Every time I see vintage sheets hanging on a thrift store rack or piled on a shelf, I’m immediately drawn to them. Whether it’s the weathered softness of the weave or the nostalgic memories of the retro patterns, I simply can’t help myself. Which means I’ve amassed my fair share of them in my fabric stash! But that’s ok, because there are TONS of ways to craft with and upcycle them. Here, let me show you some of my favorite projects.
Vintage Sheets for DIY Wall Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The graphics on vintage sewing pattern envelopes are SO fun and playful, making them perfect for a DIY wall art project. But you can really take it over the top by pairing those envelopes with fabric from vintage sheets.
Groovy Ghost Costumes
Image credit: @emily.retro on Instagram.
The classic ghost costume has always revolved around cutting eye holes in a plain white sheet. But you can absolutely funk-ify that concept by using a vintage floral sheet instead. I mean, look how awesome this looks for a change! And the retro sunglasses are simply next level…
Upcycled Ring Storage
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Any old box can be upcycled into a ring box with this upcycle idea. And fabric from a vintage floral bed sheet is a great way to cover up the cushions used to carefully store and project your prettiest rings.
Throw Pillow Covers from Vintage Sheets
Image credit: Busy Being Jennifer.
Let’s face it- making your own throw pillow covers is the only affordable way to change out those cushions on the regular. And this upcycling idea with vintage sheets is such a pretty, cottage-inspired way to do it!
Simple Apron from Vintage Linens
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Whether you’re hosting a yard sale or selling at a craft fair, this design for a simple apron can be incredibly handy and useful. It uses a vintage pillowcase, a ribbon belt, and a few straight lines on the sewing machine- that’s it. You could also create the same project from a vintage sheet- you’d just need to sew a few more seams.
Embellished Tote Bag
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
A plain tote bag is the perfect blank canvas for this crafty idea. Colorful fabric from vintage bed sheets is ideal for creating these retro letters affixed to the bag. And you could easily personalize this with your name or even just a larger initial.
Vintage Sheet Shower Curtain
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A pretty vintage bed sheet from the thrift store is the perfect thing to repurpose as this DIY shower curtain. And while you’ll still need a plastic liner as well, it’s a remarkably easy sewing project that also allows you to practice your buttonhole-making skills, too.
Prettiest Patio Umbrella
Image credit: Little Vintage Cottage.
Admittedly, I would never have thought of this upcycling idea for vintage sheets- not in a million years. But redoing a patio umbrella in a patchwork style like this is SO adorable! And a great way to repurpose all sorts of fabric in your stash at the same time.
Embroidered Wall Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Usually embroidery projects involve the use of embroidery hoops. But in this case, picture frames were used to hold the vintage sheets in place during the embroidering process. And when they’re done, they’re ready to hang on the wall immediately, almost like wrapped canvas prints.
Quilted Vintage Sheets
Image credit: Busy Being Jennifer.
For the more experienced sewist or better yet, quilter, this patchwork quilt project is about as charming as it gets. I love all the different patterns of vintage sheets that were used, and even recognize them from sheets in my collection!
Fabric-Wrapped Bangles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ugly bracelets and bangles (or just plain ones) are ideal for wrapping in fabric to create new pieces tailored to your style. And these thrift store bangles were wrapped with hand-torn strips of bed sheet fabric. Aren’t they so sweet and delicately pretty now?
Sweetly Scalloped Bunting
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
Buntings are a fun and easy sewing project, but not all of them are this pretty and sweet. Mismatched vintage sheets give this DIY bunting a charming look– especially with the scalloped shape.
Storage Bags from Vintage Sheets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Years ago, I made this vertical wrapping paper storage project from an upturned counter height stool. And the storage bags I made for it came from a pair of vintage pillow cases! Which aren’t *technically* sheets, but you could make the same kind of bag from sheets all the same.
Christmas Tree Skirt
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
A vintage bed sheet might not exactly scream the word “Christmas” at first. That is, unless you’re going for a retro, mid-century color scheme of pinks and blues. Then a vintage sheet might be perfect for this DIY Christmas skirt project.
Vintage Sheets and Decoupage
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An old cookie sheet that’s gotten stained and rusty might end up in your trash bin. But you can upcycle it into a magnetic memo board like this, thanks to some paint and vintage fabric from an pretty bed sheet. You could use it in the kitchen or home office, or even for a child playing with magnetic letters, etc.
Fabric Bunnies
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
These fabric bunnies are as cute as it gets. Made from vintage bed sheets, these Easter bunnies are super easy to make- even for a beginner sewist. Wouldn’t you love to have a few of these around during the Spring and Easter season?
For Your Sheet Scraps
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Any avid sewist will adore this handmade gift idea! A hidden pin cushion in a vintage teapot is a darling idea, especially in a home filled with curious kids or pets. The pin cushion itself is covered in vintage fabric (tea towel, embroidery, or floral sheet) for added charm. Plus, you can add a few small sewing notions to the teapot as well.
Easter Egg Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Once Spring and Easter are here, keep your eyes peeled for vintage oval frames. (Thrift stores and yard sales are great places to find them!). Because with the right makeover and vintage bed sheet fabric, they can be transformed into Easter eggs like this.
Fabric Storage Rods
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Believe it or not, but this fabric organizer started out as a gun rack from the thrift store. And when I added rods across the holders, I decoupaged them with fabric from vintage floral sheets! The soft, thin fabric works really well in decoupage projects.
Upcycling Ideas for Vintage Sheets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Well, what do you think? Are you inspired by any of these projects and ready to upcycle some of the floral sheets in your stash? All I know is, keep an eye out for those pretty patterns in the thrift store linens section. Because they are FULL of upcycling and crafting potential.
Speaking of vintage fabrics, here’s a collection of upcycled handkerchiefs, which might give you some additional repurposing project ideas!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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