A Beginner’s Guide to Upcycling

Key takeaways:

• Recycling and upcycling are two very different processes, despite sounding similar.
• Upcycling creatively repurposes clothes and can be started in four simple steps.
• These stages include choosing the right item, finding inspiration, and collecting the materials needed for an upgrade.

Upcycle and recycle – two words that sound like they could be best friends, but in reality, they’re more like distant cousins. While they often get tossed around together, they’re actually quite different.

Let’s start with recycling. When you recycle something, like a worn-out sweater, it goes through a process where it’s first shredded, then processed into new yarn and eventually transformed into a brand-new garment. Upcycling, however, is where the real fun begins. Imagine taking that same old sweater and, instead of tearing it apart, you turn it into a decorative plant pot cover or a trendy headband. This process only requires your creativity, a patch, and maybe a few friends.

Curious to give it a try? Here are four steps to get you started.    

1. Pick your base item

Start by selecting a piece of clothing you’re ready to transform – maybe that forgotten T-shirt with a hole or a scarf that lost its color after a laundry accident. For your first project, keep it simple. That basic T-shirt or imperfect scarf are ideal for testing your creative skills.
Don’t have anything suitable at home? Head to a thrift store and find your perfect base item, with imperfections and all.

2. Find your inspiration

Dive into TikTok or Instagram and explore the #upcycle hashtag to spark your creativity, or finally bring that idea you’ve been daydreaming about.

Here are some recommended accounts to follow.
 

On Instagram:

• Joanne Mooney, who creates unique garments crafted from IKEA textiles.
• 3womenco, a brand that turns vintage fabrics into stunning repurposed pieces, from trousers to dresses and button-down shirts.

On TikTok:

• Vintage Stock Reserve, a store that has a dedicated “Upcycle Challenge Series” album for endless ideas.
• Arai Designs, a brand that transforms old T-shirts into beautiful bags.

If social media isn’t your thing, check out Oluwaseun Ogunsola’s brilliant tips from British Vogue, like denim appliqués or iron-on patch repairs. For extra flair, we’re sorry but we must direct you to her Instagram account, a must-visit. [1]        

3. Collect supplies and create a workspace

With your project in mind, gather the essential materials like fabric, buttons, and other decorative elements. Begin by searching your home or exploring flea markets and thrift stores for secondhand treasures.         

Set up a designated workspace to keep everything organized and accessible, and make sure to stock it with sewing equipment – perhaps some vintage tools from your grandma.    

4. Create (your way)

You’ve seen influencers making upcycling look effortless, but you might have discovered that sewing isn’t that easy. Don’t worry, though! Soon, you’ll pick up the skills you need.

If you don’t, this isn’t your only option. You can breathe new life into old clothes using other techniques like dyeing or cutting. Try no-sew ideas like adding studs to denim shorts or applying iron-on patches to your shirts, just like Oluwaseun Ogunsola. 

Great, now you’re ready for creative upcycling adventures and bragging rights with your friends!

A sneak peek to our next article 

Get ready for an insightful read on how the music world embraces sustainability. Stay tuned for a closer look at our upcoming article!

[1] “4 Easy Ways To Upcycle Your Wardrobe This January, According To A Seasoned Pro”, British Vogue, available at: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/upcycling-tips-the-oluwaseun

AUTHOR: Federica Paolucci