What is the best way to recycle old pajama pants? We did our research to give you inspiration.
There are several ways to reuse old pajama pants. You can turn them into a dress or t-shirt with a little sewing. You can turn them into rags or even into a bag for other clothing. The things you can do with old pajamas are only limited by your imagination.
You can cut them up into fabric strips and use them as rags to curl your hair with rags to make rugs with, or rags to dust the house with. You can secure either end of the leg and use them as a holder for carrier bags, onions, or some other material.
The 6 Best Ways to Recycle your Pajama Pants
Let us discuss how you can reuse your old pajama pants to make something useful!
1 – Make a Memory Bear
If you are good at sewing and you have a lot of memories tied up in your pajama pants, then making a memory bear lets you keep those memories. This is a cute way to preserve some pajamas that you do not want to forget about.
A pajama pant memory bear is best made out of plush pajama pants like this Just Love set. The softness encourages cuddling and the pattern adds character and style to your bear. You can learn how to make a memory bear on YouTube.
Why I Like It:
- So easy to do even for the non-sewer.
- You have something to cuddle at the end of it all.
- You do not lose the memories of the pajama pants.
Related Read: What is a Pajama Party
2 – Turn them into Facemasks
The modern world has been a little scary lately. Coronavirus has meant the spread of facemask wearing and that is no bad thing. They keep out germs, keep us from spreading airborne diseases, and keep us healthy as a result.
To make a facemask that is strong enough to keep those nasty droplets away from your airways, they need to be three layers thick. These three layers should ideally be of different fabrics. If you have more than one set of pajama pants to reuse, this is an ideal solution.
You can find a useful tutorial on how to make a three-layer mask here, courtesy of threads monthly (and recommended by the World Health Organization). If you would rather buy some professionally made masks, these reusable unisex masks are thick cotton and come in one pack of six colors…
Why I Like It:
- This is the perfect solution for those who cannot afford face masks.
- Reusable masks are far better than disposable ones.
- They keep litter off the streets.
3 – Rag Making
Rag making is one of our favorite ideas because it takes us back to our roots. Women can use rags tied into the hair to get an overnight curl. They can be used for cloths around the house for the face, surfaces, or washing. Rags can be bound together to make a rug, can be pleated to create curtain holds, and have a variety of other uses.
When you reduce old clothing (that is not donatable) to rags, you are using it until the end of its lifecycle and beyond. This is the best way to care for the planet. Check out this huge crochet hook set which should be enough to start you out with.
Why I Like It:
- Rug making has the potential to turn into a side gig and make you money.
- It gives you a functional item at the end.
- Rags are extremely versatile.
4 – Take up Quilting
If you sew those old pajama pants together into squares, you will be able to make a quilted patch. Three layers or more and you have a square capable of forming a duvet if you add enough of them together. If you have the time, you can embroider each patch, too.
This is a great craft project for those who love to sew. All it takes is a sewing machine and some old fabric… which you can get by cutting up those pajama pants to reuse them. Best of all, when finished you have a family heirloom-worthy quilt that can be passed down through the generations.
Why I Like It:
- It is a brilliant activity to do with kids.
- You get that valued heirloom at the end.
- It is a creative way to use old pajama pants.
5 – Pick a Patch out
Sticking with the notion of making squares, the smaller version of the quilt could be more profitable. Cutting those old pajama pants into small patches of fabric gives you patches that you can darn other clothes with.
If you are proficient with your patches, you might even make them into a patchwork dress, sweater, or some other clothing items. In this way, you could even make new pajama pants out of your old pajama pants! You can even jazz it up with some rhinestones if you want a new hobby.
Why I Like It:
- Patches make any outfit funky.
- It recycles old materials.
- Patchwork is high fashion if done correctly.
6 – Donate, donate, donate!
If all else seems like too much work and you just want to get rid of some old clothing, donating them to an animal shelter or local charity shop/thrift store is an option. Clothing donated to shops still must be wearable, while that donated to animal shelters will probably be used as bedding.
Donating your old pajama pants both makes you feel great and does someone else a good turn. Even donating clothes to homeless shelters can help someone less fortunate than yourself. Plus, using the materials until they are worn through is better for the environment.
Why I Like It:
- Carbon costs of making fabrics can be earned back through using pajama pants until they are threadbare.
- Donating clothes is a wholesome act of charitable kindness.
- Animals could use your comfy old pajama pants as a warm bed.
Have Fun Reusing Old Pajama Pants
Using these methods, you should be able to have some fun reusing those old pajama pants and creating something new.
