Start Stripping... Your Vintage Bedsheets

I recently received an inquiry from a curious Etsy member who wanted to know what types of items one could sew from old bed sheets. The possibilities are really endless! Although vintage sheeting is of a lighter weight than traditional quilting cottons, and have been through endless washings (making them even more soft and supple to work with) they can be a versatile and vast source of fun fabric.

I have used vintage bed sheets to make everything from quilts to coasters to skirts! I even mix my vintage sheet stash fabrics with other reclaimed materials to create patchwork totes like the one pictured here (the pattern can be found in Anna Maria Horner's book "Seams To Me"). Can you tell which 3 fabrics are repurposed bed sheets?

The handles are made of six 2" wide strips of different sheet fabrics which have been braided together. You can also use braided sheet strips to make pot holders, headbands and rag rugs.

So here are just a few quick ideas of ways to recycle old sheets. They are a fabulous source of yards and yards of vintage fabric at a great price. If you don't have the time or desire to thrift for fabric, I sell freshly washed fat quarter bundles in my Etsy shop for $3.00 a yard.