12 Creative & No-Sew Ways to Repurpose Vintage Fabrics
Do you have a pile of cherished vintage linens and doilies stored away and mostly forgotten? Or perhaps you pass by lovely old fabrics at the thrift store because you don't know what to do with them?
Well, today I'll be sharing several creative and unique ideas for repurposing these forgotten treasures.
Why store them away when we can use them to add sentimental charm to our homes? So go grab Granny's linens and let's give them the attention they deserve.
Table of contents
1. Tote Bag Makeover
My husband recently brought home a tote bag he had received for free. It was a really nice heavy-duty tote, so I decided to use some vintage quilt scraps to cover up the bag's design and make it more my style.
I folded over the two side edges of the fabric and stitched them in place for a clean edge, although using a good quality hot glue or fabric glue would work just as well. Next, I sewed on some lace trim to clean up the top and bottom edges of the fabric, then hot glued the sides and bottom edge to the bag, leaving the top open for decorative interest. To finish, I added an oversized wood button from Walmart and glued more lace trim along the top edges of the bag.
2. Handkerchief Frame
Years ago, my mom framed and hung vintage handkerchiefs on the wall in a guest bedroom.
Inspired by that, I thrifted a white frame and used leftover wallpaper to cover the chipboard backing. After letting the paste dry overnight, I used temporary spray adhesive to adhere my chosen handkerchief to the wallpaper. I printed a quote on black vinyl, cut it out on my Cricut Machine, and applied it to the front of the glass. I then added some IOD rub-on transfers to the glass and disguised any scratches on the frame with more transfers.
3. Vintage Fabric Art
Combining multiple vintage fabrics can create one-of-a-kind art. Start with a thrift store frame and a neutral piece of fabric as your base.
Arrange and adhere secondary fabric designs, either sewing them in place or using fabric glue. Before framing, paint and distress the frame if desired. I used a coordinating light green chalk paint and white wax for a cottagey look. After preparing a cardboard backing, I adhered the fabric and added a poem for a personal touch, finishing with a piece of vintage lace.
4. Vintage Tea Towel Pillows
Vintage tea towel calendars make adorable pillows.
Cut out individual designs for the pillow front and use calendar sections for the back. Stitch or glue the edges, leaving a small opening for stuffing, then close the opening.
5. Patchwork Box
Retro fabrics, such as old placemats, are a fun way to add vintage charm to existing decor or thrift store finds, like this wood box for gifting a bottle of wine.
Inspired by the patchwork design on these placemats, I initially cut out the individual squares to create an authentic quilted appearance. However, I later realized this step was unnecessary. After covering the box lid by hot gluing the squares, I decided to enhance the seams with Dollar Tree burlap trim and applied the same ribbon around the edges. To address the rope handle at one end, I drilled matching holes at the opposite end and added handles using some rope I had on hand.
6. Vintage Clock
Repurpose vintage fabric and an old embroidery hoop into a clock.
Secure fabric in the hoop, add buttons for numbers, and attach clock hands and battery pack. I used wood rounds and small screws to secure the clock parts.
7. Vintage Needlepoint
I still had that pretty round wood frame left over from the clock and I sure couldn't let it go to waste so I decided to use it to frame a piece of vintage needle point.
Paint and distress the frame, cover a cardboard circle with needlepoint and secure it inside the frame. I added clear wax to seal the paint and used Gorilla brand hot glue for assembly.
8. Barn Wood Shelf
Transform an old barn wood frame into a shelf.
Attach a piece of barn wood with wood glue and screws, then staple a piece of vintage fabric to the back. Ensure the fabric is taut and secure with packing tape to prevent unraveling.
9. Pin Cushion
Turn a small picture frame into a pin cushion.
Push fabric and stuffing through the frame's opening, secure the fabric, and reattach the frame's backing.
10. Vintage Pumpkin
Cover a styrofoam pumpkin with vintage fabric.
Use a small spatula to press the fabric into the creases, then wrap with burlap ribbon. Add a vintage spool for the stem and finish with a fake bird and pearls.
11. Doily Lace Earrings
Repurpose doilies into earrings.
Carefully cut out shapes, add jump rings and ear wires, and apply Mod Podge for durability. Alternatively, adhere doily pieces to circle earrings with fabric adhesive.
12. Vintage Watch
Create a unique wristband using vintage fabric and an old watch.
Sew fabric strips into tubes, attach them to the watch face, and secure the ends.
Thank you for watching. Let me know in the comments how you repurpose old fabric. See you next time!
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