You’ve probably seen these projects on Pinterest. You may have “liked” them. You may have pinned them. But we’re willing to bet you haven’t given the majority of them a try. Well, now is your chance! We’ve gathered all our favorite DIY fashion projects in one place. Grab a pair of scissors, a sewing kit, and some old T-shirts. Let’s get started.
Cowl Neck Scarf
This cozy cowl scarf can be yours in three easy steps. Step 1: Hit your favorite thrift store, and browse the men’s sweater section. The larger and thicker, the better. Step 2: Cut off the bottom of the sweater, from armpit to armpit. Step 3: So the edge doesn’t fray, fold the cut edge over, sew it in place, and wear! That’s really it. For more detail, check out Freshly Given’s full tutorial.
No-Sew Bow Tank
There’s an infinite number of ways to transform an old T-shirt, but this no-sew tutorial really makes a statement. And without a sewing machine! Laura of Creating Laura wore hers as a cute ice skating warmup outfit, but this shirt could really go anywhere depending on the V-neck you started with. Make it a cute gym shirt, poolside coverup, or a casual party top.
Jersey-Weave Sweatshirt
There’s nothing like an embellished sweatshirt to feel comfy and look great; however, many of them come with serious price tags. So, let’s DIY it! Sophie of The Forge made this woven sweatshirt with a plain sweatshirt and some extra fabric she had lying around, but you can use strips of an old T-shirt or even decorative rope.
Simple Beach Coverup
This wraparound coverup is so cute and so easy, Auna of La Vie DIY calls it a “20-minute Beach Coverup.” Plus, it shockingly doesn’t require a sewing machine—just a couple stitches with a needle and thread to hold the straps in place. Not into brown? Picture this little number in a playful coral color or even a beachy print.
No-Sew Boho Skirt
If you’ve ever lusted after a beautiful fabric but not known what to do with it, we have just the project for you: a no-sew skirt! I know you have your doubts, but you’ve never seen a no-sew skirt like this one. It’s inexpensive, fashion-forward, and so easy a caveman could do it—if he had some pretty fabric, a rope, and a pair of scissors, that is.
Leather Peter Pan Collar
This Peter Pan collar DIY is a must. It’s so easy to recreate, and it doesn’t call for the fancy jewelry tools that a lot of make-it-yourself jewelry projects require. Plus, the end result is so versatile. A Peter Pan collar can give your outfit a cute retro twist or, with some sequins or rhinestones, it can make a girly statement.
No-Sew Slip Dress
Do you have a maxi skirt that just never seems to hang correctly? With a pair of scissors and 15 minutes, you can turn that old skirt into a wearable beachy dress like this one on Kier of Kier Couture. Kier recommends keeping the waistband when cutting up your skirt because it doubles as a belt after you’re done!
Patterned Pockets
Whether you’re showing off the Stars and Stripes, going tribal, or just adding a splash of color to an old pair of shorts, this project is perfect for any DIYer because it’s all about customization! Plus, this video tutorial is foolproof. Just take off the pockets, cover them with fabric, and sew them back on.
No-Sew Workout Headband
Tank top with a hole in it? T-shirt with pit stains? Don’t throw them out! Upcycle them. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut off the bottom of your old shirt above the seam. Then cut a strip about 3 inches wide, and stretch it out. Finally, twist it, fold it, and wear it. That’s all there is to it.
Easy Kimono Pattern
Okay: To make this project happen, you’re going to need a sewing machine, but you don’t have to be a pro. The kimono pattern is simple, and the natural fullness and flow of the garment will prevent any mistakes from showing too much. Visit Brit + Co for the pattern and full tutorial.
Screen-printed Tee
We’re in love with this DIY printing process. It can be time-consuming, depending on your pattern of choice, but look at the beautiful results! That French bulldog is begging you to give this project a try. Think, what have you always wanted on a shirt but could never find? Now is your chance to make it. Visit Lovely Indeed for the whole process.
No-Sew Lace Insert
Fancify an old T-shirt with a little lace insert—no sewing required! Trust us; it's not as hard as it looks if you have all the right materials, for example, iron-on hem tape. Remember, your shape can be as simple as this one—a moon, a heart, or a circle—or you could try something more complex, like a skull, bow, or butterfly.
Ribbon-and-Pearl Necklace
This project is so simple that you’ll wish you’d thought of it years ago. Simply, collect a handful of old beads—in this case, pearls; but any beads would do, even a combination of different beads—and fold the strands in half. Tie a color-coordinating ribbon on both ends, and use the ribbon to tie the necklace in place. For some extra pizzazz, add a brooch or flower to the ribbon as Sara did for Put Together.
Basic Sailor’s Knot Bracelet
This easy bracelet will add a chic nautical twist to any outfit, especially in the summer. Plus, the sailor’s knot bracelet has a rich history. According to Stacy of Flights of Delight, sailors would pass the time by tying knots in spare bits of rope, but eventually they served as good luck charms for sailors and loved ones.
Tie-Front Crop Top
Crop tops are still in the fashion spotlight this summer, so we are definitely going to give this easy T-shirt upcycle a try. We love C’est La Belle Vie blogger Charity’s forest green tank, but you can try it on any tee in your collection, or start fresh with one from the store.
No-Sew Beach Bag
Everybody wants a cute beach bag, but nobody wants to drop the dough on a bag they only use one season of the year, especially when it’s usually sitting in the sand. That’s why this bag is perfect! All you need is a summery weather-resistant fabric, some rope, duct tape, and staples. Yes, staples are the simple secret to the perfect beach tote.
Tulle Skirt
This DIY project is not for the crafty noobs, but if you know how to work a sewing machine, it’s completely doable—and completely fabulous. I’m going to leave the instructions to Ginny of Bowties & Baubles, but if you’re looking to jump on the tulle train, definitely give this project a try.
Tie-Dye Coverup
Okay—one more upcycled T-shirt project. This one is just too fun to pass up, and it’s so simple. Go grab an old T-shirt, preferably one that’s a little big on you, and follow these instructions. Allie of Adventures of a Middle Sister will take it from there.