Bandanas are an inexpensive, endlessly versatile crafting staple that instantly add color, charm, and a touch of vintage-inspired style to DIY projects big and small. They are particularly great for summer projects when you use them for shades, outdoor chair cushions, and covered pots. Read on for seven ways to use them in and around the house.
Utensil Holders
Perfect for your next picnic or barbecue, these utensil holders are sewn together by hand or with a sewing machine.
To make: Cut two 4 1/4-by-14-inch pieces from a bandana. Sew together, leaving a small opening. Turn inside out, and sew opening closed. Fold up bandana 5 1/2 inches from the bottom, and sew on three sides to create a pocket. Fill with utensils.
Lined Lanterns
Cast a country glow on summer nights by covering the glass sections of outdoor lanterns with bleached bandanas. After bleaching and drying bandanas, cut them to size and attach to the outsides of the glass using Mod Podge.
Covered Flowerpots
Give clay pots a charming upgrade with a bandana wrap. Use them for plants, desk storage, or summer flower arrangements.
To make: Use Mod Podge to attach a bandana to the outside of desired-size clay pots, folding the fabric one inch over the top rim and cutting off extra fabric as needed. Once dry, use as desired.
Bandana Tote Bag
Get ready to head to the pool in style with a DIY bandana tote bag.
To make: Sew two bandanas along the bottom and sides. For the handles, sew a third bandana into two 1 1/2-inch-wide, 25-inch-long tubes and stitch to the inside edge of the bag.
Bleached Artwork
Framed bandanas make for colorful and graphic wall art. To give yours a more weathered, vintage feel, consider a bleach treatment.
To make: Mix two parts water to one part bleach in a bucket. Dip 100 percent cotton bandanas in the bleach solution and stir until slightly faded; remove and wash. Dry completely. Once dry, frame in 21- to 23-inch-square frames.
String Light Shades
Made using clear plastic cups, these shades will make any outdoor patio feel festive.
To make: Use the tip of a hot-glue gun to melt a small hole in the bottoms of desired number of heavy-duty clear plastic cups. Cut bandanas into 2- to 3-inch pieces and attach to outsides of cups using Mod Podge. Thread mini-bulb string lights through holes in cups and secure with hot-glue.
Bandana Chair Cushions
Use bandanas to create a soft landing for your outdoor chairs.
To make: Measure the seat of the chairs you wish to cover and cut 1-inch-thick upholstery foam to size. Trim two bandanas to the same size plus 1/2 inch all around to accommodate foam’s thickness. Sew bandanas together, leaving an opening large enough to slip foam through. Turn inside out, insert foam, and sew opening closed. Sew ribbon or strips of bandana to back corners for tying to chairs.
