How can I reuse or recycle a fleece jacket?

fleece-jacketWe’ve had an email from “BustyBee” (hehe, great nickname) asking:

What are the reuses for an old fleece jacket? My DH has some that are too small but I don’t want to just throw them away.

If it’s just a case of them being too small then it’s probably best to pass them on to someone who can still use them as jackets – a charity/thrift/op shop or shelter would probably welcome them with open arms at the moment given it’s becoming more wintery by the minute.

If they’re too old or tatty for such a donation, you could salvage the bits of fabric that are still in good condition to use for various crafts and the like – I’d imagine cut into strips or small pieces, it would make bouncy stuffing or larger pieces could be sewn together to make a snuggly, patchwork quilt. Any other suggestions?

What about non-craft uses? I have a half a memory of people using old (synthetic) fleeces as an insulator for frost-sensitive plants in the garden or related to that, I guess they could be refashioned into a kneeling pad for leaning on when out pulling weeds and the like. Other ideas?

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9 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle a fleece jacket?”


  1. Lynsey says:

    A friend of mine uses fleece to make hot water bottle covers as it makes them snuggly and is easy to cut and sew. Don’t use fleece to make rice/wheat bags though as the fabric sweats when you put it in the microwave and you end up with a soggy wheat bag! I have also used fleece offcuts to make softies in the past. If you don’t know anyone who would like a softie then try the Toy Society (great fun to do!) or make a toy for Softies for Mirabel.

    http://thetoysociety.blogspot.com/
    http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/2009/09/softies-for-mirabel-2009-crafting-for.html

  2. They are wonderful for rag rugs

  3. Bobbie says:

    If the backs are still good they could be refashioned into doggie beds, or blankets.

  4. Alice says:

    Don’t forget to unpick and salvage the zips, toggles and other fittings from things like this too if you’re going to cut up an old bit of clothing.

    A jacket zip would be long enough for a cushion cover or a bag, maybe to replace a broken one so you don’t have to throw something else away too.

  5. Lizzy says:

    Maybe you could try re-lining some old slippers – or making them from scratch?

  6. caroline says:

    I had an old fleece with a company logo that they didn’t want when I finished working for them. I couldn’t donate it because it might have been used to impersonate an employee (I worked with children). So I cannibalised it for parts (zip, pockets and elastic) and used what was left to make cute little bean bags – I used this tutorial – http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com/2009/01/beanbag-tutorial.html. The company logo even got made into a bean bag!

  7. Jeanette says:

    I use fleece squares about 20cm square instead of baby wipes. You could also use fleece cut into squares as cleaning cloths/dusters.

  8. Medeea says:

    I think they are perfect for kids blanket or something they can sit on while playing on the floor. Just find a nice pattern textile to sew on top.

  9. Uluska says:

    Fleece can be made into comfy car seat covers.



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