DIY Thrift Flip: Sewing Techniques for Transforming Old Clothes into Fun, Wearable Fashions

The lovely debut from Coolirpa blogger Yang shows how to customize secondhand clothing with creative alterations. A thorough overview of sewing basics explains the applications for various stitches (“Baste stitching is used to temporarily hold layers of fabric together,” while backstitching secures the end of a seam) and needle types (stretch needles work best with elastic fabrics like swimwear and spandex, while denim needles are well suited for thick fabrics). Yang encourages readers to shop “with no goal in mind” so that a clothing item, or even curtain panels or pillowcases, might spark inspiration. The creative projects range in difficulty, with the easiest consisting of cutting slits into the sleeves of a bodycon dress and embroidering flowers to cover up imperfections on a sweater. Standouts include a tiered skirt made from curtains, jeans transformed into cargo shorts, and a romper created out of a maxi skirt. Even novice sewers will be able to follow the straightforward primer on basic sewing techniques, which covers how to perform such alterations as adding cap sleeves or inseam pockets. Yang’s handy and inventive guidance is an excellent source of inspiration for eco-conscious sewers. (May)