Upcycle Vintage Christmas Blankets into Festive Fashion Creations

Give Your Old Christmas Blankets New Life as Festive Fashion

The holidays have come and gone, and now you're left wondering what to do with all of those Christmas-themed blankets and tapestries. Instead of packing them away in storage or getting rid of them altogether, consider upcycling them into fashionable new creations!

Upcycling old holiday décor into wearable items is a fun way to celebrate the season in an eco-friendly way. With a bit of creativity and basic sewing skills, you can transform thrifted christmas tapestry throws into one-of-a-kind pieces that feel festive and fashion-forward.

Prep the Blanket for Upcycling

Start by giving the blanket a good wash if needed to remove any odors or stains. Once cleaned, inspect it closely and map out the key design elements you want to highlight. Are there certain motifs like snowflakes, trees, or reindeer you want to feature? Make sure to orient and cut your pattern pieces to showcase these details.

You'll also want to determine the condition of the fabric. Older, more delicate tapestries may require a reinforcement layer before sewing to prevent tears. Consider ironing on a light fusible interfacing or even upcycling an old bedsheet as a lining to strengthen the fabric.

Upcycle the Throw into a Tree Skirt

One festive way to repurpose a Christmas blanket is transforming it into a decorative tree skirt! Simply cut a circle of fabric from the blanket approximately 1-2 feet wider than the diameter of your tree stand. Finish the raw edge or add a ribbon trim. You can even add velcro, ties, or elastic to create a closure that fits snugly around the tree.

For a more whimsical look, use fabric scissors to carefully cut out any Christmas-themed designs from the blanket, like ornaments, snowflakes or stars. Sew or fuse these cut-out motifs onto a solid circular base fabric. This creates a charming tree skirt dotted with dimensional details.

Sew a Statement-Making Cape

A blanket cloak or cape lined with a colorful Christmas tapestry instantly elevates any holiday outfit. Choose a poncho, hooded or floor-length cape pattern with simple lines to let the vibrant blanket fabric take center stage. Avoid heavy closures and opt for easy-to-wear designs like an oversized scarf or drapey shawl.

For a bold seasonal statement, transform the entire blanket into an eye-catching cape. Cut a hole in the center for your head and neaten the raw edges with blanket stitch, then add ties, buttons or a broach closure. Rock your festive new blanket cape all holiday season long!

Craft Cozy Christmas Leg Warmers

Sewing upcycled Christmas blanket pants is easier than you think! Start by taking waist and hip measurements to determine the width of fabric needed. For extra coverage, add several inches to the hip measurement when cutting leg warmer strips from the blanket.

Next, taper each leg warmer strip from hip width down to the desired leg opening. Hem the edges, then sew simple side seams for a classic leg warmer shape. For an on-trend chunky look, keep the strips more rectangular with raw fringe trim along the long edges.

Decorate with jingle bells, pom poms, or iron-on patches for even more holiday flair. Slip on your upcycled leg warmers over jeans, leggings or boots for festive seasonal style.

Upcycle as Christmas Stockings

Bring extra cheer to the mantel by upcycling that outdated Christmas blanket into custom stockings! Cut stocking shapes from fabric remnants, making sure to have enough yardage to accommodate generous cuffs. Finish the top edges with blanket stitch or special trim.

For a personalized touch, sew or applique names, monograms or holiday motifs onto each stocking face. Use fabric glue and pompoms, rickrack or other trims to add a festive dimensional element. Hang your handmade stockings with care and fill with treats Christmas Eve!

Repurpose as Ornament Storage

Between delicate glass balls and sentimental handmade ornaments, protecting your tree treasures is a must. Turn that well-loved Christmas blanket into the perfect protective seasonal storage!

Simply measure the size of your ornament collection and add a few inches seam allowance. Sew the blanket fabric into a drawstring pouch or folder shape, with individual padded compartments if desired. For embellishment, embroider names or holiday motifs on the outside.

Store ornaments safely in your new upcycled blanket holder then place in a cool, dry area until next season. No more worrying about hooks catching or delicate decorations breaking!

Get Creative with Holiday Upcycling

With a little creativity, you can give tired Christmas blankets and tapestries a stylish second life. Crafting fashionable new pieces not only reduces waste, but results in timeless seasonal staples. Upcycle with care to create heirloom-quality holiday items you'll treasure for years to come.

This holiday season, look around your home for forgotten Christmas blankets and other decor destined for the donation pile. With some simple sewing skills and imagination, you can upcycle these finds into cheery new fashions and accessories. It’s a great way to be both crafty and eco-friendly!

FAQs

What types of Christmas blankets work best for upcycling?

Vintage Christmas tapestries, quilts and knitted throws work well for upcycling projects. Avoid blankets that are overly delicate or fray-prone. Prioritize fabrics that are medium weight and have interesting holiday details you want to highlight.

What sewing skills do I need to upcycle Christmas blankets?

Basic sewing skills like cutting fabric, following patterns and finishing raw edges are required. Having a sewing machine makes construction easier but hand-sewing can work too. Embellishing with trim, applique or machine embroidery is optional.

How can I make my upcycled Christmas fashions more festive?

Add jingle bells, pom poms, woven ribbon or other trims. You can also embellish with iron-on patches, embroidery or use fabric glue to attach fun accents like pompoms. Themed buttons and decorative closures also help showcase the holiday fabric.

What are some good projects for beginners?

Try making simple leg warmers, infinity scarves or drawstring gift bags to start. Tree skirts, placemats and stockings are also beginner-friendly projects that are fun and festive.

Can I hand sew an upcycled Christmas blanket project?

Yes, hand-sewing is completely fine for many projects like leggings, capes, potholders and more. Use a sturdy needle and knot the thread ends well. Whipstitch, running stitch and blanket stitch are all useful hand stitches.