Got an old set of sheets tucked away in the back of your closet? Instead of letting them collect dust or tossing them out, why not turn them into something fresh and useful? Bedsheets are often made from durable fabrics that are perfect for sewing projects, and their generous size means you’ll have plenty of material to work with. Whether they’re plain, patterned, or even a little worn, there are endless ways to give them new life.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 10 creative sewing ideas for using old sheets that are budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and fun to make. From practical household items to stylish accessories, these projects will inspire you to see your linens in a whole new light. So grab those sheets you no longer need, dust off your sewing machine, and get ready to transform everyday fabric into something amazing.
10 Creative Sewing Ideas for Using Old Sheets
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Quilt Backing or Practice Fabric
1] The Classic Apron
Perfect for those cute printed sheets, a simple apron is a fantastic beginner project.
Materials:
– 1 old flat sheet (or a large portion of one)
– Coordinating thread
– Scissors or rotary cutter
– Measuring tape
– Extra fabric for ties (or use pre-made bias tape)
Instructions:
– Find an apron pattern you like (or drape an existing apron on your fabric to create a template).
– old your sheet and cut out two identical apron shapes for a lined, sturdier apron.
– Place the right sides of the fabric together and pin. Sew around the edges, leaving a 3-inch gap at the top for turning.
– Turn the apron right side out and press it flat. Topstitch around the entire edge, closing the gap as you go.
– Sew long fabric strips to the sides for the waist ties and one for the neck tie.
2] Reusable Market Tote Bag
Say goodbye to plastic bags with a sturdy, personalized tote.
Materials:
– Old sheet (a twin or full size works well)
– Scissors
– Thread
– Sewing machine
Instructions:
– Cut two large rectangles from your sheet (e.g., 18″ x 16″ for a good-sized bag).
– For the handles, cut four strips 4″ wide and 20″ long. Fold each in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew. Turn right side out and press.
– Place your two large rectangles right sides together. Pin and sew along the bottom and both sides.
– Box the corners: Pinch a bottom corner flat so the side seam aligns with the bottom seam. Measure 2 inches from the point and sew a line perpendicular to the seam. Cut off the excess. Repeat for the other corner.
– Turn the bag right side out. Fold the top edge down 1 inch, then again 1 inch to create a hem. Press and pin, making sure to tuck the raw ends of your handles inside this hem. Topstitch around the entire top, securing the handles.
3] Simple Drawstring Gift Bags
Eliminate wrapping paper waste with beautiful, reusable fabric gift bags.
Materials:
– Old sheets (solid colors work great)
– Scissors
– Safety pin
– Cord or ribbon for drawstring
Instructions:
– Decide on your bag size and cut one rectangle of fabric. (A 12″ x 28″ rectangle will fold into a nice 12″ x 14″ bag).
– Fold the rectangle in half, right sides together, so the short edges meet. Sew along the side seam.
– the top, fold the edge down ½ inch to the wrong side and press. Then fold it down 1 inch and press again. This creates the channel for the drawstring. Stitch close to the bottom folded edge, leaving a 1-inch gap in the stitching at the side seam.
– Turn the bag right side out. Attach a safety pin to your cord and thread it through the channel. Tie the ends of the cord together.
4] Cozy Draft Stopper
Keep chilly drafts at bay under doors and windows.
Materials:
– Old sheet fabric
– Dry rice, beans, or polyester fiberfill
– Ruler
– Funnel
Instructions:
– Cut a fabric rectangle 8″ tall and as long as the width of your door + 2 inches.
– Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the long edge and one short end.
– Turn the tube right side out. Use a funnel to fill it ¾ full with your filling of choice.
– Fold the raw edges of the open end inward and hand-stitch it closed.
5] “New” Pillowcases
Give your bedroom a quick refresh by turning a patterned flat sheet into matching shams or standard pillowcases.
Materials:
– Old flat sheet
– Matching pillow for measurement
– Thread
Instructions:
– Measure your pillow and add 1 inch for seam allowance on all sides. (A standard pillow is 20″ x 26″, so cut fabric 21″ x 28″).
– Fold your fabric piece in half, right sides together, so it measures 21″ x 14″. Sew along the two open sides.
– Hem the open end: Fold the edge over ¼ inch, then ¼ inch again and stitch. That’s it!
6] Fabric Basket (Box Bottom)
Perfect for organizing everything from toys to yarn to bathroom essentials.
Materials:
– Old sheet
– Fusible interfacing (optional, for stiffness)
– Thread
Instructions:
– Cut two circles for the bottom and one long rectangle for the sides (Circumference of circle = length of the rectangle).
– If using, iron interfacing to the wrong side of your fabric pieces.
– Pin the rectangle to the circle, right sides together, easing the fabric around the curve. Sew together.
– Repeat step 3 to attach the other circle to the other end of the rectangle, creating the inside of the basket.
– Turn the basket right side out through the opening between the two circles. Hand-stitch the opening closed.
7] Pet Bed
Create a luxurious, washable bed for your furry friend.
Materials:
– 2-3 old sheets (for the cover and filling)
– Polyester fiberfill or old towels/pillows for stuffing
– Thread
Instructions:
– Cut two large circles or squares from one sheet for the top and bottom of the bed.
– Cut a long strip for the side, the length of the perimeter of your circle/square and as tall as you want the bed to be.
– Sew the side strip to the bottom piece, right sides together.
– Sew the top piece to the other side of the strip, right sides together, but leave a 6-inch gap.
– Turn the cover right side out through the gap. Stuff firmly with shredded old sheets or other filling.
– Hand-stitch the opening closed.
8] Elegant Fabric Garland (Bunting)
Perfect for parties, weddings, or nursery decor.
Materials:
– Scraps from multiple old sheets
– Bias tape or ribbon
– Scissors
– Paper template (triangle, pennant, etc.)
Instructions:
– Use a template to cut out as many flags as you want from your assorted sheet fabrics.
– Fold the top edge of each flag over the bias tape or ribbon and pin in place.
– Sew a straight stitch along the bias tape, securing all the flags as you go.
– Hang and enjoy!
9] No-Hem Curtains
If you have a sheet with a beautiful top hem, you’re already halfway done!
Materials:
– Old flat or fitted sheet
– Curtain rod
– Scissors
Instructions:
– Measure your window and determine the desired length of your curtain.
– If using a flat sheet, simply cut the sheet to your desired length, using the existing top hem as your rod pocket. No sewing needed!
– If using a fitted sheet, cut off the elasticated corners and use the top, non-elasticated hem as your rod pocket.
10] Quilt Backing or Practice Fabric
The ultimate upcycle for a sewer!
Materials:
– Old sheets
– Your current sewing project
Instructions:
– Quilt Backing: Seam several flat sheets together to create a large, soft, and inexpensive backing for your next quilt.
– Muslin Substitute: Use plain-colored or old white sheets as a cheap alternative to muslin for making pattern mock-ups (toile) or practicing new techniques.
So, raid that linen closet and get sewing! Your old sheets are waiting for a second act. What’s the first project you’ll try?
Related Reading
How to Save Money On Your Sewing Projects
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8 Simple Sewing Projects to Transform Old Fabric Scraps
Why Beginners Struggle to Finish Sewing Projects (and How to Change That)
10 Creative Ways to Upcycle Old Towels
8 Creative DIYs from Your Old Pillowcases
8 Beginner-Friendly Pet Clothing Projects: Cute, Cozy, and Easy to Sew!