Upcycling Kids' Clothing

by Heidi Green

You used to roll your eyes at Nana's favorite adage, "use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without." Now you wish you'd taken notes, because your vision for 2009 is green/simple/frugal. So when kids' summer tee shirts get stained beyond repair, don't throw them out; take a page from Nana's book and upcycle instead. Upcycling means giving potential discards new life. For kids tees, it can be done by adding an appliqué made of fabric scraps over the stain. It's easy, inexpensive, and doesn't require a sewing machine. There is an added bonus, too: the new tees often look better than the originals. Here's how:

Materials:

Instructions:

1. Cut the Wonder Under, available at WalMart and fabric stores, ¼ inch smaller than the fabric scraps you're planning to use. Place the Wonder Under with beneath the fabric scraps and iron on medium heat. Make sure the iron doesn't touch the Wonder Under (it makes a huge mess).
2. Design a shape to cover the stain; either draw it free handed or use a template. Be creative but keep it simple so it's easy to work with (a flower, heart, ice cream cone, robot, fish, etc.). Get ideas by looking at downloadable images online or checking the scrapbooking aisle in your local superstore for large cut outs.
3. Trace the selected shape onto the fabric scraps (if you draw on the Wonder Under side, remember that it will result in a mirror image).
4. Cut the fabric along the traced lines into the desired design.
5. Remove the paper backing from the Wonder Under, and arrange the shape onto the shirt so it covers the stain completely. Iron at medium heat.
6. Stitch the edges of the appliqué either by hand or by machine. Use a satin zigzag stitch to cover the edge of the appliqué completely, or do a straight stitch to allow the fabric edges to fray slightly.

Upcycling is rewarding and it makes a lot of sense. You'll save money, protect the earth and best of all, live up to Nana's legacy.