Easy Upcycling Ideas: Transform 1 Pair of Boots Into 3 Stylish Pieces

Tools and materials:

• Fabric boots
• Men's woolen necktie
• Embroidered border trim
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine

1. Booties

I found these boots at the back of my closet, still with the tags on. I’d never worn them!

The first thing I did was decide on the length I preferred. 

I wanted them to be a little longer than ankle boots.

I marked the finished length I wanted and added on a seam allowance.

I cut straight across one of the boots.

I used the chopped off top as a template to cut the other boot, so they would both be the same length.

I folded the raw edges inside and pinned them.

Then I top stitched them all the way around.

I didn’t really worry about how the stitching looked, because I was going to cover it up anyway.

I found this fabulous vintage embroidered trim that went perfectly with the boots. 

I sewed it onto the boots around the top and bottom edges.

2. Fringed bag

I figured I could make a really cute bag out of the boot tops.

I grabbed a necktie to use as the handle, but you could make one from a toning fabric if you don’t like the tie idea.

The first thing I did was remove the fringing by simply cutting it away. I left a seam allowance at the top so I could use it for something else later.

I cut the boot tops open carefully to keep the V shape in the center of each piece.

I place the two pieces with the right sides together and cut off any edges that didn’t look good.

I arranged my necktie on one of the boot tops and stitched it in place around one edge.

Then I did the same thing around the edge of the other piece, so the tie created a gusset between the front and back of the bag.

This second edge was more fiddly to sew, but it was well worth it.

To finish off, I stitched the ends of the necktie together, added a button and buttonhole to the center top edge of the bag and top stitched the edges.

3. Fringed top

This is my favorite of the three pieces I made from those boots and I’ve worn it many many times over the years.

I added the fringing to the sleeve seams of a fluorescent sweatshirt.

You can use any top or jacket to do this of course, it doesn’t have to be fluorescent! 

With the sweatshirt wrong side out, I cut open the sleeve seam from about an inch (2 - 3 cm) from the cuff to the same distance from the underarm.

Then I inserted the edge of the fringe into the opening and sewed the seam back together.