what can i make with old sweaters

14 New Things You Can Do with an Old Sweater

• Felted Wool Blanket. What could be more snuggly than a blanket made entirely of sweaters? To create this patchwork...
• Dryer Balls. An eco-friendly alternative to fabric softener, dryer balls can help your clothes dry faster while reducing...
• Decorative Pillows. Sweater-covered pillows make couches even cozier. To create your...

Full Answer

How to repurpose old sweaters?

/ Upcycling old sweaters

1. Upcycling sweaters into a lampshade. When I saw this repurposed thrift store-find lamp, I immediately fall in love with it! ...
2. Boho upcycled felt hexagon rug. Colors, colors, colors. ...
3. Upcycling old sweaters into pillow covers with zipper. ...
4. DIY felt flowers from an upcycled cardigan. ...
5. Repurpose sweaters into cute lavender bags. ...

More items...

How to make a stocking from an old sweater?

• Gather up your finest sweaters.
• Create a pattern.
• Cut out your stocking back to use as a guide. ...
• Cut your sweaters into strips. ...
• I cut a lot of strips ya’ll. ...
• Lay out your strips to get the look you want.
• Sew each strip together, leaving the strips that will connect to the heel, not sewn.
• Cut a triangular piece for the heel.

More items...

How to get smell out of sweaters?

Removing Musty and Mothball Odors From Washable Clothes

• Wash With Baking Soda Fill the washer or a large sink with water and detergent and add one cup of baking soda. ...
• Add Distilled White Vinegar Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse to cut through any remaining product residue.
• Hang to Dry Hang the freshly washed clothing on a clothesline outside to dry. ...

How to repurpose a sweater?

– Cut the sleeves and neckline of the sweater. – Place the fabric in position so that the side seams meet in the front. – Pin pins along the bottom of the sweater and sew a straight line to join the two sides. – Turn inside out. Done! Cat bed Another idea for repurposing old sweaters – a place for your pet. It’s implementation is very simple.

How do you restyle old sweaters?

0:399:08Upcycle Your Old Sweaters 6 Different Ways | DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull one sleeve over your foot. And leg you want to pop any excess. So using a pair of scissors. CutMorePull one sleeve over your foot. And leg you want to pop any excess. So using a pair of scissors. Cut all the way around your foot. So the sweater just barely covers your foot all the way around.

Can you recycle old sweaters?

Recycle your old sweaters and make some sweater ornaments… or use them as embellishments on your gifts.

What can I do with old woolen clothes?

All types of wool are not only recyclable but also biodegradable, whether from alpaca, sheep or goat, as long as they are not blended with synthetic fibers. This is why the best way to dispose of your wool clothing is to make it into compost.

What can I make with old cashmere sweaters?

Upgraded Cashmere Sweaters: 20+ Recycled DIY ProjectsA protective iPad cover.A case for your sunglasses or eyeglasses.A menagerie of children's stuffed animals.Bookmarks for your old-school tomes.Embellished arm warmers that will make everyone ooooh and aaahhh.More items...•

How do you make a blanket out of old sweaters?

0:452:59Felted Sweater Blanket DIY How-To - Whitney Sews - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd cut along the side shoulder. And sleeve seams to separate all the sweater pieces. Then using aMoreAnd cut along the side shoulder. And sleeve seams to separate all the sweater pieces. Then using a ruler I cut six inch squares from the pieces.

What do you do with holes in sweaters?

0:075:45How to Repair a Hole in a Sweater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's best if you use a ballpoint needle just because it pushes through the fibers a little bitMoreIt's best if you use a ballpoint needle just because it pushes through the fibers a little bit easier in a net like that.

How do you make a teddy bear out of an old sweater?

0:071:43How to Make a Stuffed Animal Out of an Old Sweater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're gonna pick a place to start I like to start at the bottom of the opening. And just stitch aMoreSo we're gonna pick a place to start I like to start at the bottom of the opening. And just stitch a little bit oops let me put it on press your flip. Top. Get it started get it started.

How do you turn a sweater into a skirt?

0:382:28Chic on the Cheap: Sweater Skirt Upcycle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff I just went back and did one the solid line stitch to just kind of stitch up that hole and fromMoreOff I just went back and did one the solid line stitch to just kind of stitch up that hole and from here you can just kind of stitch it to where it fits around your waist. And then your skirt is done.

How do you reuse wool from a sweater?

For recycled yarns you want to use as-is, simply give them a gentle wash with some shampoo, allowing them plenty of time to soak. Then hang them to drip dry, perhaps with a little weight hanging off the bottom of the skein to remove some of the kinkiness. After dyeing or drying, wind up the yarns into balls for use.

What can I do with ruined cashmere?

If you don't have fabric softener, baby shampoo or a gentle hair conditioner can also work; just make sure it doesn't contain dyes. This strategy works with a wide variety of cashmere apparel such as plus size cashmere sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and more.

What to do with clothes that can't be donated?

What to Do With Old Clothes That Can't Be DonatedCut or tear your old clothes up and make them into rags for cleaning.Dye the fabric and turn it into something usable like a hair elastic or headband.Use the textiles as pillow stuffing.More items...

Can I put clothes in my recycling bin?

There's no reason to put any clothing or textiles in the bin. If you can't fix, upcycle, sell, share or give away unwanted items, they can still go into a textile recycling bank. Socks, pants, even old curtains, they can all be re-used.

What to do with old clothes that Cannot be donated UK?

What to do with old clothes1) Transform and upcycle into something new. ... 2) Check out local textile & fabric recycling spots. ... 3) Ask your council about textile collections. ... 4) Give to an animal shelter. ... 5) Donate to charity. ... 6) Pass on or hand them down. ... 7) Rent your clothes. ... 8) Swap your old clothes.More items...•

What fabrics can be recycled?

According to Recycle Nation, nearly every kind of fabric can be recycled. Even gross, old underwear can be recycled. Clothing is perhaps the easiest to recycle. Simply donating clothing to a local church, community organization, non-profit, or thrift store is one way of recycling your unwanted clothes.

1. Upcycle Your Old Sweater Into A Cozy Sweater Pillow

Nothing compares to some cozy pillows on a cozy sofa after a long day. Even without great sewing skills, you can use your old sweaters to make these nice and comfy sweater pillows. All you’ll need is:

2. Remodel an Old or Worn Lampshade

If you have a lampshade that could use some work, either because it has a hole or a bit of dirt, don’t use up money remaking it or getting a new one.

3. Make Your Home Smell Like Spring With These Cute Scented Sweater Satchels

Spring is never too far away and you’ll soon have to decide which sweaters have overstayed their welcome in your drawers. These heart-shaped satchels filled with potpourri are just what you need. They are super easy to make and have multiple uses.

4. Recycle Old Sweaters By Making DIY Pet Beds

If you own a furry friend, you can understand the pain of having to clean their fur from your couch. With this trick, you give your pet a place to sleep and chill AND save yourself the hustle of cleaning fur every time from your couch. Turn one of your old sweaters into a cozy pet bed for your furry friend and they’ll thank you for it!

6. Glam Up Even In The Cold With These DIY Wrist Warmers

It’s never too cold to look good! This trick works best with that felted cashmere sweater that’s so shrunken it won’t fit anyone at home. However, it still works with a normal old sweater whose arms you wouldn’t mind remodeling into some cozy wrist warmers. With a few easy-to-find tools, make some cute wrist warmers to stay snuggly all winter long.

7. Recycle Old Sweaters AND Give Your House Plants A Personality

I think that giving your plants a personality would give your house a nice finish. With a few old sweaters, a glue gun, and a pair of scissors, you can transform those dull-looking pots for your plants into cozy, stylish, sweater-covered pots that go with your home decor. This is a great way to put that old sweater with a cute DIY pattern to use.

8. Gift Your Little Ones With Cute Sweater Dresses Made from Recycled Old Sweaters

The best part about being an adult is the fact that you can ALWAYS find a tiny human to fit into your clothes once you grow out of them. Sweaters are no exception, and possibly the coziest of clothes for babies due to their stretchy nature. This short-sleeve peasant-style dress made from an old sweater will look adorable on any little one.

Sweater Pumpkin

This particular sweater project couldn’t possibly be any easier! All you need to do is cut off the body of an old sweater, turn it inside out, gather one end together with a rubber band, turn it right side out.

Sweater Baby Hats

I got the idea for the sweater baby hat from Make It and Love It. She has a terrific tutorial for several hats but this one was my favorite. :-) I’m going to give it to my newest grand niece, Baby Layla.

Sweater Coasters

Another “couldn’t be easier” entry…. Sweater Coasters. I found a 100% wool sweater at the thrift store awhile back that someone had apparently accidentally washed and dried without realizing the effect of doing so. The sweater was already halfway “felted”. I just completed the process.

Sweater Pillows

You might be sensing a theme right about now….all of the “sweater re-d0” projects I chose are SO simple. That’s why I liked them so much. :-) Do I really even have to explain how this is done? Well, if you’re like me…it ALWAYS helps to have instructions…and PICTURES!

Cardigan From Crew Neck Sweater

I found this sweater at the thrift store and fell in love with it. It’s actually a Ralph Lauren Polo sweater and I love the color…but I’m really not much of a crew neck sweater type of girl. I AM, however, a CARDIGAN sweater type girl. :-) So I was excited to try this idea out.

Sweater Bottle Covers

This idea didn’t even require any extra picture-taking. I literally cut the sleeves off of a couple of different sweaters (the one on the right is from the baby hat sweater, and the one of the left is from the sweater pumpkin) and slid them over two bottles.

Sweater Sling Purse

And last, but not least, the project that took me the most time…but STILL was really very easy to make! The sweater sling purse! I spied this outdated animal print sweater at the thrift store and immediately thought about what a cute bag it would make! Once again I turned to Make It and Love It for a simple-to-follow tutorial.

1. Make a Pair of Mittens

The blog A Beautiful Mess offers instructions on how to make mittens out of a sweater with an existing hem around the waist. Just trace your hand and cut your mittens at the bottom of the sweater so that the hem will keep them snug around your wrist. Wool would be the warmest material to use.

2. Make a Snug Knitted Hat or a Slouchy Beanie

Similar to the mittens, use the existing hem of the sweater as the edge of a hat, which will keep it snug to your head. Depending on how high you cut, you can make one that fits close or slouches.

3. Make a Fuzzy Pillowcase

If you love cuddling up inside a sweater, why not on top of one? Turn an old sweater into a pillowcase for your bedroom or sofa. Decorate with buttons if you want, or make an envelope-style case.

4. Keep Your Mug Warm With a Cozy

Knitted cozies are all the rage these days, as they help keep beverages hot in glass or ceramic mugs, not to mention feeling wonderful on the hands. Cut a strip of old sweater and attach with Velcro or a button to a Mason jar or coffee mug.

5. Make Some Fingerless Gloves

Anyone who reaches for their phone in the winter knows how useful fingerless gloves can be. Cut the sleeves from an old sweater to whatever height you want, and make a hole for your thumbs. Voilà, fingerless gloves in much less time than it would take to knit a pair!

6. Make Some Boot Toppers

Not only are they stylish, but they’re also practical. Boot toppers keep your legs warmer and, if you’re wearing tights, will prevent runs that are caused by the rough tops of rubber boots. Cut a wide band from the upper sleeve of an old sweater that goes partway down your calf and fold over the extra material over the top.

7. Make a Pocket Scarf

This is a scarf that has a pocket at either end where you can keep your hands warm and stash a cellphone or Kleenex. Cut a scarf out of an old sweater, starting from the pocket on one side, up and around the back, and down around the other pocket.

1. Sweater Into Wool Mittens

Whether you’re looking for a great gift idea for someone special or you just really need a new pair of mittens, turning that old sweater into a new pair of mittens is genius. It’s also easy. You will need to sew a bit, but not a lot and this is a great project even for beginners.

2. Sweater Cat

This cute little sweater cat is the perfect way to recycle old sweaters, especially if you have a little one around. In fact, this is a great project to share with the little ones. They can help create the sweet little kitty.

3. Snowy Day Hat

This snowy day hat is sure to be a huge hit, especially with teenagers. It has those long braided strings on the sides that are so popular in hats today. It also has a cool ear flap that will definitely keep you warm this winter – and you make it from an old sweater so it doesn’t cost anything but your time.

4. Felted Sweater Hearts

These hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime that you just want a cute little decoration. You use a felted sweater – preferably in red if you have it but you could do these in any color. You just cut the pattern out and stuff and then sew.

5. Old Sweater Wreath

This DIY sweater wreath is the perfect winter accessory for your front door. It’s also one of the easiest sweater upcycling projects on this list. You literally use your old sweater to cover a foam wreath form.

6. Sweater Skirt

When you’re finished with one piece of clothing, it’s great to turn it into another, new piece, right? This sweater skirt is made completely out of that old sweater that you never wear anymore. What’s great is that you turn it into this cool skirt, something that you will wear – hopefully.

7. Cozy Sweater Throw

If you have more than one sweater to reuse – in this case about five or six – you can create a lovely throw that is perfect for those cold winter days. Or, make this and give it as a wonderful gift to someone special.

No-Sew Uses for Old Sweaters

1. Salvage the yarn. Locate the sweater seam and snip one of the bottom stitches. Use a knitting needle or chopstick to lift the seam stitches, cutting as you go. Once you’ve removed the seam, begin to unravel the yarn at the cast-off edge at the top of the sweater.

Uses For Old Sweaters That Require Sewing

10. Turn them into pincushions. These adorable cupcake pincushions look almost good enough to eat, don’t they? Better Homes and Gardens will show you how easy they are to make.

Felted Wool Blanket

What could be more snuggly than a blanket made entirely of sweaters? To create this patchwork piece, Yellow Suitcase Studio sewed squares of felted sweaters together, adding decorative stitching along the edges. The blanket is perfect for cozy movie nights, but it also makes a heartwarming gift.

Pouf Ottoman

A pouf is ideal for kicking up your feet and relaxing. When you combine a thrift store sweater with an insert made from fabric and polyester fiberfill, a versatile DIY ottoman can be yours for little cost and not much time at all.

Dryer Balls

An eco-friendly alternative to fabric softener, dryer balls can help your clothes dry faster while reducing wrinkles. Make your own version using the wool from old sweaters, and you'll get fresher clothes for free.

Decorative Pillows

Sweater-covered pillows make couches even cozier. To create your own pillowcase, cut your sweater to the proper size using a pillow for reference. Turn the pieces inside out and stitch them together, leaving just enough room to slip the pillow inside before sewing the case closed.

Cozy Mittens

A fresh pair of warm mittens is just what Old Man Winter ordered! Outline your hands in chalk around the bottom edge of a sweater to create a custom mitten pattern. Cut out the pieces, turn them inside out, and sew them together. Keep a pair in every coat pocket so you’re never stuck without gloves again.

iPhone or iPad Case

Protect your tech gadgets from chilly temperatures by dressing them in cases made from felted sweaters. Sewing a simple pocket for your iPhone, iPad, or e-reader is quick and easy. Plus, the results are adorable!

Felted Coasters

This winter, set your warm beverages down on a soft coaster of felted wool. Any wool sweater can be felted by washing it in hot water and running it through the hottest setting on your dryer. Cut the sweater to size, then make yourself a cup of hot cocoa to test out your new coaster.

Repurposing old sweaters – Warm mittens

Let’s give your old sweater a second life by turning it into beautiful warm mittens! With just a few simple materials and the most basic stitches, you will have gorgeous mittens in a few minutes! Follow these steps on the photo and read the instructions below to make mittens from old sweater.

Repurposing old sweaters – Handmade winter hats

From one or more old sweaters – for example one of those that children will no longer wear because they grew out of them, you can make warm hats for the winter. You can also use the extra fabric to decorate them. This project is similar to the mittens.