Creative Ways to Repurpose Kids Clothes

Kids grow fast, and before you know it, their adorable outfits no longer fit. While our beautiful basics last an average of 8 years according to our customers, they do eventually reach end of life when repair, resale, and/or donation are no longer an option. So we thought we'd share some fun ideas on how to repurpose them! With a little imagination, you can turn old kids' clothes into something useful, sentimental, or even stylish. Here are some fun and eco-friendly ways to give those tiny outfits a second life!

1. Turn Tees into Tote Bags

Old tees make perfect reusable tote bags! Simply cut off the sleeves, widen the neck hole, and sew or knot the bottom. These DIY bags are great for grocery shopping, carrying toys, or even a beach day.

2. Make a Memory Quilt

Transform your child’s most cherished outfits into a cozy memory quilt. Cut squares from favorite onesies, tees, or dresses and sew them together to create a patchwork blanket that tells a story. This makes a perfect keepsake that can be passed down through generations.

3. Create a Stuffed Toy

Give a sentimental piece of clothing new life as a stuffed animal or plush toy. A soft cotton onesies or an old pullover can be sewn into a cute teddy bear or pillow. These DIY toys make heartfelt gifts and are a great way to preserve special memories.

4. Make Hair Accessories

Little dresses can be turned into hair accessories. Cut strips of fabric to make scrunchies, headbands, or bows - perfect for adding a touch of cute-cute to your child’s outfits.

5. Sew a Doll’s Wardrobe

If your little loves dolls or stuffies, consider repurposing beyond-repair basics into miniature outfits for their toys. Tees, socks, and leggings can be easily cut and stitched into tiny dresses, skirts, or capes for endless hours of play.

7. Transform Baby Clothes into Wall Art

Our baby basics may just be too cute and sentimental to part with. Frame a few special onesies or tiny socks in a shadow box to create unique wall art for a nursery or playroom. This is a great way to preserve those pieces that melt your heart with sweet mems while decorating your space.

8. Make Reusable Fabric Wipes or Napkins

Our uber-soft GOTS-certified organic cotton baby basics and sleepers can be cut into squares and used as reusable wipes, napkins, or handkerchiefs. They’re perfect for cleaning up spills, wiping little faces, or replacing paper towels in an eco-friendly home.

9. Craft a No-Sew Braided Rug

If you have a pile of outgrown clothes that are beyond donation/resale, you can cut them into strips and braid them together to create a colorful no-sew rug. This project takes some time but results in a unique and soft rug that adds warmth to any room.

Repurpose, Reuse, and Reduce Waste!

If your beautiful certified organic baby and kids basics haven't yet reached end of life, we always recommend organizing a clothing swap with other parents. Kids' clothing swaps are a fantastic way to pass along gently used items while picking up “new” pieces for your own child. If the clothes are still in good condition, donating to a local shelter or charity is another great option. But if they're beyond this stage, we love a repurpose.

By repurposing old kids’ clothes, you’re not only saving money but also reducing textile waste and promoting sustainability. Whether you turn them into something practical or sentimental, these DIY projects help extend the life of clothing while adding a creative touch to your home.

Do you have any favourite ways to upcycle kids’ clothes? Share your ideas in the comments!