Upcycling is the process of converting old or discarded materials into new products with a renewed purpose, meaning, or function. Upcycling is being used more and more as a creative outlet for DIY-ers who want to make something unique from repurposed materials rather than simply buying something new. Upcycled costumes are especially popular during Halloween, when people like to have fun with their outfits while also staying in theme.
For example, instead of buying an already pre-made witch costume (that probably is made of super thin, cheap materials), why not upcycle an old black dress and some torn tights or some leggings into something completely new? In this blog post we will show you 10 last minute ways to make an upcycled Halloween costume. These ideas are cheap, simple, and perfect if you procrastinated on your costume idea (like so many of us tend to do). For a more up-to-date list of Halloween costume ideas, visit our list of available options.
Find cheap or free items for upcycling
Finding items to upcycle for a costume is easier than you might think. You can visit your local thrift store or even your own closet and drawers for items that could be repurposed into something new.
The best part about upcycling old materials for costumes is that many times you can find them for free or very cheap at thrift stores and garage sales. You can also use the internet to help you out. Searching online for free items to upcycle for Halloween costumes can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Another way to find items to upcycle is to simply ask friends and family members. Chances are someone in your life has some old items they are not using or don’t want anymore that you can repurpose.
Visit a thrift store for last-minute finds to upcycle
As we mentioned above, thrift stores are great places to find items to upcycle. If you haven’t been to a thrift store before, or don’t have one nearby, we recommend you take a trip there at the very least a few days before Halloween.
You never know what you might find, and it’s always better to have more options than less when it comes to upcycling. It’s also a great way to limit your spending on a costume and repurpose items you find at thrift stores for your costume. You can also visit Goodwill for last minute finds to upcycle for your costume.
Make sure you know the closing times of the stores near you so you don’t miss out on any goodies. You can also check online to see if there might be any thrift stores in your area that are offering online sales.
Bleach and dye old fabrics
If you have old black fabrics you can easily turn them into something spooky with the help of a little bit of bleach and some red or orange fabric dye.
Using a rubber glove or some old tongs, dip the fabric into a small or medium-sized container that has been filled with water and bleach. Allow the fabric to sit in the bleach water for about 15-20 minutes.
Next, remove the fabric from the container and rinse it off with cold water. Then, place the fabric in a small to medium-sized container that has been filled with fabric dye. Allow the fabric to sit in the dye water for about 15-20 minutes.
Finally, remove the fabric from the container and hang it up to dry. You can wear it immediately or wait until you decide which costume you want to go with.
Paint your best costume to life onto used clothing
This idea is best used on a shirt that is already black. Simply add some spooky details and symbols to the shirt to fully paint your costume to life. This can get a little tricky if you don’t have any artistic ability.
If you’re worried about your skills, consider using stencils to help paint your costume to life. This will keep your costume looking clean and well done and is easier than freehanding it. Just be sure to use water-soluble paint so it washes off easily.
You can paint your costume to life using fabric paint, spray paint, or even acrylic paint. It all depends on what type of clothing you are painting and what type of paint you decide to use.
Turn a t-shirt into a costume
This is a great way to turn a simple t-shirt into a costume. Simply find a black or spooky t-shirt and add some embellishments or paint to make it spooky. This is a great and simple way to repurpose a plain black t-shirt and turn it into something fun and spooky.
There are many ways you can turn a t-shirt into a costume. You can add some stencils, paint, or even draw a spooky picture on your shirt. You can also use fabric paint to simply write out a phrase that goes with your costume. You can even cut out paper shapes and glue them onto your shirt if you are in a bind for time. There are many things you can do to turn a t-shirt into a costume.
Sew an item from your closet into a costume
This is a great way to repurpose something from your closet into a spooky costume. If you don’t have anything black, or you just don’t have something that would work for a costume, use your imagination.
Sewing an item from your closet into a costume can be a bit tricky, but if you are handy with a needle and thread you can make some pretty cool costumes. You can also enlist the help of a friend who knows how to sew.
Another option is to find a sewing class and take a few lessons to help hone your sewing skills. Once you feel more comfortable sewing you can try making costumes. Or, you can simply use a sewing machine to help you out.
Decorate a shirt with fabric markers
This is a great option for people who don’t have a lot of time and want to make a last-minute upcycled costume. Simply find a black shirt and use fabric markers to draw or write on it.
This is a great way to make a quick costume for children or for people who don’t feel like sewing or don’t have the time to sew. You can find fabric markers at most craft stores and they come in many different colors.
This is a quick and easy way to make a costume that is sure to get noticed. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you like. You can even draw pictures or write phrases that tie into your costume.
Go to a garage sale or thrift store to find props for Halloween
If you want to go all out, you can go to a garage sale or thrift store and find a few things to add to your outfit that will make it complete. You can find some great items to spruce up your outfit and make it more spooky.
This is a great way to repurpose old or unwanted items into something new and exciting. You can find tablecloths, candles, dishes, vases, old books and many other things that you can use to decorate your outfit and make it spooky.
You can also go to a garage sale or thrift store and look for old Halloween decorations that someone may be selling. This is a great way to find items that will make your costume stand out from the rest.
Turn sheets into a cape
This is a great way to repurpose an old sheet if you are on a budget and don’t have any other black fabrics lying around. Simply cut the sheet into a cape and tie it around your neck. You can also add some decorations like sequins and glitter if you want it to stand out.
This is a great way to repurpose an old sheet as a costume that is sure to get noticed. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you like. You can even add a hood or a mask to complete your costume.
Conclusion
There you have it, 10 last minute ways to make an upcycled Halloween costume. Upcycling is a creative way to make something new from old or discarded materials and it can help you save money and reduce waste. For a more up-to-date list of Halloween costume ideas, visit our list of available options.
