21
Sep

Recycling Old Sheets – Weekend Project

— by Tiffany in Recycle, Sewing

While cleaning up my linen closet I found a fitted sheet that had ripped awhile back. I stuffed it in the back of the closet until I figured out what to do with it and that day came today when I had a hard time rounding up four king size pillow cases for my bed. Some people lose socks, we seem to lose pillow cases! I think my oldest son may be stealing them actually. Sooo…I decided to turn that ripped sheet into 3 king size pillow cases.

I used an existing pillow case as my template and I cut around it, leaving some space to be able to turn and sew. I thought about cutting the elastic off but figured if I left it on, that was just one side I wouldn’t have to sew….I am all about easy. After cutting I turned it inside out and started sewing, reinforcing the edges and corners as I went. Then I flipped it right side out and I had a pillow case! This was a great recycling project that only took about 20 minutes from start to finish for all the pillow cases.

pillowcase pattern

pillowcase made from old sheets

Pillowcase Finished

 

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Sunday, September 21st, 2008

10 Comments

  • http://www.easygreensy.com mike@easygreensy.com

    That’s a great tip. I usually give old and tattered sheets to my pig to use as bedding. She can only use so much.
    http://shalomandmike.com/pets/author/sweet-pea/

  • http://www.rebelwithablog.blogspot.com rebecca

    I LOVE the elastic opening! I have an 8 YR quilt (been working on it that long) that I am using torn sheets as material (it’s a basic 4 patch). I’m so going to make shams with the fitted sheet – probably in about year 10 of having it shoved in the closet.

  • http://www.aromacristelles.scent-team.com Crystal

    That is a great idea. I make hankies out of mine to give as gifts.

  • http://www.greenandchic.com/blog Carla

    I can never have enough pillow cases in my house. We use about two pillows each throughout the week and I like to use two cases per pillow (to protect the pillow from drool, facial cream, etc) so this is definitely a great idea for me.

  • http://www.grumpy-kitty.com Shannon

    What a great idea! I too seem to lose pillow cases. I also have a “few” sheets in the linen closet that are just taking up space. My to-do list grows ever longer lol

  • http://booksatbedtime.blogspot.com/ michelle

    i made a body pillow pillowcase for my daughter from a flat sheet. it turned out great, too!

  • Lisa

    Thanks for the tip. I like both the pillow case and the quilting idea. I know this may sound disgusting but does anyone know what to do with soiled underwear or underwear that is so old it’s falling apart? I can’t stand the thought of throwing them away just to sit in a landfill! Thanks for any suggestions (I know it’s gross..would never give away)

  • http://www.affordablemedicaldental.com Sarah

    Great use for old sheets. :) I need to learn how to sew. There are so many things you can do with old stuff laying around the house. I also have so many buttons. I would love to make something with them. I have some really pretty ones too.

  • http://wahmingit.com/ Amber

    Such a great idea! I’m always tucking things away with grand plans of re-purposing them in the future.

  • MrsFlynnstone

    Use to apply shoe polish to shoes.