Today is Day 30 of Sewing School.
Now you’ve seen a couple of different types of refashions– one with curtains, changing the style, and one as a means to embellish an otherwise plain garment. Today we’re going to continue to talk about refashioning, particularly repurposing sweaters. I love doing this because I’m actually not much of a sweater-wearer myself.
Sweaters are a really fun material to work with. They are so versatile in what you can create with them– their coziness lends itself well to many other types of garments and even home decor or accessories. It’s always easy to find old sweaters, either in your own closet collecting dust or via handmedown from a friend, or cheap at a thrift store or garage sale.
Creating with things that are already in circulation is one of our favorite ways to get craft here at Simple Homemade.
Let’s look at a few fun ways to give old sweaters new life .
New uses for old sweaters
Source: bystephanielynn.com via Nicole on Pinterest
As soon as my stash of old sweaters is out of storage, there are a few things I can’t wait to make, including these cozy vase covers– they are so perfect to add a dash of warmth to fall and winter decor.
I’ve also had my eye on this idea for quite sometime. I just love these little sweater-leg-warmers– how cute would they be over tights?
Recently I wanted something soft and cushy to keep our iPad a little safter when we packed it into a backpack for a trip. A simple seam up one side of a wool hood (I had cut it off a sweater a while back) worked perfect. I just added a little loop of elastic and hand-sewed on a button to keep it closed.
This sweater was way too itchy for me to wear, but I haven’t heard my iPad complain yet!
notice that sweet little 3-year old Gigi modeling with my dear friend
One of my favorite things I’ve done with sweaters is cut them up and mix and match the prints to make these sweater beanies. As soon as I can, I plan to share a tutorial for these with you (my pattern is in storage with my sweater pieces!). I kept a couple for my self and I just love them.
Have you ever repurposed or refashioned old sweaters? Do tell! Check back tomorrow for the last day of Sewing School and a fun giveaway.
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Great ideas!
This is probably one of my favourite posts in the series. Love the ideas, the sweater re-purporsed as leg warmers is SO cute! I really like the cute factor of these ideas as well as being smart with what we have.
Great post!
Thanks, Breanne! I can’t take credit for the leg-warmers idea but I sure love them.
Love the ideas. However I found it a little bit tricky to repurpose old sweaters without an overlock machine. The material is stretchy and if you sew normal or zig-zag seam, it will not last long. It doesn´t matter in case of vase covers, but be careful with caps and all the things you use often.
Yes! I totally forgot to mention this in the post. A serger is best with sweaters, but I haven’t had success with a wide but short zig-zag or the “fake overlock” stitch that some machines have. Thanks for weighing in, Ladyle!
I made boot socks from a repurposed sweater. I have seen others felt wool sweaters for mug cozies and mug rugs.
These are such cute ideas! I have made longies out of sweater arms, and last year I made mittens for both of my children. I need to hit up the thrift store soon; I have to replenish my wool sweater stash.
xo
What great timing! I just made cashmere pants for 2 of my girls yesterday out of Goodwill sweaters. Now what to make from the body portion of the sweater (which has some scattered holes).
I’m so sorry I missed 31 days of sewing school. I plan to go through and check out each day. I love reusing sweaters. I’m working on a sleep sack for my baby girl from a soft wool sweater that I felted – hoping a zigzag stitch will hold. I have also used felted wool sweaters for patching pants.
Adding my voice kinda late here but thought I’d mention I have an e-reader sweater sewing tutorial on my blog:
http://fimby.tougas.net/how-to-sew-an-easy-kindle-cover
We love repurposed wool sweaters and keep some on hand for just that purpose. Last year I made mittens, also on the blog:
http://fimby.tougas.net/birthday-treasures-felted-mitts
I think your kindle cover actually inspired my iPad cover back in the day– I totally should have mentioned that!
Will definitely check out your felted mitts!
Nice to be here and see your post!