Fun and Easy Craft Projects for Your Old Sheets
One way to reuse a flat sheet is to make a curtain out of it. Split the sheet up the middle, use fabric glue to add some lace on the edges and you’ve got a beautiful window dressing. Most sheets have the hem already in them as well as a “rod pocket” which is the top of the flat sheet. If the “rod pocket” of the sheet has been sewn shut simply cut the threads to allow the rod to pass. Add a little Fray Check to the edges to keep it from unraveling.
For larger windows use a sheet for each panel. Scrunch them together to give a full look to the window. If the sheet is too long trim it to the necessary length and use fabric glue to hold the hem. Add lace, tie-backs or other embellishments to make it look more professional.
Sew squares of fabric together for a quilt then use a sheet for the quilt backing. Many people make quilts but by the time they’ve sewn fabric for the front and the back the quilt can be extremely heavy and uncomfortable to use. Make a lighter-weight quilt by sewing the blocks together, cutting the sheet to size, and sewing it to the stitched squares. Place the squares and the sheet right side together and sew from a third of the way on one side, all the way around, to a third of the way on the side of which you started. This will leave an opening for turning the quilt. Turn the quilt right side out and stitch shut. Make a stitch here and there, at fabric square corners, to hold the sheet to the front of the quilt.
Lay two sheets right side together then place a blanket on top. Sew all three pieces, nearly all the way around, leaving an opening for turning. Turn the sheets and stitch the opening shut. Place a stitch here and there, from front to back, to keep both sheets attached to each other. Fold the sheets in half, lengthways, and install a zipper from bottom corner to top side area. This makes a great sleeping bag. Cut the sheets and blanket in half before following the procedure to make a kid’s sleeping bag.
Use a pretty sheet for a tablecloth. Lay the sheet on the table and cut it to where about one inch hangs down over the edge of the table. Use fabric glue to add lace to the perimeter of the sheet for a beautiful country look to your kitchen.
Cut the hems off of a flat sheet. Cut the sheet in half. Fold one piece in half, lengthways, with right sides together. Sew or glue all but a small portion left open for turning the pillow right side out. When pillow is turned stuff with cotton, foam pieces or pillow stuffing. These make great body pillows for yourself or to give as a gift. Cut sheets in smaller pieces to make throw pillows for sofa or bed.
Cut the sheets in strips and treat them with Fray Check to keep them from unraveling. Sew or tie the strips together, end to end, until you have an extremely long strip. Start with one end and curl it around, continuing curling until the entire strip is curled into a round or oval shape. As you curl the sheet apply fabric glue to the sections that meet and touch each other. This will hold the sheet together and form a nice throw rug for your home. To make it slip-proof use a thin rubber mat to glue or sew onto the back.
Measure from the lower edge of your box springs to the floor and add three inches to this measurement. Measure from the side of the springs, across the bottom and back up the other side. Cut sheet strips to these measurements and sew together. Hem with machine or use fabric glue to hem the bottom. You’ll need a machine to stitch half-inch elastic into the opposite edge, making a nice bed skirt for your room.
There are many other projects you can make with bed sheets including table runners, bed canopies, outdoor play tents, pet beds and many more. Look through your linen closet to see what you have to work with and get your ideas flowing…
