Upcycling Unwanted T-Shirts and Jeans into Interior Decorative Products: A Practice-Led Approach to Sustainable Design

Abstract

The textile and clothing industry faces increasing criticism for its environmental impact, particularly due to mass production and the accumulation of textile waste in landfills. In response, sustainable practices such as upcycling have gained traction as viable strategies to promote circular fashion and reduce waste. Additionally, upcycling has the potential to foster low-capital entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development. In the South Africa, unemployment remains a persistent challenge, upcycling presents entrepreneurship opportunity. By applying minimal sewing skills rooted in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, individuals can develop marketable products while addressing both social and environmental issues. This study explores the feasibility of transforming discarded T-shirts and jeans into aesthetically appealing and functional interior decorative items using minimal sewing methods. Employing a qualitative, practice-led approach, the research involved the collection, sorting, and evaluation of unwanted garments for their upcycling potential. A variety of decorative items such as braided plant pot cover, woven basket, fabric displays, and textured lampshade, were created using simple techniques like braiding, weaving, and looping, making the process suitable for low-resource settings. Moreover, the repetitive and hands-on nature of the production process revealed therapeutic value, suggesting additional benefits related to mental well-being. However, challenges during garment collection, including donor behavior and bin visibility, provided insights for future community projects. Overall, the study underscores upcycling’s multifaceted potential as a tool for empowerment, informal skills transfer, and sustainable livelihoods. It contributes to the broader circular fashion discourse and aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 8, 12, and 13.

Received: 8 April 2025 / Accepted: 25 June 2025 / Published: 08 July 2025