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Updated by Kendra Brea Cooper on Jan 20, 2015
Headline for Made it Myself: 10 Steps for Learning How to Upcycle Your Own Wardrobe
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Kendra Brea Cooper Kendra Brea Cooper
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Made it Myself: 10 Steps for Learning How to Upcycle Your Own Wardrobe

Listly by Kendra Brea Cooper

Are you tired of the same ol' store bought clothing? And the price? Upcycling is for you. Are you socially and environmentally conscious? If so, upcycled clothing is sweatshop-free and made of recycled materials. If you're looking to play with fashion in a unique way, then upcycling your wardrobe is what you want to do. Upcycling is taking old and used clothing and reconstructing it, or re-making it into something new. There are skills involved, so here's a list of resources.
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Learning to Sew

Learning to Sew
Sewcanshe (link at the top) offers some free online sewing tutorials for rookies and recaps. If you don't have a machine (they aren't totally necessary), you can also learn how to hand sew here. If you would like to use a machine but can't afford one, ask around your community to see if someone can loan you one. You might also be able to find a cheap on at a second hand shop.
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Finding Clothing

Finding Clothing
Some of the best ways to get your hands on clothing for upcycling are free. Clothing swaps with your friends are one excellent way, and digging in the back of your closet is a good way to find some quality treasure. For those of you who have some cash to spend, second hand shops and garage sales are great. If you have a friend who works at a thrift shop, see if they have a discount. Sharing is caring.
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Tutorials

Tutorials
Threadbanger is one of the best places to find step-by-step tutorials for upcycling and reconstructing your new wardrobe. They have instructions for all different levels of skill, are on top of fashion trends, and have a wide variety of options. This is your starting point.
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Finding Inspiration

Finding Inspiration
There are many different ways of finding inspiration. Looking in magazines, shops, and fashion blogs are a good way to start. I often look around some of my favourite stores, with no intention of buying anything, just to get ideas for the next piece of clothing I would like to make. If you don't restrict yourself, anything can be done. It's all about patience and learning.
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Patches

Patches
Patches aren't just for repairing. Patches are an excellent way of updating and remaking clothing. They offer a statement, if you would like to make one. You can buy them or make them yourself. Here is where you can find more info.
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Stencils

Stencils
Stencils are another great way to update your old clothing. They often look rebellious and edgy. Here's a tutorial to help you learn how to make a stencil and punk up your wardrobe.
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Dyeing Clothing

Dyeing Clothing
Dyeing clothing isn't just about tie dyeing. But Tie dye does look pretty cool. This Craftsy blog offers some great steps for dyeing clothing. If you do want to tie dye your clothing, here are some instructions. Dyeing a piece of clothing is a way of completely changing it, for the better of course.
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Cutting Clothing

Cutting Clothing
There are hundreds of ways to cut a t-shirt, and many of them can be found on the internet. Here are some basic instruction for getting started on those old t-shirts.
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What you Need

What you Need
The things you need to upcycle your clothing are: used/old clothing, thread in different colours, sewing machine (if you can get it), hand sewing needles, fabric paint, stencil materials, pins, buttons, good scissors, a measuring tape, and that's about it for the basic. There are more things you'll probably find that you need along the way, depending on the project.
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Just Being Yourself

Just Being Yourself
Making and wearing clothing is about expressing yourself. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and happy. Making clothing is special for all the things it does; it sidesteps consumption, it is anti-sweatshop, it is good for the environment, and it is totally unique to you. Embrace it :)