You were just about to toss those old garments out, weren’t you? Whether your old sweaters have simply outlived their usefulness or have begun to unravel at the seams, there is always something you can do with them. There’s the classic sweater transformed into mittens, or you could do a variety of other things with that old item of clothing that, let’s face it, you’ll never wear again.
Here’s a list of 20+ Creative Ideas to repurpose your old, unwanted sweaters.
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. If you have a large enough sweater, you could make matching mittens for the kids or use their old sweaters to make their own special pairs.
Tutorial: thediydish
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. You need a few supplies like an old t-shirt (another way to recycle that clothing) and buttons and you’ll need a sewing machine. This little cat is just too cute not to make and he’s sure to become a favorite around the house in no time at all.
Tutorial: thesewingloftblog
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. You can add decorations to make it more customized or just go with the plain pattern. Add a contrasting color to the inside to make it really interesting.
Tutorial: seekatesew
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. Incidentally, you could stuff with other sweater material or whatever you have left over after you’ve cut out your patterns. These would also make really adorable Christmas tree decorations in red and green.
Tutorial: twokitties
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. Depending on the length, you may be able to completely cover the form with just the sleeves, or if not you can cut the material to cover and then stitch it up on the back side of the wreath form. Add whatever embellishments you want – like buttons from the sweater itself maybe.
Tutorial: bystephanielynn
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. The pencil skirt design is great and you can do this with however many sweaters you have on hand. You could create an entire new wardrobe of skirts in no time!
Tutorial: pearlsandscissors
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. You’ll cut strips or squares depending on the pattern that you want to follow, so this throw ends up looking like a quilt, but with knit sweater material. It’s really a lot easier than it looks to make this DIY sweater throw and you’re going to love the completed project.
Tutorial: womansday
8. DIY Pocket Warmers
Keep your hands toasty this winter and reuse that sweater at the same time with these DIY pocket warmers. These are great for keeping in your pockets when it’s cold. You just stick your hands in your pockets and the warmers keep them toasty. I like this idea of using an old sweater instead of purchasing new felt material – upcycling and all that. These are also great for gifts, or you could just keep a bowl of them by the front door for anyone who needs to head out into the cold.
Tutorial: fleecefun
9. DIY Fingerless Gloves
I absolutely love the idea of turning old sweater sleeves into warm fingerless gloves. Plus, you’ve got the rest of the sweater to devote to other projects, so you can actually get more than one project out of a single sweater. For this one, you just cut the sleeves off your sweater and do a bit of sewing to make the gloves fit, well…like a glove. You can also add embellishments as you wish. I think these would make marvelous gifts, don’t you?
Tutorial: creativityinpieces
10. Sweater Hat
This is another way that you can turn those old sweaters into knit hats. This one doesn’t have the braided strings, so it’s much better for the male population. It looks like an expensive beanie that you would purchase in a department store, but it costs nothing but just a bit of time. You’ll need to do just a bit of sewing and measuring to make sure that you get this one the right size. Overall, it’s a good beginner to intermediate project and you’re going to end up with a lovely hat.
Tutorial: craftstylish
11. DIY Boot Socks
I have to say, I love the look of boot socks sticking out from the tops of my boots. However, those things are expensive – like $15 a pair at most department stores. Instead of spending all that cash, you can make your own boot socks, which are just as stylish as any you’ll find in a store. You use the sleeves of the sweater for this project, so it’s another one that is perfect for multiple projects. You can use the body to make a skirt that will match your boot socks.
Tutorial: infarrantlycreative
12. Recycled Sweater Easter Basket
Recycling things is one of my favorite pastimes and this recycled sweater Easter basket is certainly at the top of my to do list for this spring. If you love making your children’s Easter baskets, this is the perfect project. Use any color of sweater to make it and then embellish with Easter eggs or whatever you want. It only takes one sweater per basket and doesn’t take long at all to complete. The project recommends wool sweaters, but it looks as if you could use any knit material to do it.
Tutorial: resweater
13. Cozy iPod/Smartphone case
This iPod cozy is a great way to use up the sleeves of sweaters if you are using the body for another project. It’s an easy project that will help you to protect that iPod. You could also create this for iPads or other tablets by simply making your pieces larger. There is very little sewing required and you can simply add a snap or Velcro closure to the top to keep it all safe inside. This is a great homemade gift idea for anyone who likes to protect their little gadgets.
Tutorial: housewrenstudio
14. Heart Mittens
These dip dyed mittens are a great project for winter. Whether you need new mittens or you just want something to do with that old sweater, these are fun to make and very stylish. You just cut out the pattern from your sweater and sew. It’s a really simple project, even considering the dip dyeing that you’ll be doing. These are great mittens for girls or you could do them in another color – aside from pink – and leave off the heart if you want to make them for boys.
Tutorial: blog.modcloth
15. Easy Small Dog Sweater
My little dogs love wearing sweaters in the winter. If you’re looking for a new project that involves your little furbaby, this small dog sweater is perfect. You take your old sweater and turn it into a brand new one for your little doggie. You don’t have to sew this one unless you want – there are a couple of options to keep the sweater from fraying that don’t involve sewing. In the end, you’ll have a stylish sweater for your dog that didn’t cost you a cent.
Tutorial: thehobbyroomdiaries
16. Linen And Lace Fingerless Gloves
These fingerless gloves are a bit different as they have actual finger holes but no material on the fingers. They’re also covered in lace, which makes them absolutely gorgeous. You’ll need to measure your hand so that you know how long to make them and where to place the finger
holes. I love how classic and elegant they look when they’re finished, and they would make an excellent gift choice for anyone who loves linen and lace.
Tutorial: nancyscouture
17. Flower Sweater Pillow
This flower sweater pillow is so amazing and so unique. It looks like something you’d pay a small fortune for at Bed Bath and Beyond, but it will only cost you an old sweater. You cut the sweater into strips and use the strips to create a beautiful flower on an old throw pillow. This one may take a bit of time but it will be worth it when you see the finished result. You could do several of these and use them to decorate the bed – do them in different colors for an amazing couch decoration.
Tutorial: fingerprintsonthefridge
18. Sweater Box Bag
This sweater box bag is truly a unique creation and one that won’t take much time. You will need to sew in a zipper and do a bit of seam sewing, but it’s a really cute bag and you can use different material on the inside to give it a really great stylish look. You can also do these in different sizes based on what you need. I love the look of this one – it’s just not like any bag I’ve ever seen!
Tutorial: trulymyrtle
19. Sweater Pet Bed
Your pets really do deserve the best; like this pet bed that you can make from an old sweater. Pet beds cost around $20 or more in the store but you can make this one for free if you have an old sweater on hand. Big chunky sweaters may be best for this one – at least your little doggies will think so as it will give them a lot of fluff in their bed. You cut the sweater into strips and then use the strips and a large crochet hook to create the bed.
Tutorial: craftstylish
20. Sweater Purse
This sweater purse will look like you paid a lot for it at the department store. Only you will know that it’s made from an old sweater – well, unless you just really want to show off your DIY skills and tell everyone that you made it yourself. You’ll need an old sweater, wooden handles that you can pick up at any craft store, and a few sewing supplies. This is a large purse and it will give you plenty of room to carry all your essentials.
Tutorial: lemonsqueezyhome
21. Recycled Sweater Vase
Cut the sleeves off those old sweaters and use them to create these lovely sweater vases. This is an easy project. You just snip off the sleeves and then shape them by cutting and sewing. Then just slip them over an old vase or even an empty soda bottle – glass of course. These are so easy and when you make a few of them, you get the perfect winter display for your vases.
Tutorial: thegirlbythesea
22. Winter Wine Bottle Wrap
If you typically give out wine as gifts, this bottle wrap is the perfect complement to those bottles. Using the sleeve of an old sweater, you can create this beautiful wine bottle wrap that is perfect for winter time wine giving. Just snip the sleeve and then tie it up with ribbon or twine. You could even create a little pom pom from yarn to really dress up that bottle. I love this idea for holiday gifts or even for Valentine’s Day.
Tutorial: warmhotchocolate
23. Sweater Dress
Okay, so this isn’t a sweater dress like you would buy at an expensive boutique, but it gives you the same effect. That sweater that you no longer wear would make the perfect dress for your little girl. You just have to cut it to size and sew it back together – and that isn’t nearly as difficult as it sounds. Add some embellishments of some sort to really customize it. I promise she’ll love it!
Tutorial: makeit-loveit
