There’s nothing quite like a crocheted blanket – nostalgic, cozy, and handmade with love in every stitch. But what happens when that afghan no longer has a dedicated home on the back of a couch?
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Those careful stitches deserve to live on, and if they are upcycled, they can be!
Upcycling is a form of recycling in which an item that is no longer in use is transformed into something new, often with a higher value or greater practicality.
We love upcycling because it is a great way to value and appreciate the hard work that goes into crochet – a craft that can only be done by hand!
Upcycling is also eco-friendly! It saves a blanket from potentially being thrown out and making your own upcycled clothing means less unsustainable fast fashion is produced.
Take a look at these amazing upcycled items, all made from vintage crochet blankets!
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Multicolor Checkered Crochet Pants
- 2 2. Crochet Poncho Hoodie With White Fringe
- 3 3. Vintage Denim Granny Square Vest
- 4 4. Upcycled Rainbow Granny Square Cardigan
- 5 5. Upcycle Brown Square Neck Crochet Blouse
- 6 6. Crochet Wool Square Chaps
- 7 7. Cream Crochet Robe
- 8 8. Upcycled Purple Snowflake Jacket
- 9 9. Vintage 90s Upcycled Gray Crochet Crewneck
- 10 10. Upcycled Granny Square Cardigan
- 11 11. Vintage Crochet Duster Length Cardigan
- 12 12. Groovy Granny Poncho DIY
- 13 13. Upcycled Granny Square Crochet Halter Top
- 14 14. Crochet Rainbow Stripe Sweater
1. Multicolor Checkered Crochet Pants
Multicolor Checkered Crochet Pants
These baggy crocheted pants with a tapered leg are made from a vintage afghan, so they're sure to be a totally one-of-a-kind piece! They are stretchy and comfortable yet colorful and eye-catching, so they are equally well suited to lounging around at home or going out.
2. Crochet Poncho Hoodie With White Fringe
Crochet Poncho Hoodie With White Fringe
This poncho is crafted from a vintage afghan. From the production of the original afghan to the tailoring of the poncho, it was 100% handmade in the USA. This light, hooded poncho would be perfect for a little extra sun cover at the beach.
3. Vintage Denim Granny Square Vest
Vintage Denim Granny Square Vest
This denim vest gets a boost of retro charm from the patch of vintage granny square afghan that was added to the back. The granny square pattern with the black background brings back warm memories of a blanket draped over the back of a couch, but the denim vest makes it all much cooler!
4. Upcycled Rainbow Granny Square Cardigan
Upcycled Rainbow Granny Square Cardigan
This cardigan is upcycled from a rainbow granny square afghan. It has loose bell sleeves for comfort and the scalloped edge of the squares gives this cardigan a nice, finished look. This piece is ideal for someone with a hippie, boho-inspired style.
5. Upcycle Brown Square Neck Crochet Blouse
Upcycle Brown Square Neck Crochet Blouse
This upcycled piece is a stunning blend of vintage and modern fashion. It has a crocheted bodice and paisley-patterned peasant-style sleeves. You can create many different outfits by combining this top with different lengths and types of skirts or with jeans for a more dressed-down look.
6. Crochet Wool Square Chaps
Crochet Wool Square Chaps
These crochet chaps are made from a vintage afghan that was crocheted in 100% wool. They're colorful and funky with a fun side fringe. They're perfect for going out and are sure to garner tons of attention.
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7. Cream Crochet Robe
Cream Crochet Robe
Made from a vintage afghan, this cream sweater robe has vertical stripes, a collar, and fringe on the sleeves and the hem. It would make a great addition to a unique, bohemian outfit and is perfect for a music festival.
8. Upcycled Purple Snowflake Jacket
Upcycled Purple Snowflake Jacket
This long cardigan was upcycled from a purple and white afghan with a snowflake granny square design. It is great for winter and would be perfect for anyone with a maximalist, retro stle.
9. Vintage 90s Upcycled Gray Crochet Crewneck
Vintage 90s Upcycled Gray Crochet Crewneck
This crewneck sweatshirt has been embellished with vintage crochet patches. The crew neck sweatshirt is right on-trend, and the crochet details give it retro, 90s flair. This shirt would suit someone who loves trendy items with a unique twist.
10. Upcycled Granny Square Cardigan
Upcycled Granny Square Cardigan
To create this sweater, the artisan deconstructed multiple granny square afghans and remade them into a new creation. It has all the warmth of a blanket, perfect for cool mornings or evenings. Anyone with a quirky, off-beat style who enjoys one-of-a-kind items would love this sweater.
11. Vintage Crochet Duster Length Cardigan
Vintage Crochet Duster Length Cardigan
For a look that is still unique but more toned down, how about this long yellow cardigan? It is made from a single vintage afghan with dimensional flowers on each square. The muted colors make it perfect for someone with a country-chic or boho style.
12. Groovy Granny Poncho DIY
Groovy Granny Poncho DIY
This pattern will teach you to make your own poncho using upcycled denim and granny squares you've crocheted yourself, but why stop at upcycling the denim? Find an afghan that needs new life and you can make your own groovy (and totally eco-friendly) poncho out of existing materials.
13. Upcycled Granny Square Crochet Halter Top
Upcycled Granny Square Crochet Halter Top
A vintage afghan has been given an exciting new life in the form of this halter top! It has a classic triangle top with a tie around the neck and an eye-catching high diamond back. This top is sure to be one of a kind at any party.
14. Crochet Rainbow Stripe Sweater
Crochet Rainbow Stripe Sweater
This vibrant sweater has been upcycled from a vintage blanket. The thick, bright stripes of color give it retro charm, and it has a flattering silhouette with a narrow waist and cowl neck. This is a great sweater for someone who loves bright colors.