While I love the idea of upcycling unworn clothing, taking a knife to my jeans, dyeing a top or attempting to sew a hemline feels risky. What if I mess it up? I know that in theory, it’s better to at least try, rather than leave old clothes to waste away in my wardrobe. But my lack of skills when it comes to sewing or anything DIY always makes me pause.
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Whether it’s turning a two-dollar op shop find into a custom-fit cami or transforming an ill-fitting shirt into a tartan skirt, there are endless ways to get creative and breathe life into old clothes, even for beginners. So, for some inspiration, I turned to four Australian tailors and asked them to share their favourite upcycling hacks.
Mia Lewis, seamstress and Depop seller
As someone who’s never stepped foot in a sewing class, my favourite upcycling hack is using a singlet I already own as a pattern. I start by ironing a thrifted top, laying it out flat, then tracing it around my existing singlet – just don’t forget to leave a couple of extra centimetres for your seam allowance!
To cut around the shape I use a cutting mat and rotary cutter (both from Spotlight). They make the process so much easier than using cutting scissors. After cutting out the shape, I sew the edges back together and bam, I’ve got a brand new perfectly fitting top! I love this hack because it means I can upcycle any op shop top I come across, not just the ones in my size. You can even use this hack to upcycle old curtains or bedsheets from the op shop!
Sandra Spasovski, owner and designer of Esero
My favourite upcycling and repair hack is simple yet effective: turning an old pair of pants or a skirt into shorts, jorts or a mini skirt. This works especially well if you no longer like the fit or cut of a piece or if the bottom half is damaged or ripped.
I took a pair of my boyfriend’s pants that he never wears anymore, measured them carefully and cut them straight across. To hem them, I folded the fabric up by an inch, sewed it in place, pressed it and then folded it up again, pressed, sewed and pressed once more. Don’t forget to cut about two inches longer to allow for hemming!
Tegan Dermek, owner and designer of Syrup Underwear
My favourite upcycling hack is dyeing older (usually white) garments. After a year or so of wear, they’re often not as crisp as when I bought them or they might’ve picked up a stain or two. Rather than throwing them away, I give them a second life by dying them a new colour (pretty much always black). It’s such a simple way to make a garment feel completely new again. Natural dyes like avocado pits and turmeric can give a nice pink or yellow wash to a new garment but I find they aren’t as good at hiding stains.
Start by hand-washing your garment. While it’s still wet, add it to the pot of dye on the stovetop. Heat it up, then rinse thoroughly. Wash it through at least twice and you’re good to go!
Erica Bowe, founder of Bowe Fashion
One of my favourite upcycling hacks is transforming old jeans into a unique, layered skirt using a tartan business shirt. Start by cutting off the legs of the jeans (or use a denim skirt) while keeping the waistband intact. Then, drape the business shirt around your hips in different ways until you find a shape you love. Pin it in place and sew it directly onto the waistband.
Don’t stress about perfection! The raw, deconstructed look adds to the charm. Play with layering and asymmetry for a bold, one-of-a-kind piece.
For sewing tips for beginners, try this.
This article Four tailors share their favourite hacks for upcycling old clothes appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-06-11 12:12:00
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