I am so excited to sharing this project, because it turned out exactly as I had hoped… You know the feeling… when you aren’t sure how the idea will turn out {because you’ve never done it before} and then it goes exactly as planned! SCORE! These upcycled sweaters came out just as I wanted them to.
I had put aside two sweaters of mine… I cut both sweaters down from an Adult Small to a 6T {I made them big so he can also wear next year}
the blue became a vest.
And the red one I kept a full sweater.
I’m going to quickly share how I downsized both sweaters… I used my new serger sewing machine {cheering!!!} and the sweaters were both small knit, so they didn’t fray too much while I was working with the pieces… I assume that sewing on a regular machine and then zig-zagging the edges would also work, but I have not tried that method.
Start by cutting the sweater all apart…
Then use a pattern you already have to create the vest. I just used the front/back piece.
**everything is sewn with a serger sewing machine**
I also turned the rounded neckline into a V-neck.
For the sweater vest, I wanted to try using ribbing for the neck and arm holes. I cut the ribbing 2″ wide x the measurement of the neck.
Sew the shoulder seams. With right sides together sew one of the short ends closed. Turn and place the finished edge at the V on the neck. Pin the ribbing around the neck and sew around.
Now you should have something that looks like this.
Trim and tuck the end to the back of the V.
I serged the end closed, but I don’t think it would fray if you just left it raw.
Turn and stitch down the front {I’m not sure I like how mine is angled…} hmmm..something to improve next time. Top-stitch with a regular sewing machine around the neckline.
The arm holes were even easier. I cut the ribbing a bit thiner 1 1/2″x the arm hole length. The folded in half and serged along the edge.
I sewed the side seams and top-stitched around the arm hole to finish the sweater… EASY, right?
Now, to make a long-sleeved sweater and not the vest, I just made one change. I also re-used the original neckband. I carefully cut it off the sweater.
I also kept the wrist cuffs on the sweater and just used a sleeve pattern as a guide for the curve at the top.
assemble the sweater as you would any shirt… shoulder seams, neckband, sideseams, and finally the sleeves. You don’t have to finish any of the cuffs or bands, because you just used the original sweater ones!!
and that’s it!!! YEAH!! easy right? What a great way to keep the life of a sweater going. Just because I was tired of these two didn’t mean they were done…
and now for some super awesome modelling poses, courtesy of my son… He thinks every shot is an action, and I love his duck lips… oh dear!
Have a sweet sweater day!
Linked one or more of the parties on my link party page HERE
Looking forward to seeing you around the blog…. don’t be a stranger!
Iryna Boehland says
Thank you for posting this! I always remake my old sweaters into my lil daughter’s play dresses. She loves them, because they are soft and fit her well!
Emily Thompson says
testing..
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
These are so cute! I’ve always wanted a serger! Pinning!
Debi at Life Currents says
Nice work! I’ve been taking old sweaters and making arm warmers out of them. Thanks for sharing!
Shaffer Sisters says
Awesome. I love the Red full sweater! But the V-neck is pretty cute too. Way to use what you have!
Jamie H says
I got a basic serger not too long ago, but geez every time I get it threaded one of my kids pulls it apart. I saw they have new self-threading sergers. Amazing idea!
The sweaters turned out great! Pinning!
Joy Candrian says
I like this idea too! I’m excited to try the same thing with some of my old sweaters.
xoxo Grandma
Paisley Roots says
Those turned out perfect!! He is getting so big though!! Holy cow, it’s like he’s grown into a little man over night!
Kirsi says
This is why recycling projects are so great. You can make use of existing structures in the garment and still create something new! And think of the nature at the same time;)
Beth Cavanaugh says
Nice! I like the ribbed trim accent on your vest.
DesignedByBH says
I LOVE them! I especially like the vest…such a little stud. 🙂
You make it all look so easy, but the thought of trying that intimidates me!!!!
Pinned!
– Brooke –
Falafel and the Bee says
I love it! That red one is darling.
Thanks for stopping by my blog too:)
~Michelle
Vonnie says
They’re great, Emily! I love when the end result turns out just as well as your vision!
Annie says
The accent color on the vest looks very nice. Great job on making exactly what you planned! I don’t think that has ever happened to me! ;o
PiePie Designs says
These are great and nice tutorial! Upcycling is so fun!
Gina Wamsley says
Wow! Very impressive, Emily! Loving the blue and green vest. They are such cute models too! 🙂
Gina
Olga Becker @ Kid Approved says
Looks awesome! Isn’t it great when something turns out just the way you want it. 🙂
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Jessica says
This is a great tutorial! I love doing this with huge thrifted sweaters for myself.