Trying to sew old clothes into new versions? Looking for patterns to use up your precious knit fabric scrap? I’m tired of reading about people throwing away (ACK! do not do that!) knit scraps that were smaller than a 1/4 yard so instead of just cringing, I’m trying to make it easier to use them up! I have compiled a big list of upcycled clothing patterns to sew that are perfect for upcycling, refashioning, and color blocking. Not all of these patterns explicitly are designed for upcycling, but they are all color blocked and scrappy!
If you decide you don’t want to sew a full color blocked PDF pattern, you can also check out this list of ways to use knit fabric scraps with free tutorials, too.
A great tutorial on how to color block an existing pattern is on Sew McCool by Ren from The Inspired Wren. If you’re newer to sewing or short on time, it is easiest to buy a pattern with color blocking and piecing already built in. I thought I’d round-up a list of all those patterns and make it easier for people to start sewing their scraps instead of stashing (or trashing) them.
You can use the smallest knit scraps for applique too, check out applique tips for beginners here!
Please pin this picture and click through to pin this list of upcycled clothing patterns with this link or collage photo:
Not all of these patterns are explicitly designed for upcycling but it is very simple to use them for that, check out my photo tutorial for how to “reuse hems” and adjust the pattern in this post.
40+ upcycled clothing patterns to sew
Cozy Critter Socks by Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop*
Price: $7.95
Sizes: Kids
Moto Maxx Set from Love Notions*
Price: $10.95
Sizes: 2t-14
Everyday Playdress from Love Notions*
Price: $7.95
Sizes: 12m-7/8
Surfer Shorts from Rabbit Rabbit Creations*
Price: $7.00
Sizes: 1-12y
Mix It Up PhT from Duck Butt Designs*
Price: $15.00
Sizes:12m-12y
Skippertee from Duck Butt Designs
Price: $8.95
Sizes:18m-6
Treasure Pocket Shirt from Duck Butt Designs*
Price: $15.95
Sizes:18m-12
Dropsie Boater Top and Dress from A Sparkly Baby*
Price: $10.00
Sizes: Preemie-14
Pretty Panel Tunic & Dress from A Sparkly Baby
Price:$10.00
Sizes: Preemie-14
Board Shorties from A Sparkly Baby*
Price:$9.00
Sizes:12m-14
Price: $9.00
Sizes: Preemie -14
Dressage Leggings from Jennuine Designs*
Price: $9.00
Sizes: NB-12y
Moto Jacket from Jennuine Designs* (has specific cut lines for using an upcycled knit sweater – see one from Sew Not Perfect!)
Price: $10.00
Sizes: 2T-12
RaglanVee Tshirt & Dress from A Sparkly Baby*
Price: 2-10
Sizes: $8.00
Rachel Dress from Funktional Threads*
Price: $11.95
Sizes: 2-16
Ballonessa Dress from Elsterglueck
[picture courtesy of Meghann Leili / Stella & Luna, Fabric from Cuddle Muffins Custom Printing and MK*Designs ]
Price: Approximately $7.75
Sizes: Unsure! Euro sizing.
[not pictured]
The Perfect Puzzle Set by Hailey Bug’s Closet
Price: $9.00
Sizes: 12m-12
Town Square Top & Dress from New Horizons Designs*
Price: $9.95
Sizes: 6m-14y
Scraptastic Dress Pattern from Ellie and Mac
Price: $7.95
Sizes: 6m-12
Zanzibar Shores Lounge Set from Momma Quail Patterns*
Price: $12.80
Sizes: 2-14
[Picture courtesy of Ani Ka, Fabric from Froellein S]
Chris Beanie from Rockerbuben (in German)
Price: Free!
Sizes: Euro sizes 45-60
Monkey Pants from New Horizons Designs* [see my blog post with more details here]
Price: $8.95
Sizes: 0m-5t
Swiss Army Shirt from Terra’s Treasures* [see an upcycle version from Sew Happily Ever After]
Price: $12.95
Sizes: 6m-16
Jackalope Tee from Momma Quail Patterns* [see my blog post with more details here]
Price: $10.00
Sizes: 2-14
Kite Fold Tee from Madeit Patterns* [see my blog post with more details here]
Price: $9.02
Sizes: 2-10
Tie Dye Diva’s Zee’s Tee [see my blog post with more details here]
Price: $8.95
Sizes: 12m-12y
Winter Wear Designs’ Aviator Pants* [see my blog post with more details here]
Price: $7.95
Sizes: 18m-14y
Color Block Raglan from Koerbs Bros Stitch Designs*
Price: $7.50
Sizes: 12m-16
Block The World Lounge Set from Koerbs Bros Stitch Designs*
Price: $8.00
Sizes: 6m-16
Muscle Tank & Sporty Shorts from Koerbs Bros Stitch Designs*
Price: $8.00
Sizes: 6m-16
Peplum Top & Shorts Set from Koerbs Bros Stitch Designs*
Price: $8.00
Sizes: 6m-16
Brush It Off Polo & Henley Shirt from Koerbs Bros Stitch Designs*
Price: $8.00
Sizes: 6m-16
Rainbow Tee from Gracious Threads
Price: $7.50
Sizes: 2-12
Fancy Flounce Skirt from Little Kiwi’s Closet *
Price: $9.00
Sizes: 6m-12y
Bow Back Beauty from Little Kiwi’s Closet*
Price: $10.00
Sizes: NB-12y
Alpine Shorts and Trousers from New Horizons Designs*
Price: $9.95
Sizes: 0/3m-18y
Morocco Tuxedo Pant & Short from Petit a Petit and Family
Price: $10.00
Sizes: 2-12
Twisted Tank from Titchy Threads
Price: $10.00
Sizes: 0/3m-12
Fancy Pants Leggings from Titchy Threads
Price: $10.00
Sizes: 0/3m-12
Panel Pocket Tee from Duck Butt Designs*
Price: $11.00
Sizes: 3m-6
Color Blocked PDF Sewing Patterns for Women
[picture courtesy of Meghann Leili / Stella & Luna, Fabric from Dark Matter Fabrics ]
Price: Approximately $22.50 (subject to conversion fluctuations)
Sizes: Kids, Womens, & Mens
Cozy Toes Socks by Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop*
Price: $7.95
Sizes: Adult
Aurora Tee from Hey June Handmade*
Price: $10.00
Sizes: XS-2XL
Price: $9
Sizes: XS-XXXL (Bust Size 30-50″)
Hip-Hop Top & Tank from Love Notions*
Price: $8.95
Sizes: XS-XXL
Scrundlewear from Stitch Upon A Time*
Price: $8.50
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Jacqui
Thursday 1st of March 2018
For ladies, the Halla Stardust tank top. Stitch Upon a Time has a Neverland Tee for women and kids. Stitch Upon a Time also has boxer briefs for men, women, and kids.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Friday 2nd of March 2018
Thank you Jacqui, I'll get those added!!
Alice
Thursday 3rd of November 2016
I would add undies - My favourite being Stitch Upon a Time's Scrundlewear pattern which comes in women and kids. Panel Pocket Tee from Duck Butt Designs is a fun colour blocked shirt and Cozy Critter Socks from Peek-A-Boo.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Friday 4th of November 2016
Hi Alice! Thanks for taking the time to leave those, I got them added to the list :D
Jodie
Sunday 31st of July 2016
Great post! I upcycle almost all my boys' clothes by taking thrifted tees and cutting them down to their size. This creates a lot of extra pieces of cotton. I can't throw even my tiniest scraps away, but I do throw them in the compost pile :)
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Thursday 11th of August 2016
Yayyy I am so glad you compost them! I'm in the midst of shredding mine for beanbag stuffing - I cringe when people talk about pitching them :) Thanks for reading, JOdie!
Laura Butler
Thursday 5th of November 2015
Lyric Hoodie Pattern by Elliedactyl.....Kids and ladies versions would work well with some scraps.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Friday 6th of November 2015
Thanks, I will add it!
Megan
Sunday 11th of October 2015
Oops, apparently I wanted to share my email. Sorry.
For the beanie pattern it doesn’t say the sizes, but I downloaded the pattern and there are eight different sizes from 45-60. Not sure what they translate to in the US. Hope that helps!
Great post! Thanks! I love duck butt designs! And I just discovered a few that I deff have to try! I also can’t wait to sew up the beanie! So cute!!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 12th of October 2015
I deleted your other comment so no spam-bots swipe your email :) Thank you for letting me know! I will add that in. That beanie has been super popular, I might have to try it myself!