What do you do with extra, old sheets?

**Judi Dial** · 09-14-2010, 09:44 AM

I have TOO much rag material...hate to throw it away...but I have at least 2 boxes of flannel, cotton/poly, and just cotton old sheets and sheeting materials. I really need to cut this in 1/2.

I doubt the thrift shops want it. I know the used booksellers/antique stores don't.

Any ideas???

TIA --

Judi

**nuisance26** · 09-14-2010, 10:01 AM

~I make handkerchiefs, reusable shopping bags and "muslins" with them when I need to see how a pattern will work out before cutting my expensive fabrics.
You can double layer squares for cloth napkins. My mom uses old sheets for tablecloths. If you have enough and they coordinate well you can make a mile-a-minute patchwork picnic blanket.~

**max915** · 09-14-2010, 10:04 AM

I have used mine to tie up tomato plants....I use hog panels tied to posts and then tie my tomato plants to them. This way the plants are not on the ground and are much eaiser to pick and till around...

**DAAC3DEC** · 09-14-2010, 10:11 AM

Make braided rugs. Tear them into strips and braid them, easy to do while watching t.v.

**LeeCee** · 09-14-2010, 10:42 AM

I live in florida and fall and winter is when you can grow vegetables here.when it get really cold or we actually have freeze warnings(how I wish for one of them now) we use old sheets or blankets to cover plants and our vegetable garden.it is good for the plants because they can still breathe but won't stick to them like a plastic covering which can actually harm plants.

**Neeley** · 09-14-2010, 10:52 AM

I recently gave my 75 year old great aunt all of my stash. She loves making pillow cases and throw pillow covers.

I also used some some for my dogs and cats to lounge around on. Their big pet pillows needed duvets and old sheets were perfect for it.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 09-14-2010, 10:53 AM

I save all of my old sheets for home renovations. They're pretty good for when you need to paint something.

**frugalfranny** · 09-14-2010, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by DAAC3DEC

Make braided rugs. Tear them into strips and braid them, easy to do while watching t.v.

Like this idea. I could even dye the white ones.

I, too, have a gob of them. Glad you posted this.......will see what I can do with some of them. Hate to toss them and I have more than enough for any painting project.

I have used some in the garden.......for protection and for tying things up.

**NikoSan999** · 09-14-2010, 02:37 PM

I was going to write covering up plants for first frost but already mentioned..

1. If you have holding baskets ( and if I remember some of your pix you do ) you can make the now fashionable elasticized coverings for the baskets. These are expensive to buy already covered. Nice thing about them is you can take off, wash and put back.

2. Little girls in the family? Doll quilts/blankets, doll clothes, matching throw pillows for THEIR room.

3. Have a friend into putting clothes on their dog? Dog clothes. Also have a friend who makes a ton, TON, of money on Ebay making Chichiua (sp) clothes. Now takes orders. Add a bow, ribbon etc.

4. Possibly an assisted living facility who does crafts. Quilting, etc.

5. Winters coming. Window quilts.

**frugalwarrior2** · 09-14-2010, 02:57 PM

Actually our thrift shop sell giant bags of rags. I save our to cover the couch from dogs fur. My DMom used to save them for camping needs.

**Josephhgoins** · 09-14-2010, 03:20 PM

My grandmother's neighbor uses them for quiltmaking in lieu of muslin backing.

Could you use them to make curtains?

**shp1055** · 09-14-2010, 04:04 PM

old flannel is wonderful for making home made fitted diapers if you know someone who is into that. I made a lot of them when grandson was born.

**ttistin** · 09-14-2010, 04:48 PM

Oh great ideas. I have a ton of extra sheets and pillow cases and was wondering what I can do with them. Now I have a few ideas!

**shoiji** · 09-14-2010, 04:59 PM

Don't forget that animal shelters can always use them for extra bedding.

**Judi Dial** · 09-14-2010, 06:55 PM

Wow you guys are great! I have too many good sheets too, so I don't need pillow cases, duvet covers, etc. I have too many of thoseas well!

I use old nylons to tie up plants, works great.

Rugs? Definite Maybe.

Napkins? I get old commercial ones. I need to weed that collectin down too (of course)!

@Max915, what's a hog panel?

Muslins? Now that's a possibility I hadn't thought of. Of course I also have a lot of muslin... (If I have something usually I have TOO MUCH!)

I have used them for covering plants. But even if I just use the "summer" sheets, I'll have enough, and that's not the rag material, but the lightweight sheets we use in summer.

Lining baskets? Now there's an idea I hadn't thought of either! Yep, I have a ton of baskets (of course) and some of them could use lining. Hmmm.

DH uses old flannel for washing cars, etc. But I already have two sheets either in bits doing this or set aside for same.

Animal shelters? Wow hadn't thought of that either.

See....you guys are great!

Judi