How to Reimagine & Reupcycle Past Crochet Projects
The thing about crocheting projects is that they’re never really over because ideas never stop flowing. Oftentimes, I’ll upcycle something that’s older or from leftover pieces, but I’ve gotten into reupcyclcing past upcycled projects. When I first started there was a lot of trial and error, and when I look back, I get inspired to reimagine them in different ways now that I’m more experienced.
I recently reupcycled these denim shorts into a Dream Duos bag, and I'm so very happy with how it turned out. When I looked at these shorts, I saw how they could be transformed int a bag so I decided to frog them out by reusing yarn. I cut the bottom, crocheted it closed, and added a strap for an accessory that would match The Skydrive Crochet Tunic Dress. Check out the Instagram for the tutorial!
New Pattern: The Skydrive Crochet Dress, now in the pattern shoppe.
The first step is to let go of your previous idea. This might be hard, but if enough time has passed, you can look at what you’ve made more objectively. There are times when I’ve forgotten about a project so it’s as if I’m discovering something for the first time, and I can be more critical.
Reupcycled Denim Bag and Crochet Tunic Dress
The second step is to come up with a few ways (I usually go with three) that the project can be made differently. Colors, yarn, design elements, etc. This will help you figure out how much potential it has to turn into something else. An upcycled skirt becoming a maxi skirt isn’t so difficult, but an upcycled top becoming pants will take more consideration.
a few of the projects that are in the reimagine queue.
The third step is to plan out how it will be reconfigured. I sketch out what I think it will look like, and it’s easier to reinvision what the end result will be. You don’t have to be the best artist, it’s more about understanding what’s needed to make it as efficiently as possible.
I’ve only just started reupcycling projects, but there will be more to come in the future.