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!
hey girl! i love your work!
follow my new blog, if you wish of course....
http://allieandhusband.blogspot.com/
allie
Posted by: Allie Middleton | January 17, 2012 at 05:55 PM
Such a great idea! :)
Angela
http://poodlepoddles.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Angela | January 17, 2012 at 05:56 PM
I am so excited that you are sharing such helpful and easy sewing tips! Although i have been doing great lately with my sewing, it is great to see these tips pop up to remind me :)
xoxohannah
a cup of subtle tea
Posted by: xoxohannah | January 17, 2012 at 05:59 PM
So cute!
I've got a new tutorial!
http://www.houseofavandan.blogspot.com
Posted by: Vanita | January 17, 2012 at 06:05 PM
So cute! I love to sew so much. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | January 17, 2012 at 06:05 PM
Cutie! Easy for kids to do too - thanks!
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Posted by: Stephanie May* | January 17, 2012 at 06:22 PM
Thi is awesome ! Thanks so much!!
Posted by: Maegan leigh | January 17, 2012 at 06:28 PM
this is brilliant! SO going to do this with my sweaters that got holes in them. Great re-purposing.
Posted by: christin | January 17, 2012 at 06:33 PM
Well... that's just adorable! I love it...and so shall me cold little head. :) Hearts, janna lynn
Posted by: Janna Lynn | January 17, 2012 at 06:54 PM
Too cute! I'm doing this for sure. Unfortunately, I have 2 holey sweaters waiting for me.
http://www.thoreausdaughter.com/
Posted by: Hillary | January 17, 2012 at 07:01 PM
so cute! my mummy is doing that work :)))
http://babylovesfashion.blogspot.com/
Posted by: babylovesfashion | January 17, 2012 at 07:03 PM
Um, ya - I need to make one of these. Like, now.
Posted by: Alex | January 17, 2012 at 07:04 PM
i sent a link to your site to my mom...with a WINK WINK "what a perfect mother/daughter activity" type phrase. she is the recycling/sewing maven.
thanks!
~sara
http://myfantasticdistractions.blogspot.com/
Posted by: sara | January 17, 2012 at 07:06 PM
This is such a great idea and your tips are so thoughtful
Posted by: Stephanie | January 17, 2012 at 07:07 PM
This is such a great idea. I really love the pink color of the hat. Have been wanting a pink cowl...
Posted by: courtney | January 17, 2012 at 07:14 PM
You're so creative. Another great yet simple idea :]
Posted by: Allison | January 17, 2012 at 07:28 PM
Hey, first of all, I want to say you've got a lovely blog, I'm a blogger based in México who's just starting in this whole blogging world, so I wanted to invite you to check out my blog and maybe follow it if you like it! Thanks and greetings from México!
xx
E
http://byebye-blondie.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Ella | January 17, 2012 at 07:32 PM
Knitting has always been my wife's passion. I will recommend this post to her to get some more ideas.
Posted by: Sebastian | January 17, 2012 at 07:48 PM
very cute! You're soo creative!
http://lovinglifeasmommy.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Deanna | January 17, 2012 at 07:56 PM
Lovely blog!
http://blogheloisamuller.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heloísa Muller | January 17, 2012 at 08:03 PM