The pile sat there. A mix of bold blues, fiery reds, sunburst yellows – pieces of Ankara too small to sew into dresses, too sentimental to throw away.
Tola stared at them one Saturday morning. “Maybe one day,” she whispered, brushing her fingers over the prints. But that “one day” never came.
Until she realized – she didn’t need a sewing machine to give them life again.
And just like that, her upcycling journey began.
There’s something about Ankara that resists waste. Each pattern holds memory – weddings, birthdays, everyday laughter. Discarding it feels wrong. That’s why more people across Nigeria (and the world) are finding creative ways to reuse old Ankara clothes instead of letting them fade at the bottom of a box.
In this article, we’ll explore five simple, creative Ankara accessories projects – perfect even if you’ve got zero crafting skills. We’re not teaching step-by-step methods, just giving you beautiful, achievable ideas that turn forgotten fabric into fashion-forward statements.
So, if you’ve ever looked at your old Ankara and thought, “Maybe someday…” – this is your sign.
Why Upcycling Ankara Matters
Before we dive into the projects, let’s talk about why this trend is so powerful.
Globally, fashion waste is one of the biggest environmental issues today. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2023), over 92 million tons of textile waste are produced each year, and that number could rise by 60% by 2030 if nothing changes. Fast fashion fuels the problem – clothes are bought, worn, and tossed at alarming speed.
Now, here’s the twist: Africa, and particularly Nigeria, is quietly leading a slow-fashion wave. With its deep-rooted culture of fabric reuse and repair, Nigerians have been “upcycling” long before it became a buzzword. Those leftover Ankara pieces your tailor folds into tiny packets? That’s tradition meeting sustainability.
By transforming old Ankara into accessories, you’re doing more than saving fabric – you’re reducing waste, preserving culture, and celebrating creativity.
And guess what? You don’t have to be crafty to do it.
1. Ankara Earrings – Small Fabric, Big Impact
There’s something almost magical about turning scraps into statement earrings. Tiny circles of fabric become bold, lightweight pieces that add color to any outfit. They’re easy, fast, and impossible to mess up.
Ankara earrings have become increasingly popular among sustainable fashion lovers in Nigeria, and globally too. According to Grand View Research, the global fashion accessories market is valued at around USD 798.81 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed USD 1.2 trillion by 2030
What makes this idea perfect is accessibility. You only need a few fabric scraps, glue, and earring hooks. No sewing. No stress.
Each pair tells a story – a memory reimagined. And every time someone compliments them, you get to say, “I made them… from leftover Ankara.”
That’s power.
This is one of the easiest Ankara DIY projects for beginners, and it’s one of the best ways to start your Ankara upcycle journey.
2. Ankara Headbands and Hair Wraps – Effortless Everyday Style
Old Ankara doesn’t have to hide in your wardrobe; it can live on your head – literally. Headbands, turbans, and wraps are timeless and incredibly forgiving for beginners.
Imagine wrapping that once-loved print into a head tie on a busy morning. It adds personality. It adds story. And it makes bad-hair days vanish.
Beyond fashion, hair accessories made from Ankara carry an emotional pulse – a nod to heritage, a wink to individuality. You’ll find them on markets from Lagos to London, worn by people who love color and culture.
Surveys show that roughly 60% of Gen Z shoppers prefer to buy from sustainable brands, and many are willing to pay more for products with positive environmental or ethical credentials. That makes Ankara headwraps not just stylish, but socially conscious.
So if you’ve ever wanted a way to reuse old Ankara clothes without the pressure of perfection – start here. Tie. Wrap. Go.
Short. Simple. Bold.
3. Ankara Tote Bags and Mini Pouches – Everyday Utility Meets Art
Nothing says “creative upcycling” like carrying your old fabrics around as functional art. Ankara tote bags and pouches combine fashion and practicality beautifully. And here’s the thing – you don’t need a fashion degree to make them.
The simplest versions are made using basic gluing or stitching methods. Even hand-sewn pieces look charming because Ankara’s patterns hide imperfections easily. That’s the gift of this fabric – its chaos looks intentional.
Tote bags, small pouches for makeup, or zip purses are perfect Ankara DIY projects for beginners because they’re forgiving and flexible. You can use contrasting prints, add buttons, or line them with denim scraps.
Plus, with the world moving toward sustainable consumption, these pieces have serious potential. The global upcycled fashion market is valued at USD 10.78 billion in 2025, expected to reach USD 21.16 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~10.1%).
Every pouch you make is more than an accessory. It’s a quiet protest against disposable fashion.
4. Ankara Bracelets and Bangles – Culture on Your Wrist
There’s something intimate about a bracelet. It’s small, yet powerful. When made from Ankara, it’s a statement – a burst of tradition meeting modern minimalism.
Picture this: a vibrant Ankara strip wrapped around an old bangle. No glue showing, no skill required. Just patience, rhythm, and color. The result? Something you’d swear came from a boutique.
And that’s exactly what makes Ankara upcycle ideas in Nigeria so exciting. They blend heritage with innovation, creating fashion that’s alive.
A report from ThredUp’s Resale Report 2024 shows that the global secondhand market is expected to reach $367 billion by 2029, as consumers seek unique, sustainable pieces. Ankara bangles fit perfectly into that trend – handmade, meaningful, and eco-friendly.
Want to go one step further? Mix fabrics, add beads, maybe a metallic accent. There are no rules. That’s the beauty – imperfection becomes design.
5. Ankara Keychains and Bag Charms – The Tiny Details That Speak Volumes
Let’s talk about something often overlooked – keychains and bag charms. These little accessories make the perfect upcycling project because they require tiny scraps, not large fabric pieces.
They’re also incredibly easy. Cut. Glue. Attach. Done.
Ankara keychains might sound simple, but they carry big emotional weight. A piece of your old outfit, now tagging along on your keys or purse. Memory meets utility.
Globally, micro-accessories are booming. According to Market Research US, the personalized accessories market is growing at 7-8% annually, fueled by custom, handmade items. Ankara charms fit right into this wave – colorful, unique, eco-conscious.
They’re proof that upcycling doesn’t need to be dramatic to make an impact.
They’re one of the easiest ways to start your Ankara DIY projects for beginners list if you want to reuse old Ankara clothes without a mess.
The Emotional Side of Ankara Upcycling
Let’s pause. Because upcycling isn’t just about sustainability. It’s deeply emotional.
Each cut of Ankara tells a story – a family event, a dance, a milestone. When you upcycle, you’re not just saving fabric; you’re saving feelings. You’re stitching fragments of life back together in new ways.
For many Nigerians and African diasporans, Ankara isn’t just textile – it’s identity. It carries rhythm, color, ancestry. Turning it into accessories gives it a second life, one that travels beyond wardrobes and into daily moments.
And here’s the best part – it empowers creativity. You don’t need tools or training. Just imagination. Just heart.
Because sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.
Where Style Meets Sustainability
There’s a quiet revolution happening in fashion. More people are choosing slow fashion, handmade pieces, and authentic design stories. The beauty of Ankara upcycling lies in its accessibility – you don’t need fancy machines or expensive resources. Just old fabric and curiosity.
That’s where brands like Creyalle come in. We embody this same philosophy – transforming vibrant Ankara prints into timeless accessories you’ll love to wear. Whether you’re drawn to earrings or bags, our collection showcases what’s possible when creativity meets culture.
Explore our curated accessories collection here
So if you ever feel unsure about crafting, remember: you can support the same movement by choosing brands that already champion upcycled and ethical fashion like ours.
How to Get Started (Without Overthinking It)
You might be wondering – where do I even begin?
Start small. Maybe with a headband. Or a pair of earrings. Choose pieces that make you smile.
No need to plan everything. Just begin.
Here are a few quick thoughts to make the process easier:
- Don’t stress about perfection.
- Mix different ankara prints – contrasts make pieces pop.
- Reuse buttons, zippers, or metal clips from old items.
Remember, creativity grows from curiosity. The more you play, the more ideas flow.
The Bigger Picture: Fashion That Feels Good
When you upcycle, you join a movement larger than yourself. One that values people, planet, and purpose.
Ankara fabrics remain one of the most popular textile choices in Nigeria. Reports show that nearly 90% of Ankara prints consumed in Nigeria are imported, highlighting both the demand and the gap in local production.
And it starts with you.
Fashion doesn’t have to cost the Earth. It can honor it. One fabric scrap at a time.
Final Thoughts
Upcycling old Ankara is more than a DIY trend. It’s a love story – between tradition and transformation. Between the past and what’s yet to come.
Whether you’re crafting earrings, wrapping headbands, or just dreaming up new ways to give your fabric life again, you’re part of something meaningful. You’re showing that sustainability can be beautiful, expressive, and fun.
And when you want ready-made inspiration or beautifully finished pieces to match your values, Creyalle offers a collection of thoughtfully designed Ankara accessories that blend artistry with conscience.
So, what old Ankara piece is waiting quietly in your wardrobe? Turn fabric into fashion-forward statements.
So, if you’ve ever looked at your old Ankara and thought, “Maybe someday…” – this is your sign.
