Thinking that maybe your wardrobe could use a little injection of creativity? Or maybe you need something costume-like to wear to a fun party or event? Or maybe you can wear funky or crafty clothes as a part of your everyday? Or are you budget conscious, and love to change things up often and experiment with new looks, whether it be for yourself or even your kids?
The good new is, you can customize your clothes to your liking, and make a statement that is uniquely yours by starting with the clothes that you already own! Just a little creativity my lead to a new wardrobe and some extra change to spend on accessories, or art supplies or a new piece of jewelry? Okay, lets get started with some ideas to customize your clothes.
1. Make It Shorter Or Change The Proportions
You most probably have a special dress or skirt that you’ve owned for a long time, but you just can’t let go? You don’t have to. All you have to do is take off a few inches, and possibly take out some of the fullness, and voila a new piece of clothing! You can turn your long dress into a fun shorter number. You can also turn your t-shirts into cute crop tops by trimming off the bottom, or make tunics into shirts. Make sure you measure before cutting and I suggest pinning first and trying it on. For a chic look, cut off sleeves to create a vest, or take in at the waistline for a more fitted look. The possibilities are endless! Ah yes, and whatever you cut off should be saved, it might come in handy!
2. Dye / Paint Your Clothes
Spruce your old and boring cotton T-shirts and sweatshirts by simply treating them to a dip dye, or covering them in your own hand drawn graffiti Dying your clothing is a cool way to transform your wardrobe into fun, classy, and unique wearable works of art. You can try tie, ombre, or any form of dye. It’s easy to do this yourself, and even if you make a mess of it, it will still look like art! You can also make some cool and fun graffiti sweatshirts with fabric paint. You can do this with your kids or a group of friends, everyone will love it. If you need a bunch of shirts or sweatshirts for a group party or community project, why not design your own graphics and make custom tee shirts by partnering with a commercial printer.
3. Cut It Up To See What Looks Good On You
You can end up with a totally different style when you cut your clothes up. While you may not want to wear the results, seeing what styles look good on you is a great idea! You can try out the latest fashion trends without investing a single penny! For example, cut off the entire top of a t-shirt just under the arm, make straps from the fabric and see how that looks! Make an interesting asymmetrical neckline or have fun with the sleeves.
4. Decorate
Vintage embroidered patches have absolutely made a comeback. You can score a look of your own by using some on your sweaters or denim jackets. They’ll give your outfit the extra color
and interest. You can also make embroidered shirts that are embellished with just a small logo or monogram, or something much larger. Embroidered shirts are fashionable and can be made by following simple steps. Click for more information .
5. Pin It Up
One thing’s for sure, the 90s fashion trends left a mark, and they keep coming back. You can change your drab denim jacket by just putting a pin on it, or rather a collection of pins! Pins of all types such as enamel and collar pins are super affordable. You can also make DIY pins using a hot glue gun and a pin back, imagine the possibilities!
6. Add A Collar
You can make your dresses, T-shirts, and humdrum tops look glamorous and cool by simply sewing a collar onto them. It's very chic, and it’s suitable for almost every occasion. You can
re-purpose an old button-up by cutting off its collar, or make a collar from just about any fabric of your choice. This personal touch will surely give you a one-of-a-kind look, and you can even make collars that are stand alones!
7. Make Some Colorful Arm Warmers
You most likely have an old pair of girl tights laying around in the house or neatly packed in a closet. If you don’t, you can head to a nearby shop and grab a pair. Little tights are always made
in cute designs. If you neatly cut them open to make room for your thumb, you have yourself some cute and colorful arm warmers to keep the cold away in winter.
8. Try Elbow Patches
If you’re looking to modify any of your long sleeve shirts, sweaters, or jackets, you can simply add a new pair of elbow patches to them. This is very easy and can be done in seconds. All you
have to do is iron the new pair of elbows onto your clothing. Elbow patches are sold in different colors and styles, and they certainly add a cool and fun touch to your wardrobe.
9. Large Men’s Shirts and Sweaters Can Make Great Tunics
You can take a long and collared men’s shirt and turn it into a fashionable dress or tunic with just a few alterations! So raid the closets of the men in your life as well!
I hope you've enjoyed these tips for making crafty clothing and getting those creative gears turning!