DIY Pocket Doilies: How to Repurpose Old Clothing for Home Decor

How to Repurpose Old Clothing for Home Decor

Looking for a budget-friendly way to add vintage charm to your home? See how I upcycled a decorative pocket into a doily for a small basket—no extra cost, just creativity!

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If you love vintage-inspired home decor and want an easy way to repurpose old clothing, you’ll love this simple and sentimental DIY.

When you turn to the internet for inspiration, what draws you in? Is it the color schemes, the way items are styled, the attention to detail, or do you fall into the "all of the above" category?

I ask this question, yet I have no idea where I fall myself. I find so many things beautiful in life that it’s difficult for me to narrow down my own style. I guess, above all else, I am a vintage gal—imagine that! Modern decor doesn’t really appeal to me, but bring out a few vintage pieces, and you have all my attention.

Doilies Are Making a Comeback—In Unexpected Ways

Grand Millennial had its moment, but if you ask me, it is always in style. That brings me to today’s topic: doilies. Do you like them? Hate them? Don’t really care?

Lately, I’ve noticed vintage doilies popping up in decor again—not always laid out on tables like they used to be, but tucked into baskets, perched on wall hooks, or adding texture and depth to a space.

I have to share a little secret—I’ve been a lover of doilies since I was a little girl. My mother always used them in our home, and she had fancy ones everywhere. But my grandmother’s doilies? Those were my favorites. The hand-embroidered, vintage lace doilies always made my heart go pitter-patter!

I wish I could have saved them all from the auction, but I couldn’t buy everything. So here I am, longing for doilies in my home.

A Lightbulb Moment: Creating Doilies Without Spending a Dime

The other day, I went to the basement in search of doilies. Surely, in that mess down there, I had something with a bit of lace that could work for my spring decor in the foyer. And that’s when I had a lightbulb moment.

What if I told you I figured out a way to get the look of a vintage doily—for free? Yes, free—my favorite kind of decorating!

You see, last year, I stumbled upon a set of glass doorknobs mounted to wood with two hangers on either side in our attic. I purchased them years ago from Homestead, the Longaberger shop we used to visit several times a year.

Slowly, I’ve been bringing out decor that has been tucked away, thinking, "Why not use what I have?" I also found a small set of Longaberger baskets in the attic last year and added them to the hangers. Through the seasons, they’ve held flowers, pinecones, and sprigs of boxwood.

But this time, I thought—why not matching doilies for a bit of flair?

The DIY Solution: Turning Pockets into Doilies

So off I went, hunting for something I could use as a doily in my baskets. I couldn’t find any actual doilies, but I did find something that might just be hanging in your closet, too.

Today, we’re removing pockets from an old piece of clothing and repurposing them as delicate, vintage-inspired doilies. So grab those seam rippers!

Grandma to the Rescue: Sentimental Decor on a Budget

When we had the auction at my grandmother’s home, the auctioneer placed certain items in a pile, indicating they wouldn’t sell and should be donated or thrown away. GASP! Thrown away?

Her housecoats were part of that pile, and I couldn't let them go. So last year, I made a fall garland with one of her housecoats. This year, it looks like pocket doilies are in the works.

Not everyone has vintage housecoats in their possession, but you might have an article of clothing you no longer wear with lace-trimmed pockets, pearls, or rickrack. If you frequent thrift shops, you may even find vintage, hand-stitched housecoats with lace pockets—just like the one I used.

How to Make DIY Pocket Doilies

Materials:

✅ 1 vintage housecoat (or an article of clothing with decorative pockets)
✅ 1 seam ripper
✅ Scissors
✅ Small basket (or another decor piece to add flair to)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Remove the pockets with a seam ripper.
2️⃣ Trim away any loose threads for a clean finish.
3️⃣ Place the pocket inside a basket, over a hook, or anywhere you want a decorative touch.

That’s it—simple, budget-friendly, and full of vintage charm!

That’s it—simple, budget-friendly, and full of vintage charm!

Embracing a No-Spend Decorating Mindset

Easy and free—my two favorite kinds of home decor. I’ve mentioned before that I’m not spending any money this year on projects. Our home is only about 1,600 square feet, and while we have an attic and basement, I’ve realized that I already own so many beautiful things.

I don’t need to make new purchases—I just need to think outside the box.

The world can be your oyster when you get creative, use materials you already have, and find budget-friendly ways to decorate.

What’s Next for My Spring Foyer?

I haven't quite decided if I will add something else to the other hook of this doorknob decor. But stay tuned—I’ll be sharing my spring foyer refresh soon! I’m getting creative with pieces I’ve rediscovered in our attic, and you just never know what I’ll find next.

Why Blend in When You Can Stand Out?

Personally, I love a unique home—not the cookie-cutter spaces that look like every other Instagram post out there. Individuality is important to me. Why look like everyone else when you can create something truly original?

So go ahead—search your closets and see what decorative pockets you can find. See how adding a bit of upcycled flair can change your entire look.

All while spending zero money—making both you and your pocketbook happy. 💕

Ciao,

Cara