It's the perfect time of year for warm, fuzzy accessories! I love scarves, mittens and snow hats, but did you know you can make them yourself from an old sweater? Today I'll show you how to recycle a sweater into something brand new!
Step 1: Use the hemline on your sweater as the hemline for your new piece. For example, since we are making a hat today I am using the bottom of this sweater, which already has a pretty finished hem!
Step 2: Mark off the area that you want to sew with chalk or a marker. Your sweater should be turned inside out. I used a hat I already have to measure the pattern for my new hat. Remember, it's better to make it a little bit too big, you can always size it down later!
Step 3: Stitch your shape on your sewing machine. We used a 3.5 inch stitch length for this sweater, which is a medium weight sweater. Remember to sew before you cut the knit fabric. Step 4: Cut your hat out. Try it on. Stitch it smaller if it's too big (we did this a couple times!). Enjoy your new fuzzy hat and add a
yarn pompom if you like!
Turn it inside out and it's done!
TIPS FOR SEWING KNIT:
-Always use the existing hem, if you can!
-Give yourself extra seam allowance, it's easier to size down than to size up.
-Always sew before you cut the knit fabric!
-Start with basic shapes like a hat or scarf before you try something more complicated!
-Thinner knits are easier to sew with a machine.
-If you need to cut your sweater before sewing, baste the edges of the garment before you cut.
-Chunkier knits need a bigger stitch length.
-Try adding hand stitched details with yarn. It's so much fun!
Have fun stitching somehting from a knit sweater! xo. elsie
This sewing basics series was created in collaboration with Missy Creed of Momentum Fashion. Missy is a talented seamstress who sews for Red Velvet!
CU-U-U-U-U-TE!!
Posted by: Sandee Pinkstaff | January 17, 2012 at 08:24 PM
I made a batman hat and a scarf with an old cashmere sweater for a friend's son last year... now I want to make one for me!
Posted by: The BabbyMama | January 17, 2012 at 08:26 PM
What a perfect way to re-use an old sweater! :-) cool makeover!!!
xoxo
ida
http://asplashofida.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ida May Bueno | January 17, 2012 at 08:27 PM
That looks so cute! I am always way to scared to sew knits but this makes it look super easy!
Posted by: Miranda | January 17, 2012 at 08:43 PM
cool tutorial. but i would wear any of those sweaters in a heartbeat so i kind of wish you hadn't cut them up. such a gorgeous colour
Posted by: Nina | January 17, 2012 at 08:48 PM
What a smart idea!
Posted by: Megan Lane | January 17, 2012 at 08:58 PM
Great way to use a sweater. Although I suggest using a zigzag stitch instead of a straight stitch as it will "give" with the sweater as it stretches (a zigzag switch, marrow, or chain stitch should be used on all knits, sweaters, or stretchy fabrics). I would hate to do such a tutorial and hear the pop of stitches as I put it over my head.
Posted by: maddie flanigan | January 17, 2012 at 08:59 PM
These are amazing! Must pin on pinterest :-)
Posted by: Emily @ Make It Happen Mama | January 17, 2012 at 09:11 PM
Never thought of this, I love it. Very simple for a beginner :)
Posted by: Carlene | January 17, 2012 at 09:14 PM
super adorable as always!! I want one!
http://itsawant.com/
Posted by: It's A Want | January 17, 2012 at 09:15 PM
love this! such an awesome idea for all of the random knitted sweaters in my closet that no longer fit/aren't my style anymore.
Posted by: allie o'bannon | January 17, 2012 at 09:18 PM
I've wondered how to do this! Thank you!!
Posted by: Catherine Denton | January 17, 2012 at 09:38 PM
aww this hat is so cute! all your sewing tips lately have been really helpful, thank you!
Posted by: Madeleine | January 17, 2012 at 09:45 PM
This is awesome! Im still getting a hang of knitting and crocheting so this tip is awesome for a quick hat!!
http://modaelan.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kayla | January 17, 2012 at 09:54 PM
What a cute idea!
I am always so sad when I have to retire a knit, now I am going to be waiting to see which one will be first to become a hat. Yay!
Posted by: Sarah | January 17, 2012 at 10:34 PM
you look crazy beautiful!! <3 love love!
<3xojo
p.s. i love you lol! i have been reading my blog love e-course over and over!!
i just redid my header and you've been so much inspiration for me overall in the past 7 months since i've had my blog!! THANKS SO MUCH!
Posted by: Jordan Marie | January 17, 2012 at 11:06 PM
I can do much better than that sister!
Posted by: Reylan | Federal Posters | January 17, 2012 at 11:24 PM
This is genius!!!!
Posted by: Margherita | January 18, 2012 at 12:24 AM
This is awesome.
:) thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jensine C. Martinez | January 18, 2012 at 12:37 AM
What a fantastic idea! I have an old sweater that somehow ended up in the dryer & now is baby-sized, def should give this a shot w/ it : ) Thanks!
Posted by: dusanabotswana | January 18, 2012 at 12:39 AM