Salvaging Stained Clothes

Learn how to recycle sweaters with stains and holes.

More from Smart Solutions
Filed under: Crafts, Recycling, Eco-Friendly

Designer Sonya Nimri shares ideas for recycling sweaters with stains and holes.

If you have a beautiful sweater that has a hole in it, add to the design by making more holes! Enclose the hole in an eyelet and make more holes filled with eyelets. String color-coordinated ribbons through the holes for a decorative effect. You can finish the end of a ribbon with a bow or a tassel. Another option is to change the color of the ribbon to coordinate with your outfit. Eyelets are available at craft or sewing stores.

Another option for a sweater with a hole is to hide the hole in embroidery. This option is labor-intensive, but creates a beautiful effect.

If the cuff of your jeans has a stain, just cut it off and replace it with a ribbon trim. You can sew together several ribbons to create a wide trim. You can sew on the ribbon or attach it with snaps so it can be removed in the wash.