Have you tried upcycling yet? We are here to help! Today on the blog we have a special guest, Candice Ayala, sharing some helpful tips to inspire your upcycles!
5 Upcycling Tips
Somewhere along my sewing journey, I discovered that upcycling and refashions are my most favorite and gratify types of sews. There’s an undeniable thrill in transforming something old into something entirely new; it’s almost magical. Not only is it budget-friendly, but upcycling also allows you to create something truly unique. You’ll never have to worry about encountering anyone wearing the same garment as you – ever! With a dash of imagination and ingenuity, upcycling can become one of the most rewarding sewing experiences. Here are my top five upcycling tips, along with actionable steps to show you just how enjoyable and effortless it can be!
Tip #1: Explore Thrift Stores / Garage Sales
The best way to stretch your dollar is by scouring thrift stores or browsing garage sales. You’ll be surprised by the array of funky, fun, and vintage styles waiting to be discovered.
Actionable Step: When perusing thrift stores or garage sales, aim for lightly used items with a unique flair, preferably in sizes larger than what you need. For instance, since I primarily sew for my daughter, I seek out XL or bigger items to maximize usable fabric and potential upcycling opportunities.
Tip #2: Raid Your Closets
My daughter boasts a wardrobe filled with upcycled treasures from her dad’s closet. Spending ZERO dollars to make something new is the ultimate win-win! So, take a peek into your closets at home and you’ll likely find “last season” garments gathering dust or items that no longer fit that are waiting for a new life. Every piece of clothing holds the potential for a fresh transformation.
Actionable Step: Spend an afternoon rummaging through everyone’s closets. You’ll be amazed at the hidden gems waiting to be upcycled.
Tip #3: Leverage Existing Patterns
Utilize pattern blocks from previous projects to construct your new garment. This eliminates any guesswork regarding fit, as you already know these patterns work for you. Whether you draft your own or use a commercial pattern, sticking to tried-and-tested designs ensures a successful outcome.
Actionable Step: Take note of your favorite patterns with a perfect fit, and use them as the foundation for your future creations.
Tip #4: Embrace Mixing and Matching
Don’t shy away from combining different fabric patterns and different fabric types. Stripes and florals, or denim and cotton – when paired thoughtfully can create something that hits with a WOW factor.
Actionable Step: Let your creativity soar by experimenting with various fabric patterns and fabric types in your upcycling projects.
Tip #5: Exercise Precision when Disassembling
Rather than haphazardly cutting into whole garments, use your seam ripper to carefully dismantle them. Disassembling garments at the seams yields more fabric and simplifies pattern placement for cutting.
Actionable Step: Forge a close bond with your seam ripper – it’s your best ally in the upcycling journey!
And there you have it – five tips to awaken your inner upcycling spirit. Get creative and remember, there are no rules; just have fun! – Candice
Thank you to Candice for these helpful tips! Be sure to visit here website HERE for more!
We want to encourage YOU to try upcycling, so we have Candice’s DIY Upcycle pattern on sale for $5 through May 15, 2024 at 11:59pm EST. No code needed.
Don’t forget that you can sew an upcycled kids outfit and enter to win patterns with our monthly sewing challenge! Get the details HERE!