Reusing Embroidery From Old Shirts?

Tips for reusing embroidery from worn out clothing.

Use Embroidery On Other Clothing Items

You could use them to decorate jeans or cloth purses.

By joan pecsek

Make A Memory Quilt or Reuse Embroidery as a Patch

I know this isn't all that relevant, but I reused lots of my childrens' embroidered clothing by stitching them all together to make a kind of memory quily wallhanging, still a work-in-progress. But in the past, I've managed to reuse embroidery simply by cutting it off the original garment with a border and simply turning the fabric underneath the patch. Or even using a chain stitch, satin stitch, running stitch or anything else round the edge as a border. I've also cut right up to the edge of the embroidery "patch" then ironed on some interfacing to the back to stop fraying, then hand sewed onto a garment. And lastly I have used fray-stop fabric glue for the same reason. I've had some disasters, but mostly a combination of these methods has worked really well!

By Lesley

Cut It Out Carefully

I had a sweat shirt with my name and family crest on it. The shirt wore out but the logo looked good. I cut it out very carefully (like cutting paper dolls), and then stitched it to a new shirt. Looks good.

By Sassfrass

Collect Them For A Quilt Or Wall Hanging

I have been collecting embroidery items, old and new. I am planning a wall hanging or lap quilt. I need to learn how to do a cross stitch that i want to use to join the fabric together. Since some are on silk and other fabrics, I will probably have to make more than one. Some will be washable and others may not be. I am absolutely thrilled when i find dragons, and other oriental symbols. Good thrifting to all!

By Izygranny, NC

Feel free to post your ideas below.