What can you do with old coats?

What to do with an old coat that's a bit worn or that you simply don't like anymore? If it's in good condition, you can sell it at thrift stores or donate it to charity . Otherwise, opt for creative recycling , giving it a new lease of life. There's no shortage of ideas; here's a selection of the most interesting ones.

Whether you want to transform it into another item of clothing or renew it with a pinch of imagination, the old coat lends itself to numerous and interesting reuses.

Coat

From coat to jacket is (almost) a snap! You don't need to be a sewing wizard; just get by with a needle and thread by following the step-by-step instructions in one of the many video tutorials you can find online.

Life jackets

Photo Credit | Facebook Sandro Malesardi

A coat with ruined sleeves can be transformed into a warm vest . Simply unstitch them and redo the hem, replace the buttons—if you don't like the old ones—and use them for new and interesting outfits.

Coat

Photo Credit | Facebook LineeCurve

If your coat isn't ruined, but you're simply tired of it because it's perhaps too "serious," you can brighten it up with colorful appliques and stitching. Take inspiration from what you see above.

Slippers

Photo Credit | Facebook I'm recycling this, do you like the idea?

And what about a nice pair of house slippers ? Simply cut the fabric exactly as shown in the photo below and then sew them. They'll be practical and free.

Bag

Photo Credit | Facebook Fransis Art

Similarly, an old coat, specially cut up, can become a bag . Simply get a couple of rectangles or squares and sew them together at the bottom and sides, then add a zipper and handles, and voilà, you're done.

Carpet

Photo Credit | Facebook Pontoriero Nadia

With teddy coats, which have become so popular in recent years, you can create a cozy rug to place at the foot of your bed. It'll be a pleasure to sink your feet into them in the morning.

Frame

Photo Credit | Facebook Creativo

Creative recycling of a coat also involves frames . If you already have wooden ones (or some other material, but you don't like them anymore), you can group three or four together and cover them with the fabric you've cut out for them. They'll become splendid furnishing accessories.

Coaster

Photo Credit | Facebook Creativo

By cutting out discs from the coat and carefully sewing them together, perhaps with colored thread, you can create unique coasters . Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your table.

Placemat

Photo Credit | Facebook Emanuela Terraneo Design

Another creative idea for recycling a coat is to make placemats . Cut the fabric into your desired shape and hem it, if desired, with contrasting thread. It couldn't be easier.

Cover for the agenda

Photo Credit | Facebook Marianna D'Alessandro

Finally, you could use the fabric from the coat to cover a precious diary or notebook. It will completely transform its look.

Read also:

• What to do with leftover fabrics
• Recycling Fabric Scraps: 10 Useful Ideas
• How to reuse an old men's shirt