4 Creative Ways to Give Old Sheets New Life

Have your sheets been stained by that ambitious breakfast-in-bed adventure? Or perhaps your cat had an unfortunate midnight incident that won't wash out? Or maybe your sheets are simply showing signs of normal wear and tear.

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Don't rush to throw them away. The discarded sheets will mostly end up in landfills, where they can take decades to decompose.

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Basic repairs are simple enough to do yourself. If you're new to mending, check out our guide, The Basics of Mending Your Clothes.

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If there are stains and discoloration, try reviving them by dyeing the entire sheet or with the tie and dye technique. If your sheets are truly ready for retirement, here are several ways to upcycle them:

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Use Them to Protect Stuff

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Instead of tossing those old sheets, you can use them to protect all sorts of things! Need to transport your pet to the vet or haul sandy beach gear in your car? Simply drape a fitted sheet over your car seats to keep them clean and scratch-free. You can even use them in your garden to protect your plants from frost.

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Transform Old Sheets into Something New

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A large sheet makes an excellent picnic or beach blanket that's easier to wash than traditional blankets - just remember to bring weights to keep it from flying away. Need a quick fix for those video calls? Turn a clean white sheet into a professional backdrop by hanging it from a pole or frame. You can even take the old sheets to a tailor and transform them into pillowcases or curtains.

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Start a DIY Project

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If your old sheet has a decorative print, cut out that section and create unique artwork by stretching it across a canvas frame. You can also try your hand at Furoshiki, the Japanese art of fabric gift wrapping. Just cut your sheets into squares (45cm or 70cm work best) and use them to wrap gifts instead of paper. Need aprons for your next family cooking session? Simply fold a sheet in half, cut a head hole, trim to size, add a belt, and you've got yourself a custom apron.

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Turn Shredded Sheets into New Items

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If the sheets are too worn out, you can shred them into something new and useful. For instance, you can turn them into stuffing for deflated toys and cushions, cut them up into handy cleaning rags (or cloth napkins), or transform them into reusable shopping bags with just some basic sewing skills. If you have pets at home, you can create a toy by cutting sheets into strips, braiding them together, and tying the ends.

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