What to do with worn-out clothes?

[Elisto]

So, maybe this is an odd question, since "throw them away" seems like the obvious answer, but I'm wondering if anyone does anything with their old worn-out clothes that are in too bad of shape to be donated?

It seems all of my regular, everyday shirts have worn out all at the same time...stretched, faded, worn thin, stained, etc., and typically, with my parents, old clothes like that would just get cut up into rags. My dad does a lot of carpentry and painting, so he uses a lot, but on my own, I don't need that many. I've been trying to think of any craft ideas or other uses for plain fabrics before I throw them out. Any ideas?

[kaoskat]

LOL Hubby just tossed me some of his old tees a couple minutes ago! I use them as fabric to make clothes for my dolls. The fabric isn't as stiff as new fabric and it's typically been washed enough that it won't stain them anymore. So it definitely has benefits.

[Elisto]

Yeah, that's true, the fabric's soft and definitely not going to bleed dye anymore.

[duckie]

http://about.hm.com/AboutSection/en/About/Sustainability/Commitments/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle/Garment-Collecting.html

[Elisto]

duckie, that's awesome! I had no idea H&M did that! It may be a while before I go to H&M again though. The nearest one to me is not far, but it's a bit out of the way.

[tulagirl]

I often use them for stuffing plush items I make or for restuffing the dog bed.  Sometimes sewing lots of things together makes a great blanket for a dog or fun cover for the bed or couch.

[SweetTracks]

Mismatched socks I've used for sock animals/sock puppets for the kids. Hubby shirts get turned into rags.  I've made purses and small bags out of pant legs too. Denim is great fun for painting designs on. 

[Icecrystalline]

We use them as rags for cleaning etc. They make good rags, waste not want not.

[melodys_angel]

Id either donate or use them for crafting^^

[Elisto]

I like the idea of using them for some craft projects, I just have idea what I'd do!

[fiwen30]

Donate them! Charity shops can recycle any textiles they can't sell, and still get money for them!

[tsukikakushi]

http://www.olinohobby.com/2013/02/crochet-rug-from-t-shirts-and-yarn.html

It's in Russian, but the instructions are pretty clear, & you could pop it in google translate if you wanted to.

[sailorstitch]

LOL Hubby just tossed me some of his old tees a couple minutes ago! I use them as fabric to make clothes for my dolls. The fabric isn't as stiff as new fabric and it's typically been washed enough that it won't stain them anymore. So it definitely has benefits.

This is what I do! What dolls do you sew for? I sew for my American Girl dolls. Cutting up old clothes is soooooo much cheaper than buying new fabric.

sailorstitch

[Elisto]

Donate them! Charity shops can recycle any textiles they can't sell, and still get money for them!

I know the Salvation Army sells bags of rags made up of clothes they otherwise can't sell, but I'm pretty sure the thrift stores near me (only Value Village/Unique) just throw away what they can't sell. I'm not entirely sure though.

And that rug idea! I actually was considering some type of braided rug since I've done that one before in Girl Scouts!

[Eviecorn]

I turn old t-shirts into tank tops all the time, but other than that, I just donate.  I try to do creative things with them, but projects always get put on the back burner and I'm just left with bags of clothes.