Upcycling is hugely popular, both as a hobby and as a way of looking after the environment. Clothing is an easy option as there are lots of choices to suit all abilities.
Most people will have an old sweater in the wardrobe and, while it’s always fun to buy more DK Yarn and start a knitting or crochet project from scratch, it can also be extremely rewarding to give a loved item a new lease of life.
What You Need
To start off transforming an old sweater, gather together a fabric marker and some chalk, a ruler, fabric scissors, pins and a sewing machine or sewing kit.
Transformation Ideas
Now, let’s consider what you could do with that old jumper you thought was destined for the bin. If you want inspiration, check out the Teesside University website
Knitted Vest
If your old sweater has damage to the elbows or sleeves, think about transforming it into a knitted vest. Cut off most of the sleeves, leaving around 4 cm at the top, and then fold and pin these to the shoulder seams before sewing them down with a straight stitch.
Cardigan Creation
You may love ordering DK Yarn from Wool Couture and other suppliers to create cardigans, but have you thought about using an old jumper as the base? If you’re in the mood for stitching rather than knitting, cut open your old sweater in the middle and set to work.
You can adjust the neckline by cutting the shape then folding over the edges and pinning before sewing a neat, rolled hem. If you fancy a fastening for your cardie, make some strings and attach them for practicality and added aesthetic appeal.
Cropped Sweater
A cropped sweater can instantly update an outfit and suit all seasons. Grab your old jumper and cut off the excess fabric, to the length you want, leaving enough for a rolled hem to finish it off neatly. Pin the hem in place to check the look and then use a straight stitch to secure it.
