You’ll want to bookmark these DIY clothes ideas whether you’re a sewing beginner or an expert. A closet spring clean-up, as a part of my 30-day cleaning challenge, hit me with a realization. I got a hoard of unused clothes from old sweaters to jeans and wasting them is a huge DIY-er mistake. This roundup of smart DIY clothes hacks and easy DIY clothes couldn't be any more perfect and right about time. Learn how to revamp old clothes, DIY old clothes into new, as well as sew clothes from scratch with these DIY clothes ideas!
Ladies Pants, Skirts, Shorts, And DIY Clothes On A Budget!
1. Maxi Skirt
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Sew a maxi skirt without burning your wallet in the process. By the way, don’t forget to stretch out the fabric when sewing the elastic band for the waist. I suggest using a zig-zag stitch for this project.
2. Simple Summer T-Shirt Dress
This DIY clothes idea will take care of your old knit tank tops and skirts. To make a new clothing item from these old pieces, simply join the two with this tutorial on how to sew a simple summer T-shirt dress. Sewing on a stretchy knit fabric can be tricky, so this sewing technique for sewing knit fabrics will help.
3. Skirt Repurposed into Summer Shorts
It's a good thing I kept old pieces of floral skirts in my closet. Trendy high-waisted floral shorts is gracing the fashion world this summer, but I am not one to buy super pricey summer shorts in the market. So I'm repurposing these classical skirt pieces in my wardrobe into summer shorts with this tutorial.
4. How to Sew a Bomber Jacket from Scratch
A bomber jacket is a must-have in your closet. Learn how to sew a bomber jacket from scratch so you can have a few more pieces in your wardrobe. Here's another DIY clothes tutorial for a leather bomber jacket you'll also dig. But it will need you to take your sewing skills to the next level.
5. DIY Kimono
Sewing a kimono is probably the easiest DIY clothes tutorial perfect for beginners. This summer, sport a different kimono over your swimsuit every time you hit the beach or pool. Because we can't get enough of kimonos, this DIY kimono will also help. Or this repurposed shirt kimono from our sister site diyprojects.
6. How to Sew a Simple Turtleneck Sweater Dress
A turtleneck sweater dress can cost so much either online or at the mall. Thanks to this simple and easy DIY turtleneck sweater dress, I can now make one on my own.
7. DIY Tartan Dress
There are vintage dress patterns which never gets old. You can never go wrong with this DIY tartan dress tutorial you can make for yourself or even your girls.
8. DIY Black Homecoming Dress
Get a homecoming glow knowing you didn't spend an arm and a leg for a dress. You can even beam with pride in a DIY black homecoming dress you made yourself.
9. T-Shirt Dress for School
Getting dressed for school every day can be frustrating with a limited option. Add a few more lovely pieces to your wardrobe with this DIY T-shirt dress for school.
10. Repurpose Old Shirts into a Skater Skirt
Here's another DIY clothes tutorial you can wear to school. Repurpose your old extra large shirts into this skater skirt to add to your school outfits collection.
11. DIY Off Shoulder Top
The trendy off shoulder top is here to stay for a few more seasons! It's not too late to make one your own. Repurpose your old button down dress shirt into this chic off-shoulder top.
12. DIY Denim Shorts
Hands down, jeans are some of the old time favorites making almost half of the unused garments in our closet. If you have old pieces you just can't wear anymore, put those jeans to good use and make these DIY denim shorts.
13. Pencil Skirt
High-waisted pencil skirts are all the rage these days. No matter what size you are, you can look sexy with this piece. So what are you waiting for? Mak your own DIY pencil skirt now!
14. DIY Tulle Skirt
Make a few fancy pieces in your wardrobe and include a quirky tulle skirt. With this DIY tulle skirt tutorial, you can make one for you and for your girls for any occasion.
15. Sweater To Skirt Refashion
Who knew sweaters could be turned into skirts? The secret lies in using sweaters that are 1-2 sizes bigger, so this is a great project for those wondering what to do with overstretched sweaters.
16. Draped Skirt
This video shows you how to make an Alexander Wang inspired DIY draped skirt. The technique is in the way the tucks and turns of the fabric are made. Don’t forget to keep the skirt in place with a few safety pins.
17. Harem Pants
I’ve been a fan of harem pants for the longest time because they’re so comfortable. The best part of this tutorial is you won’t even have to print a pattern for a template. Simply grab one of your jeans and trace around them leaving enough space for a roomy fit.
18. PJs to Joggers Refashion
It’ll only take 5 minutes to turn a pair of PJs into comfy joggers. Start by laying over a pair of pants on the PJs, and trace around it leaving a 1/4” seam allowance. Cut the outline and sew the ends of the seams. Finally, attach band hems to the waist and the ends of the legs.
19. Lace Jean Cuff
A lace cuff will add a dainty touch to a pair of blue jeans. Start by cutting off the ends of your jeans. Then, turn your jeans inside out and sew the lace details on the ends. Flip your jeans back right side in, cuff the jeans, and sew along the top of the lace to keep it in place.
20. Wool Skirt
I had extra wool fabric from a previous DIY, so I turned the leftovers into a wool skirt. The main tip I have for this project is to always remember to stretch the fabric while sewing. This will prevent it from puckering while in the middle of a stitch.
21. Yoga Pants
Give yourself a new pair of yoga pants to salute the sun with. Don’t forget to use jersey fabric for this DIY so it won’t restrict your movements and poses while in yoga class.
22. Denim Pants To Skirt Refashion
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Turn a pair of old jeans in a mini skirt with this tutorial. By the way, if you want a pencil skirt fit, simply pin the 2 ends closer together, and sew.
23. Side Stripe Pants
Add a little extra detail to your pants with a side stripe. Start by picking your fabric detailing and pinning this along with the side of your pants. Once you’re happy with the placement, start sewing the side stripe.
Tip: Fold the ends of the detailing strips inward before sewing in place.
24. Easy 15-Minute Skirt
The important step to creating this DIY skirt is taking note of the measurements. To get the width needed for the rectangles, note the size of your hips, add 11”, and then divide everything by 2.
25. Lounge Pants
I won’t lie, I’ve worn these knit lounge pants to sleep countless times. When making this DIY, don't forget to shear off the excess seams after sewing. Doing so will prevent the seams from unraveling.
26. Scuba Miniskirt
Scuba or neoprene fabric can be a gem to work with as it takes away the added step of sewing hems. The material is also stretchy enough, so you won’t need to add a zipper.
Tip: Stock up on pins for this project as the pattern is of utmost importance.
27. Sweater To Pants Refashion
Aside from turning your old sweater into a skirt, you can refashion it into a pair of pants as well. For this DIY, you’ll be using the sleeves as the material for your legs, so be sure to give them a try first to check the fit.
28. DIY Skinny Jeans
This little life hack will easily turn unwanted jeans into skinny jeans. Begin by wearing your jeans inside out and have a friend tug and pin the fabric along your legs. Then, very carefully, remove the pants, and sew along the pin markings — I’ve found it's best to sew from the legs moving up. Once you’re done, wear the jeans to check the fit and snip away the excess fabric.
You will also find this skinny jeans tutorial from diyprojects very helpful.
29. Lace Pencil Skirt
This tutorial uses two different pieces of fabric: the lace trimming and the underlay. To make a more seamless lace skirt, opt to get a color of the same shade for both fabrics.
30. Tuxedo Pants
My trick for these tuxedo pants is to fold the strip of ribbon over the waist and to sew this in place. Doing so will prevent the ribbon from detaching from the pants as well.
This is the right practice to sewing pockets in pants https://t.co/4WyOSuQJV4 pic.twitter.com/1RPTRWHSN3
— SewingDotCom (@Sewingdotcom) April 26, 2017
31. Cheerleader Skirt
This cheerleader skirt was made using a fitted tube skirt and a lace skirt. Start by deciding how wide you want the pleats to be. Once you’ve got that figured out, proceed to cut straight lines on the tube skirt, making sure not to cut all the way up. Then, it’s all a matter of layering. Put on your lace skirt, and wear the cut up tube skirt on top.
32. Laced Up Pants
Be sure to cut off long pieces of string for these laced up pants. If it’s too short, you may have to re-do quite a number of times. Remember, it’s better to trim off the excess than to re-lace all over again.
33. Tulle Skirt
Remember to sew in one layer at a time when making this tulle skirt. That way, it’ll be easier to add pleats in once you see your tulle becoming wider than the lining.
34. Ruffled Skirt
This hack upgrades a black skirt by adding some ruffles. By the way, make the circle cutting easier by folding the fabric in half and simply cutting out a semi-circle. Doing so will give you symmetric curves for the shape.
35. Printed Pants
Give yourself more comfort by using spandex fabric for the printed pants. That way, the pants will cling to the shape of your legs and hips. It’ll also allow you to move freely.
36. High Waisted Sash Skirt
Here’s a trick for finding the size of your skirt’s bottom width: Double your waist measurement by 2. If you want a fuller skirt, simply add a few more inches after.
37. Pencil Skirt
This pencil skirt will only take 20 minutes to make. To begin, fold your fabric in half, then, lay and trace the pattern on top. Pin and cut the fabric, and repeat this on the other half. With the wrong side facing outward, sew the two fabrics at the sides. Finally, fold about an inch at the top and sew in place.
Want more DIY clothes ideas? Press play on the video below by Rachelleea to learn how to distress your jeans:
I sure hope these DIY clothes ideas bring new outfits for your wardrobe! Remember ladies, it’s never too late to make the most of your old clothes. So try your hand at this roundup of DIY clothes!
Which of these DIY clothes and clothing hacks are you digging to try this week? Share them with us in the comments below!
Up Next: 33 Stylish Summer Clothes For Women You Can Sew
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 6, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.