I love how versatile flannel fabric is, despite that it has such an autumn and winter feel to it. But from home decor, to accessories, to cozy projects for our pets, I just love crafting with upcycled flannel shirts.
In fact, some of my most popular upcycling ideas to date started as men’s flannel shirts at the thrift store. Such as these hand warmers, which are reusable and re-heatable.
And the flannel fabric feels SO cozy in your hands!
Or this winter holiday wreath made from scraps of flannel material that I had leftover.
No matter how you dice it, I simply can’t stop upcycling clothes from the thrift store, and most of those are flannel shirts! They are truly an inexpensive way to score some flannel fabric, which is so wonderful for cozy projects- such as these candles!
Here’s a thrifting tip for flannel fabric from me: Go flannel shirt shopping during the hottest months of the year! I’m telling you, it’s the secret to a great, inexpensive selection!
My thrift stores fill the clearance racks with flannel shirts when the thermometer is bursting from the heat, so that’s when I do all my flannel shopping for projects. Besides, it never hurts to think ahead- especially if your flannel crafts involve fall or winter seasonal projects, like this pumpkin pillow, right?
You can trust me when it comes to flannel shopping recommendations. I even wrote a book about upcycled flannel shirts! Which meant that I bought a LOT of thrift store flannels in the off-season.
And of course, I’m by no means the only one hunting the aisles of used clothing for flannels, either.
There are SO many amazing ideas for upcycled flannel shirts out there, and I’ve gathered some of my favorites for you.
Craft Projects with Upcycled Flannel Shirts
Are you mad for plaid yet? Or maybe your eyes are crossed- ha! Either way, I am most definitely under flannel’s spell once again this year.
I hope you are inspired to create something new and cozy with an old flannel shirt- perhaps a DIY draft stopper for your front door?. Whether the shirt (or shirts!) comes from your own closet or the thrift store!
There’s a timelessness to flannel decor that never goes out of style, especially as the temperature outside goes down.
If you enjoyed these upcycling ideas for used clothing and flannel shirts, then you’ll love this acorn decor that is made from tweed fabric from a tweed coat!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Awesome roundup, Sarah. Pinned – thank you!
Thanks, Rita!
What a wonderful array of projects! I turned my husbands worn out flannel shirts into Alzheimer Fidget Quilts.
https://frommycarolinahome.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/fidget-quilts-for-alzheimers-patients/
Very cool, Carole!
Awesome ideas! I love all of them — the bracelets, the wreath, the knapsack, the necklace, the tags, every one of them! I am honored to have the Plaid Ornaments from CraftsnCoffee.com included — thank you!
Thanks, Sharon!!!
And there she goes again – a treasure trove of ideas!! My cats would love that bed! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!
Oh my goodness, so many great ideas! And it’s incredible how such a rustic fabric can look so elegant when used in some ways! 🙂 Lisa
Thanks, Lisa!!
I never tire of plaid, keep them coming please!
Sarah there are so many great ideas here. I’ll have to go looking for some more flannel shirts. Thanks for including my chair with a flannel seat.
Thank YOU for allowing me to include it!!!
Thank you so much for the great round up of ideas and for the sweet gesture of including my quilt! I love your table runner and those mittens are super cozy and inspiring!
Thanks, Monica- and I definitely appreciate you allowing me to include it! 🙂
Great collection of ideas. Think I like the plaid bangles the best! Visiting from Homemade and Handcrafted party.
Hi sarah, love the collection of ideas !!
This post has been featured at my facebook page :- https://www.facebook.com/DoodlebuddiesUAE/
Regards
Naush :- http://www.doodlebuddies.wordpress.com
I’m so glad you liked it, Naush!
Just a few words cause I’ve got to go to the thrift store and look for flannel shirts! Great ideas, pinned and shared.
Happy hunting- I hope you find some good shirts!!!
Oh my goodness! What Fabulous ideas. I can’t decide which one to do first. I love them all! I am seriously going to do some! I don’t have a lot of shirts in my stash but I am going thrifting to look for some. I do have a stash of fabric though!
Thanks for sharing this. I’d love for you to come over to The Fabulous Fall Party and link!
It’s over here:
http://mychristmasjourney.blogspot.com/2016/10/fabulous-fall-party-lets-party.html
Happy Fall!
Thanks, Sherry- appreciate the invite!
How fun! I love all of these flannel projects. I might have to make those Christmas ornaments this year!
Right?? So many fun ideas!
These are great ideas!! Thanks for sharing at TOHOT.
Thank you for featuring my Flannel Ornament pillow!
Thank YOU! And I hope it drives some traffic to your shop!!
I love repurposing flannel shirts, esp into pillows. Thanks for so many great ideas for the rest of the shirts!! Lu
So many ideas, so little time. 😉 Thank you!
Fantastic round up. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm.
Thanks, Sharon!!
Sarah, I love these flannel projects!! Your table runner, the ornaments, and those stockings are a few of my favorites!!
SO MANY IDEAS, so little time. 😉 Thank you so much!
Hey Sarah! As always, I love your ideas. Thank you for linking this post up at the Funtastic Friday Link Party. It’s my feature tonight!
Thank you, Lacie- and I linked up my latest!! <3
Brilliant ideas I love upcycling sweaters but hadn’t thought of flannel shirts before. The tags and the lined mittens are my favourite.
I’m a little obsessed with upcycling flannel shirts…so be careful, it’s addicting! 😉
The flannel shirt is a classic look that will never, ever go out of style. These ideas are super cute and I especially love the Christmas ones. Plaid just seems to go with Christmas!
These are all great ideas! I was going to say the table runner was my favorite, then I ran across the iPad cover, the ornaments, and the stockings. Love them all, and I love flannel!
Sarah thanks for including my chair cover. Your projects are awesome sauce!!
Thanks for including my pumpkins, Sarah!! Much appreciated 🙂 Hope you’re having a fab summer–
These are so nice! I love to make some in flannel.
Thanks, Maria!
Thank you so much for sharing these ideas. I sadly lost my grandpa this last month. We had to get a dumpster rental and clean out his house this last week to finally list it on the market. He always wore flannel shirts and I couldn’t stomach the thought of just throwing them out. Recycling them as some of these crafts seems like the best way to honor his memory. I’m so excited to get started.