Fabric is a fantastic way to bring texture, print, and personality into your home—whether you’re making pillows, an accent throw, or even a tapestry for a gallery wall. Instead of purchasing new materials, consider sourcing inexpensive and sustainable options with thrifted fabric DIY projects. Local thrift stores and secondhand markets are gold mines for affordable fabric, offering endless opportunities to upcycle creatively and consciously.

Secondhand Fabric Shopping

There are several often-overlooked areas in thrift stores that are perfect for sourcing secondhand fabric:

• The linen section: Look for tablecloths, bedsheets, vintage quilts, drapes, flour sack towels, and more. These materials often come in large cuts and unique patterns.
  
• Clothing racks: Don’t skip the women’s, men’s, and kids’ sections! Shirts, skirts, dresses, and even pajama sets can offer fun prints and quality fabrics for your projects.
  
• Craft section: Some thrift shops have designated areas for fabric remnants or sewing supplies.
  
• Secondhand marketplaces: Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and even local garage sales can offer rolls of upholstery fabric and other large remnants at great prices.
  

Now that you know where to find fabric treasures, let’s dive into ten creative thrifted fabric DIY ideas you can start today!

10 Easy Fabric Upcycling Craft Projects

1. Picture Mat

Give your framed prints a personalized touch by wrapping the mat board in your favorite thrifted fabric. It’s a simple but impactful project that adds color and texture to your wall décor.

DIY Tip: Use a spray adhesive or double-sided tape to attach the fabric to the mat board for a smooth finish.

See the easy and quick tutorial to customize a picture mat HERE!

2. Garland

Create charming garlands from fabric strips for a festive, vintage look. Cut or tear long 1-inch-wide strips from different fabric pieces and tie them together to form a beautiful, rustic garland.
Decor Idea: Use these garlands on your mantel, stair railing, Christmas tree, or for everyday boho charm in your home.

3. Display frames

Turn small thrift store frames into beautiful display frames using velvet or patterned fabric. Instead of buying new, thrift a velvet blouse or pillow cover and staple it to the frame backing. It makes the perfect backdrop for displaying jewelry or hanging small decorative items.

Bonus: This DIY idea also works for creating unique holiday ornaments!

You can find the tutorials to make display frames AND ornaments with fabric HERE!

4. Pillow covers

Swapping out pillow covers is one of the easiest ways to update your home seasonally. With a bit of thrifted fabric and some basic sewing (or no-sew techniques), you can create custom pillowcases that reflect your style.
Sustainability Tip: Using old shirts or skirts with interesting prints is a budget-friendly and eco-conscious option.

5. lamp shade

Breathe new life into a plain lampshade by recovering it with fabric from a secondhand shirt, drapery panel, or tablecloth. Choose a non-stretch material and use fabric glue or a hot glue gun for a quick and easy transformation.

DIY Tip: You can finish this project in under 10 minutes and instantly change the mood of any room. See the full easy tutorial HERE!

6. ribbons and bows and wrappings

Use thrifted fabric DIY methods to make your own gift wrapping materials. Tear or cut fabric into strips to use as ribbon, or use larger pieces to wrap entire presents.
Creative Touch: Learn how to make simple fabric bows for that extra handmade charm on your gift wrap.

7. shower curtain

Don’t overlook sheets, tablecloths, and curtain panels at the thrift store! A large bedsheet can be easily transformed into a stylish shower curtain. Add a liner and use clip-on shower rings for a polished look.
Personal Story: I found a $3 vintage Ralph Lauren sheet that became one of my favorite shower curtains—stylish and sustainable!

8. table linens

Use linen or cotton fabric to make rustic-style napkins or placemats. Instead of cutting, try tearing the fabric to create a natural frayed edge.
Cost-Saving Tip: You’ll get beautiful table linens at a fraction of the cost of new ones—and they’ll be totally unique.

credit: Roman and Williams Guild

9. clothing

If you’re confident with a sewing machine, transform thrifted fabric or vintage clothes into wearable art. Quilts, curtains, and vintage garments can become jackets, skirts, and more.
Inspiration: Creatives on social media are turning old quilts into trendy patchwork coats—just one way to take thrifted fabric DIY to the next level!

credit: runtBySarah

10. art

Some fabric prints are so beautiful they deserve to be framed! Cut a section from a floral curtain or vintage dress and display it in a frame (bonus points if it’s a thrifted frame).
Design Tip: Use a mat board to elevate the presentation and help the fabric really pop as artwork.

Don’t miss my easy tips for giving thrift store frames a makeover!

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xoxo, L