa found that this William Morris-inspired Ikea sheet worked well for her Meadow Skirt. Matching Skirt Hikes are handy for wading on hot summer days!
The flap of a Foraging Satchel is the perfect place to feature an interesting detail, like this upcycled doona cover that Deborah repurposed. The quilted parrots are such a stunning detail!
Are you an intrepid and resourceful upcycler, or would you like to learn more? We'd love to see what you make! Join us in the Twig + Tale Chat Facebook group and share your projects.
~ Lovely images by Fanny Storlund, Carol Kite, Melanie Wallace, Janna Vervecken, Deborah Parkinson, Michelle Chamberlain, Tina Hofmann, Esther Wise, Miriam Marschall, and Lisa Melia ~
