What To Do With Old Scarves and Bandanas: 15 Repurposing Ideas

Looking for what to do with your old scarves and bandanas? We've got some cool ideas for you!

While scarves and bandannas can be repurposed into virtually the same items, their differing sizes allow for some variations. Scarves are usually rectangular and larger than bandanas, which are typically square in shape. 

A bandana is also called a head scarf, neck scarf, or neckerchief. Bandanas can be tied around the head, face, or neck for decorative purposes. Scarves may also be worn on the head as a headscarf.

Again, the major difference is size. Scarves are generally larger than bandanas.

For that reason, what you can do with old silk scarves may be slightly different from what you can do with a bandana.

So, we're going to discuss them separately.

Note: Some of these ideas can be achieved with both old and new scarves that you just want to be creative with. There are lots of ideas to go around, truly. And most of them, there's no sewing required!

Come along!

       

What To Do With Old Scarves

Here are some cool things to do with old vintage scarves:

1. Convert Old Scarves to Table Linen (sewing skill needed)

One of the best things to do with old silk scarves is to repurpose them into tablecloths. If the scarf is big enough for the table, perfect! If not, sew or fabric glue two or more large scarves together to form a tablecloth or table runner. 

2. Use Large Scarves as Bed Skirt

Love the idea of bed skirts and how they can effortlessly transform the ambiance of a room? If you've got some tailoring skills, sew several old scarves together to create a colorful, bohemian bed skirt. Choose scarves with complementary colors or patterns for a cohesive look.

You can as well use fabric glue or sew the scarves to a plain bed skirt base for a unique finish.

How to make a bed skirt with old scarves:

1. Measure the drop from your box spring to the floor (typically 14–16 inches) and the perimeter of three sides of your bed.
2. Lay scarves end-to-end along each side until you have enough coverage. Trim if needed.
3. Either sew the scarves onto a plain white bed skirt base along the top edge, or use fabric glue for a no-sew version.
4. For a boho patchwork look, alternate scarves with different prints. Pin in place first to check the arrangement before committing.

3. Hang Old Scarves as Wall Decor (no sewing needed)

If you're looking for what to do with old scarves at home without sewing, create a vibrant wall tapestry by hanging scarves in a vertical pattern. You can use curtain rods, a wooden dowel, or decorative clips to hang the scarves.

For symmetry, they should be of virtually the same sizes and hung from the same end.

4. Upcycle Old Scarves into Pillow Covers

If you have some vintage silk scarves, don't throw them out! Wrap your vintage silk scarves around pillow forms or sew them into covers. If you don't have a sewing machine, simply get fabric glue from the store to attach the scarves together. Ensure the fabric is tight around the pillow form to avoid shifting.

You can do this for your throw pillows to add visual interest to your living space.

How to do it (no-sew method):

1. Lay the scarf flat, wrong side up, and place the pillow form in the center.
2. Pull the top and bottom edges of the scarf over the pillow and secure with fabric glue along the seam. Hold firmly for 30–60 seconds.
3. Fold the side edges in like a gift wrap — tuck neatly and glue down.
4. Let dry fully before use. For a cleaner finish, iron the folds before gluing.

5. Repurpose Scarves as Bandanas

One thing I do with some of my old scarves is to make a bandana out of them by cutting and hemming the scarf to the size of traditional bandanas. You can do it, too. That is, of course, if the fabric isn’t too thick like the ones designed for winter. You don't need extensive sewing skills here, since you only need to hem.

6. Wear Scarf as a Sarong

Got a vintage scarf? Then you don’t need to buy a new sarong for your next trip to the beach side or when you just want to lounge after a shower.

Simply wear your scarf as a sarong. A 34” x 78” cotton silk scarf will easily wrap around your waist or chest, and the fabric is breathable, giving you utmost comfort as you kick back. Tie it at the hip for a relaxed, boho look. This is also a great way to wear a scarf in summer.

7. Use as a Breastfeeding Cover

Some moms prefer a bit of privacy while breastfeeding, and a scarf can do the trick. Fortunately, you don’t need your favorite scarf to get old first before using it as a breastfeeding cover; let it double as a breastfeeding cover while it’s still flashy.

Drape the scarf loosely over your shoulder and baby. Vintage scarves made of cotton or silk are ideal for this as they’re breathable and won’t subject you or your baby to discomfort, regardless of the weather. When you’re done, just wrap the scarf around your neck again.

8. Tie Scarf in Your Hair

Scarves make great hair accessories, especially on days when I don’t want to fuss too much about my hair blowing in the wind. You can tie a lightweight cotton scarf around a ponytail, braid it into your hair, or use it as a headband. It adds instant color and personality to any look. Plus, it’s fun!

Check out different ways to tie a scarf on your head.

9. Make a Beach Cover-Up (no sewing)

If you’re headed to the pool or beach, toss a large summer scarf into your tote as a quick cover-up. Drape it over your shoulders like a shawl or tie it at the waist when you want a little extra coverage. It’s lightweight, folds down small, and still looks effortlessly stylish. No need for extra layers when a scarf does it all.

If you like travelling light, a scarf is a multi-functional accessory that can help lighten up your luggage.

What To Do With Bandanas

You don't have to be a biker or street-style enthusiast to wear a bandana headscarf. Here are some bandana crafts and decorating ideas, whether the bandana is old or you just want to be creative:

1. Bandana Photo Frames (no sewing)

Let's face it, there'll come a time when your wall photographs will start looking commonplace. That's normal after looking at the same thing for years. Rather than spend money on new frames, wrap bandannas around plain photo frames to add a pop of color and pattern.

Use fabric glue to secure the bandanas around the frame, and trim excess fabric. The bandana frame is a unique no-sew bandana craft idea, one sure to draw compliments from guests.

2. Furoshiki Gift Wrapping

This is one I particularly love and have done more times than I can count. It is called the Furoshiki (Japanese fabric gift-wrapping). Repurpose bandannas into alternative gift wrappings for a unique, eco-friendly presentation.

1. Lay your bandana flat, pattern side down, and place the gift in the center.
2. Pull two opposite corners up and tie them in a double knot over the top of the gift.
3. Take the remaining two corners and tie them in a second double knot, crossing over the first.
4. Adjust the knots so they sit neatly on top. This becomes the natural "handle" for carrying.

For a flatter gift (like a book), fold two opposite corners in first, then roll the gift toward you, and tie the remaining two corners together at the top. The result looks like a wrapped cracker. It's clean and elegant with zero tape.

Apart from adding a personal touch, the bandana gift wrap can be reused by the recipient. It's a thoughtful idea if you or your recipient is eco-conscious.

Plus, you'd save money on your annual holiday spending while reducing waste. To make your gift wraps more eco-friendly, use organic cotton bandanas.

3. For Decorating Handbags

Not only do bandanas make the perfect hair accessory, but they also work well as a decorative piece for handbags. Use a simple bandana to transform a mundane bag into a statement piece by tying the fabric around one of the handles.

   

You can also line eco-friendly tote bags with cotton silk bandannas, converting simple tote bags into statement pieces.

4. Scarf Bracelet or Necklace

Fold a lightweight scarf into a long thin strip. Wrap it loosely around your wrist two or three times and tie in a simple knot or bow — instant bracelet. For a necklace, knot it at the front and let the ends drape. A block-print silk-cotton scarf looks deliberately stylish this way, not improvised.

5. Use Old Bandanas as Kitchen Rags

If your bandana scarf has seen better days and won't work well as a decorative piece, consider turning it into a kitchen rag. By so doing, you reduce waste and your carbon footprint. Great if you’re aiming for a zero-waste kitchen.

6. Dog Scarves

Got a furry friend? Repurpose your favorite bandanas into a stylish dog bandana scarf. Make sure to tie it loosely around your dog's neck to keep them comfortable.

Trust me, with a colorful bandana, your pet will look way more adorable!

Where To Buy Bandana Scarves

Need a new scarf now that your favorite ones have seen better years?

At Ichcha, our bandanas and scarves are made from the finest cotton and silk, offering a touch of silky luxury while maintaining the breathability of cotton. Eco-friendly, lightweight, and bustling with vibrant colors, our cotton-silk scarves are sure to elevate your outfits. 

Check out our store now; we bet you'll find something you'll love.