Wardrobe Refashion Projects

Turn old clothes into something new and wearable!

You don’t need brand-new fabric to create a brand-new wardrobe. Wardrobe refashioning is all about taking clothes that are too big, too small, outdated, or no longer worn and turning them into something fresh.

This is one of the best ways for kids to learn sewing skills while saving money and helping the planet. Refashion projects are creative, forgiving, and perfect for beginners.
recycle clothes

Sewing Materials Available

What Is Wardrobe Refashioning?

Wardrobe refashioning means:

Fixing clothes that don’t fit quite right
Changing the style of clothing
Combining two items into one new piece
Turning old clothes into something totally different

It’s sewing + creativity + problem-solving all in one!

Ideas for Wardrobe Refashioning-Fix Clothes That Don’t Fit

Clothing is Too Big

If a shirt or dress feels baggy, you can make it fit better by sewing closer to the seams.

How to Take In a Garment:

Try the clothing on and pin where it feels comfortable.
Measure how much fabric needs to be taken in on each side.
Sew along the existing side seams, tapering gently.
Leave enough room for easy movement.

(This works great for dresses, shirts, and tunics.)
take in seam

Clothing is Too Small

If clothes are snug, you can add fabric instead of throwing them away.
Add Side Panels

Open the side seams.
Cut fabric strips from armpit to hem.
Hem the bottom of each strip.
Sew strips into both sides of the shirt.

This adds room and creates a fun design feature!

shirt with side panels

Change Sleeves & Lengths

Adjust Sleeve Length

Try the shirt on and pin where you want the sleeves to end.
Match both sleeves together before cutting so they stay even.
Trim, fold the edge under twice, pin, and sew.

Make a Shirt Sleeveless

Cut sleeves off close to the seam.
Leave the seam intact.
Some fabrics don’t even need hemming!

Shorten Hems

Try the clothing on and pin your desired length.
Cut, leaving extra for hemming.
Fold the hem up twice, pin, and sew.

This works for dresses, skirts, pants, and sleeves.
shorten dress

Shape & Style Your Clothes

Add Darts to your Clothing

Darts help baggy clothes fit better and look more polished.

Pin fabric at the waist or back to shape.
Sew small tapered seams.
Press flat.

Turn One Clothing Item Into Another

Turn a Skirt into Pants

Lay the skirt flat and cut up the middle.
Turn inside out.
Line up seams and sew to form legs.

These pants will be loose and comfy- great for play clothes!

skirt

Make a Dress into a Skirt

Cut off the top of the dress.
Add an sew an elastic waistband.
Instantly create a brand-new skirt!

T-Shirt Refashion Projects

Make Shorts Out of a Shirt or Dress

Great for kids!
Use a large T-shirt, T-shirt dress, or long dress.
Cut and sew following a simple shorts shape.

Shorts from t-shirt tutorial- this works great for small children depending on the size of your t shirt for bigger sizes try a t shirt dress or long dress in place of the t shirt.
shirt pattern