DIY Dog Sweater: Simple Upcycled Sewing Project

Keep your pooch warm with style in an upcycled dog sweater. I know some dogs really don’t need a sweater to go outside, but they sure look cute don’t they? My border collie actually likes wearing a sweater, even though with all that fluff, he really doesn’t need it. However, there are some breeds of dogs that could use that extra layer in the cold winter months.

So if you have an old sweater kicking around, this is an easy sewing project that you can make in no time at all. Even a beginner seamstress can make this. I give instructions on how to make this with a regular sewing machine and a serger.

Here are a few before and after shots.

I suppose you could make a sweater for your cat as well.

 

You can use all types of sweaters. The top sweater was made using a cotton sweater and the little red and black one was made from a felted wool sweater. You can also use upcycled sweatshirts and regular fleece fabric as well.

Sizes included in the pattern:

*Measure around your pet’s chest. Breeds indicated are for reference only as breed sizes may vary.

dog sweater Items and Materials Needed

  • Pattern downloaded and printed.
  • Upcycled Sweater, or sweatshirt (fleece fabric could work as well)
  • Sewing machine, Serger (optional)
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • 2 inch strip of fleece for binding (optional)

Watch the full video tutorial HERE

Play Video

You may also be interested in some other upcycled sweater projects, check them out HERE.

Let me know if you ever have any questions or comments below. I would love to see what you’re making! 

Have fun sewing!

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Sweater Mittens – Easy Sewing Project for Your Favorite Valentine!

sweater mittens

Valentine’s day is upon us and these sweater mittens are a great sewing project for your favorite Valentine!

Keep your hands warm with style!

For those of you who follow me, you know how much I love making things with upcycled wool sweaters. Mittens are one of my most favorite things to make.

I have two different mitten patterns. One is for adults and a large child. The other pattern is for children and infants. The patterns are in PDF format and you can download them INSTANTLY.

Not sure which size you will need? Check out this post which will help you measure the hand you are sewing to get the correct size.

sweater mittens size chart

Adult Size sweater mitten pattern

The pattern includes adult sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XX small (child size large).

Infant & Child sweater mitten pattern

We can’t forget the little hands!

Same cozy design as the adult sizes, but this pattern has been modified for small hands, including a basic infant mitten without the thumbs. Made for hands smaller than 5 inches.

Where can you get the sweater mitten patterns?

The easy-to-follow, printable sweater mittens pattern can be purchased here in my craftsy shop, or in my Etsy shop.
 

Is it easier for you to learn by watching a video tutorial?

I’ve got you covered with this video tutorial! I have three platforms where this video is available.
  •  Skillshare. Read more about it here. (Skillshare membership required).
  • Teachable (no membership required)
  • YouTube  
 
For information on how to measure your hand correctly, you can check out the post here.
 
If you are interested in making some other upcycled sweater projects, you can check these out.
 
 
Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Make It With An Upcycled Sweater

upcycling sweaters

Do you have an old sweater kicking around that you never wear? Perhaps you can give it a second life and upcycle it into something fabulous. You can make a cozy pair of mittens, slippers, a hat or even a skirt. For those of you who follow me, know how much I love making things with an upcycled sweater. I think creating something from a felted wool sweater is just one of the best things ever! Cotton and mixed fiber sweaters can also be used to make fun projects.

In this post I am going to:

  1. Show you how to make the most out of your sweaters by properly cutting out your projects to minimize any fabric waist. (After all, felted sweater material is like CRAFTING GOLD).
  2. Give you some great tips on what part of the sweater to use for what kinds of projects.
  3. Show you what you can make with the SCRAPS.
Play Video

Let’s begin with some wool sweater BASICS.

In  previous posts I have shared information on

Check these out if you want more information on these topics.

Cutting out

Maximize you sweater fabric by placing pattern pieces as close together as possible. SAVE YOUR SCRAPS! I will show you what to do with the scraps later in the post.

If using felted wool, most likely you do not have to worry about placing pieces on the grain because felted wool stretches both ways equally. (not always). Unless the pattern says to place on the stretch or grain, you can place the pattern pieces any which way to not waist fabric.

What part of the sweater should you use for what?

Here is a little sweater anatomy.

Bottom & Sleeve Cuffs

The bottom cuff and sleeve cuffs are great to use for Slipper Boot cuffs, Pilot & Pixie Caps, Mitten cuffs, and Beanies.

To use the bottom cuff for projects like these I cut off 4 inches from the bottom cuff and store in a bin for future projects.

* If you think you will be making beanies or caps, hold off on cutting the 4 inches off. Leave the sweater intact.

The rest of the sweater can be used for all kinds of fun projects.

1 Beanies & Hats

2 Mittens

3 Slipper Boots & Boot Socks

4 Slippers

5 Heart Hand Warmers

6 Baby Balls

7 Mitten Cuffs

 

GET THE PATTERNS HERE

Patterns to make these items can be found in my store, my Etsy shop.  

Texture: An upcycled sweater will vary in thickness and texture. Some sweaters are good for some things and not so good for others.

Thick, Heavy Weight: Good for slipper soles, bags, and anything that needs a little more structure. Not good for mittens, slipper tops, or hats.

Medium Weight: Good for most projects.

Thin Weight: Good for lining things like mittens & hats. (Cashmere sweaters work really well). Not good for projects that need any kind of structure to them.

I like to use the inside of the sweater as the outside on a lot of my projects. This adds a different texture and gives some character.

What to do with the felted wool sweater scraps?

You will be amazed at what fun things you can do with a small piece of felted wool.

Mini sweater balls, mistletoe, Valentine hearts, laundry dryer balls, hand warmers and so much more!

Click on the links above to see the whole project tutorials.

When you cut out all your sweater projects, DO NOT THROW the SCRAPS AWAY! Get a bin to keep all your scraps in, you never know when a little piece of felted wool will come in handy.

Go find a lonely sweater and and make something fun!

Whew! To those who made it through the whole post, you get rewarded. How about a 30% discount on any pattern ordered from my shop.

When you are checking out, just type in the coupon code:

felted4you

Enjoy!

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Upcycled Sweater Pumpkins – New Video Tutorial

SEE THE NEW UPDATED TUTORIAL HERE.

It’s pumpkin time! I love everything about fall, the bright cheery colors, the crisp air, pumpkins and wearing sweaters. But as most of you know already, wearing sweaters is not what gets me excited, it’s MAKING THINGS WITH SWEATERS that makes me smile.

In my newest Skillshare class I show you how to make these fun, whimsy upcycled sweater pumpkins. These pumpkins can be made with felted wool sweaters, cotton sweaters, orange knit, and even fleece. They have so much character, each one turns out a little different.

Play Video

This upcycled sweater pumpkin class is only 17 minutes long and will get you on your way to making a fun Halloween and Thanksgiving decoration. You can leave them out until it’s time for your Christmas decorations.

The pattern comes FREE with class enrollment. If you are not a member of Skillshare yet, here is a link where you can get 3 months of the premium membership for only .99 cents. With the holidays coming along, this is a great opportunity to take unlimited classes and learn how to make some fun Christmas gifts.

Skillshare has classes and video tutorials on almost anything you would want to learn how to do.

  • Crafts,
  • photography
  • painting
  • cooking
  • sewing
  • photoshop
  • graphic design
  • crochet and so much more.

If you find after a few months, you don’t use it, you can cancel your membership at any time. What a no-brainer!

If you are not interested in enrolling in the class and just want to purchase the pattern, you can download the pattern here.

This is all you need to make a sweater pumpkin:

  • Sewing machine or you can sew by hand with a needle and thread.
  • Felted Wool sweaters or mixed fiber sweaters work as well, knit or fleece
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Stuffing
  • Two shades of green felt
  • 2-inch length of a thin tree branch
  • Hot glue gun/glue
  • Green 18 gauge cloth stem wire or green craft pipe cleaner
Upcycled Sweater Pumpkins

Gather your sweaters in all shades of orange, yellow, tan and brown and let’s make some pumpkins!

jan3

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Easy To Make Upcycled Skirts

upcycled skirts

It’s boot and skirt weather! The air is getting cool and crisp and what a great time to throw on your tights and skirts.  In the office, running errands or even keeping house, a skirt, some tights and a pair of boots are a great GO TO for any occasion. I love wearing skirts in the winter.

upcycled skirts

A few years ago I designed a skirt pattern for girls and had intentions of making a women’s pattern but never got around to it until now. These two skirt patterns are so easy to make up, and better yet, you can recycle some of your clothes to do it.

Whether you want the length of the skirt to be just above the knee or mid thigh, the pattern is adaptable. The comfortable fold down yoga waistband makes it easy to get on and off and is easy to sew.

Here are a few tips when choosing fabric or recycled clothing for your skirts.

  • Large sweaters either cotton/synthetic blends or wool blends are great for the eight panel skirt.
  • Check the clearance sections for long knit skirts or dresses. They have a lot of yardage and can be used either for another skirt or the waistbands of other skirts. (Check the fabric content. If they have a high percentage of spandex, and it is a good color and quality, most likely the clearance item will be cheaper than buying fabric. Spandex fabric at the fabric store can be quite expensive and the selection is usually poor).
  • Don’t forget to check the thrift stores and yard sales for sweaters and skirts to use as fabric yardage.
  • If using sweaters, be sure to check for any holes before cutting out.
  • Try to use fabric or sweaters that are similar in weight for the same project.
  • If using wool sweaters, either felt them before sewing, or make sure you hand wash the skirt in cold water. (Shrinking the sweater before may make it too dense to use for a skirt).
  • Use your creativity to come up with some fun color and texture combinations.
  • Add trim and embellishments if you want to get real creative.

The pattern for these easy to make upcycled skirts include women sizes 2-14 and is available in my Etsy shop or Craftsy shop.

upcycled skirts
upcycled skirts
upcycled skirts
upcycled skirts
upcycled skirts

Baby Gift Ideas – Upcycled Sweater Toys

Do you have a baby on the way, or know someone who does?  These little toys made from felted wool sweaters or fleece scraps make a fun compliment to any baby gift.

If you have been saving your sweater scraps……..this is a great place to upcycle them into a cuddly and cozy baby toy.

Sweater Balls & Blocks

These balls are so soft and squishy, just right for those little hands to hold. I insert a couple jingle bells inside to add a soft jingle,jingle when the ball is shaken.  The pattern includes a cute block pattern as well. They are really quite easy and fun to sew up. They really add charm to a baby gift!

 Sweater Pals

sweater bunnies

Little hands love to hold these bunnies and bears made from upcycled sweaters. Tuck one in a sack with some baby lotion and soap with his head and ears popping out. What a cute thing to take to a baby shower. This is a fun project using basic sewing machine and hand sewing skills.

Have fun sewing!

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Upcycled Sweater Crossover Slippers

Slip your tootsies into these bad boys! These upcycled sweater crossover slippers will give you Foot Hugging Comfort!
My Crossover Slipper Pattern is finally ready to go!

 

I have had these crossover slippers sketched and in my head for months.  I found myself with a little spare time the last few weeks, so to the drawing table and sewing machine I went.  These slippers turned out to be as comfortable as I had hoped for and they are one of my easiest slippers yet to make.

 

crossover slipper suede soles

suede slipper soles

I used a lightweight leather piece for the sole of one set. They turned out quite nice.  Sewing on leather is quite easy and enjoyable.  HMMMMMM what can I make with leather now?

Get out your sweater stash and get busy.  By the way, any good finds (WOOL SWEATERS that is),  at any garage or tag sales?  Remember this is the season and a great way to get your wool sweaters dirt cheap.

These slippers would make great Christmas gifts you know?  Just think of all the fun color combinations you could come up with.

You can also make these slippers with thick polar fleece fabric.

Other upcycled sweater references:

crossover slipper tips and tricks

You can find this pattern at my 

For some tips on how to felt wool sweaters, check out this post.

Click HERE to see more upcycled sweater projects and information.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR UPCYCLED WOOL SWEATER ACCESSORIES.

 

TIP:  WHEN CUTTING OUT YOUR WOOL SWEATER PROJECTS…….KEEP ALL THE SCRAPS. (Even the littlest pieces). 

Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Read More