DIY Sweater Upcycling | How to Wash and Cut Sweaters for Upcycled Sewing Projects

Are you thinking about making cozy mittens, slippers, or other fun crafts out of an old sweater? You’ve come to the right place for the best sweater upcycling tips.

Before you grab your scissors, take a few minutes to prep your fabric the right way.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to wash, felt, and prepare your sweaters for all your crafting and sewing projects.

You’ll also learn how to choose the right sweater, what to look for when thrifting, and how to store your felted wool for future use.

Choosing the Right Sweater

Before you start cutting, ensure you’re working with the correct material.

Wool content: Look for sweaters that are at least 80% wool or higher. Wool blends with synthetic fibers may not felt properly.
Condition: Inspect for moth holes, stains, and snags.
Color and texture: Grab a mix of textures and colors for variety. Some colors—especially yellow, orange, green, or patterned wool—can be hard to find. If you see one you love, grab it!
Weight: Thick wool is great for slippers and bags. Lighter wool or cashmere is ideal for linings and clothing.

Sewater UpcyclingTip:

The men’s section at the thrift store often has large or extra-large sweaters that give you more usable fabric for the same price.

Where to Find Sweaters to Upcycle

You don’t have to spend a fortune. Here are my favorite places to hunt:

Your own closet (check those forgotten back corners!)
Thrift stores
Yard and garage sales (often 50¢ to $5)
Clearance racks

What Is Felting and Why Do It?

Felting is the process of shrinking and tightening the fibers of a wool sweater using hot water, soap, and agitation.

This makes the fabric thicker, denser, and more durable — perfect for cozy sewing projects like mittens and slippers.

How to Felt Wool Sweaters in the Washing Machine

Sort by color.
Wash darks and lights separately to prevent color transfer.
Set your washer to the hottest water temperature and a high-agitation cycle.
Add just a small amount of laundry soap.
Check every 5 minutes to avoid over-shrinking. You want dense fabric, not cardboard!
Once it’s felted to your liking, lay flat to dry or tumble dry for a little extra shrinkage.

Felting Wool Sweaters by Hand

If you want more control:

Fill a basin or sink with hot water and add a few drops of liquid soap.
Scrub, squeeze, and agitate the sweater with your hands (or a scrub board).
Rinse thoroughly and repeat until you reach the desired texture.
Lay flat to dry or toss in the dryer to shrink further.

This method takes longer, but it’s great for delicate fibers like cashmere.

Cutting and Disassembling Your Sweater

Once your sweater is dry and felted:

Turn it inside out and use sharp fabric scissors to cut along the seams.
Remove sleeves, collar, and any buttons (save those — they’ll come in handy later!).
Cut as close to the seam as possible to maximize usable fabric.
Open up sleeves along the seam to create additional flat pieces.

Another Sweater Upcycling Tip

Use masking or painters tape to mark any holes or stains so you don’t accidentally cut pattern pieces over them.

Storing Felted Sweater Pieces for Sweater Upcylcing

Keep your beautiful new wool fabric in airtight bins to protect it from moths and moisture.

Add essential oils to cotton balls or create sachets and place them in your bins.

Essential Oils:

Lavender
Cedarwood
Rosemary
Peppermint
Thyme oil for extra protection

Keep small pieces and scraps in a separate bin — no piece is too small!

Even tiny scraps can be turned into dryer balls, appliqués, or patchwork projects.

Tips for Working with Felted Wool

No fraying! Felted wool won’t unravel, so you can skip hemming.
Mix and match weights: Thick wool for structure, lighter wool for linings or accessories.
Save cuffs and hems: The finished edges of sweaters make perfect cuffs for mittens, slipper boots, and hats.

🧵 Example: I’ve made cozy sweater slippers using the cuff for the ankle band and stocking hats using the bottom ribbed edge of sweaters — they look just like they were knitted!

The Beauty of Sweater Cuffs and Edges

Oh, the love of wool fabric pieces! You’ll be amazed at what you can create with even small scraps.

One of my favorite parts to save is the cuff — those stretchy, ribbed edges on sleeves and hems.

I have an entire bin of sweater cuffs in every color and texture imaginable. These little gems are perfect for:

Mittens: Use cuffs for wristbands — they already have a finished edge and nice stretch.
Slipper boots: Cuffs make cozy, stylish ankle bands.
Hats: The bottom
ribbed edge of a sweater makes a great hat brim that looks hand-knit.

Even if a sweater isn’t 100% wool, save those cuffs! A stretchy cotton blend or acrylic knit can still be used for bindings, cuffs, or trim.

***You will need to finish the edges of sweaters that may fray, such as a cotton sweater.

If the color and texture speak to you — keep it!

And don’t overlook the bottom edge of sweaters.

Finished ribbing can be used for a wide range of projects — from stocking hats to cozy bag trims — giving your handmade items a polished, store-bought look.

Cashmere and Mixed-Fiber Sweaters

Not every sweater needs to be 100% wool.

Cashmere: Super soft and great for linings, hats, or ponchos.
Blends: Even cotton or synthetic sweaters can be used — just zigzag or serge the edges to prevent fraying.

Ready to Get Crafting!

Now your sweaters are washed, felted, and ready for your next upcycled project.

Whether you’re making

You are going to love how this felted fabric feels — soft, warm, and full of creative possibilities.

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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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How To Make a Tomato Pin Cushion // Free Pattern

This adorable tomato pin cushion is such a fun little sewing project and a nice asset to your sewing supplies. You can make this pin cushion out of quilters cotton scraps or of course, a felted wool upcycled red sweater!

Tomato Pin Cushion Materials & Supplies

PDF pattern
Fabric (cotton quilters cotton or an upcycled felted wool sweater)
Green Felt
Fiberfill stuffing
Crushed walnut shells
Funnel
Needle & thread
Scissors
Sewing machine
Upholstery thread
Craft/school glue
Hot glue gun/glue

If you want to learn how to felt (shrink) a wool sweater, check out this tutorial.

Tomato Pin Cushion Instructions

1- Cut out 4 tomato panels

2- Cut out 1 leaf and one stem from felt

3- Place two of the tomato panels (RST) right sides together and pin in place.

4- Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along one side of each set, back stitching at the beginning and end of seam.

5- Clip seam allowance with little v cuts, making sure not to cut into the seam.

6- Place the two tomato panels (RST), lining up the seams.

Pin or clip in place.

7- Starting about 1 inch from the top seam, sew around the tomato stopping about 1 inch from the seam.

Back stitch at the beginning and at the end of seam.

8- Turn the tomato right side facing out.

Poke out curves with your fingers.

9- Fill the majority of the tomato full of the crushed walnut shells.

Use a funnel and a cookie sheet underneath to help control spillage.

10- Top off the tomato with the fiberfill stuffing.

11- Double thread a needle with red thread and knot the end.

Sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch. (the video tutorial shows close up of how to sew this stitch).

Tomato Pin Cushion Indent

1- To make the tomato indent, double thread a needle with the UPHOLSTERY THREAD.

Knot the end. Insert the needle into the bottom, center of the tomato. Poke the needle out of the top center. (You may need to use a pair of little pliers to pull the needle out).

2- Take BIG stitch, and direct the needle back up through and coming out the bottom of the tomato.

Repeat this process until you have the intent you like. Take a stitch and knot close to the thread. Cut the thread.

Tomato Pin Cushion Stem & Leaf Application

1- Take the 1×1 inch stem piece and apply some craft glue to one side.

Start rolling to form a little stem.

2- Clip a little slit into the center of the leaf.

3- Slip the stem into the slit and extend it about ¼ inch pas the leaf.

4- Apply a light application of hot glue to underneath side of the leaf to adhere the stem to the leaf.

5- Using the craft glue, apply a light coat of glue on the underside of leaf.

Press the leaf onto the tomato.

Tomato Pin Cushion Stem & Leaf Application

1- Take the 1×1 inch stem piece and apply some craft glue to one side.

Start rolling to form a little stem.

2- Clip a little slit into the center of the leaf.

3- Slip the stem into the slit and extend it about ¼ inch pas the leaf.

4- Apply a light application of hot glue to underneath side of the leaf to adhere the stem to the leaf.

5- Using the craft glue, apply a light coat of glue on the underside of leaf.

Press the leaf onto the tomato.

Top Stitching Leaf Embroidery

This portion of the project is optional. I like the added character of edging the leaf with a small ladder stitch.

1- Separate out 2-3 strands of green embroidery floss. Thread a needle and knot the end.

2- Starting at one of the inner corners of the leaf, stitch around the edges of the leaf.

That’s it!

I hope you enjoyed that tutorial. Have fun sewing!

Other projects you may be interested in.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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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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Easy DIY Mini Wreath | Made From Upcycled Sweaters

I hope you’ve been saving your felted wool sweater scraps! This adorable mini wreath is so fun and easy to make. It’s a project that even the little ones can handle.

You can hang this mini wreath on the Christmas tree, on a doorknob, or attach one to a wrapped gift. These Christmas wreaths can be made any size! This particular wreath measures about 4 ½ across when finished.

I have a video tutorial for those of you that are visual learners.

Mini Wreath Materials & Items Needed

Sweater scraps of all colors cut into small pieces (size depends on how big or small you want the wreath to be)

Rotary cutter/scissors
Floral stem wire (18- 20 gauge)
Wire Cutters
Ribbon for embellishment and hanging

Mini Wreath Instructions:

Cut fabric into small pieces, approximately 1-1 ½ inches for the mini wreath. Don’t worry about making them uniform in size or shape. Just cut them all in the approximate same size. I really like using a rotary cutter and mat, but scissors will do just fine. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET YOUR FINGERS IF USING A ROTARY CUTTER!

Once you have a bunch of different colors cut out, place them in a bowl or container and find a comfortable seat. This is a fun project to sit around the table with friends and family and chat while making a mni wreath or you can cozy up with your scraps and watch a good movie.

Take a wire and start threading the scraps onto the wire one at a time. There is no need to pre-cut the hole, just poke the end of the wire into the center of the scrap. Keep adding scraps until you have it to the desired size.

Once you have all your scraps loaded onto the wire, twist the ends together to make a circle. You can make a loop with the wire to hang it with, or you can clip the wire and add a ribbon to hang it with.

This mini wreath is a fun addition to a wrapped gift or given as a gift itself. A gift and decoration that is unique, charming, and EASY TO MAKE!

It’s pretty simple and straightforward. Gather your sweater scraps and get cutting.

I have a few bins full of sweater scraps. There are so many fun things you can make with even the smallest scraps of upcycled sweaters. Here are some other fun ideas.

Upcycled Sweater Hearts

How To Do Crazy Scrap Quilting USING YOUR Upcycled Sweater Scraps

Felted Wool Sweater Hearts Tutorial

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

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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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DIY Sweater Pumpkins / Made With Upcycled Clothing

There’s a little nip the air, and that means pumpkins and wearing sweaters. But as most of you already know, wearing sweaters is not what gets me excited; it’s MAKING THINGS WITH SWEATERS that makes me smile.

In this sewing tutorial I am going to show you how to make these fun, whimsy upcycled DIY 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 and is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees them.

I am not a big fan of Halloween decor, but I do like to decorate with pumpkins and leaves. So you can put these out for Halloween and leave them sitting around for Thanksgiving.

Don’t limit your color options to just ORANGE sweaters or fabric, look how cute they are made up using a yellow and even a brown sweater. A little whimsy, fun and something you don’t see every day.

You can make these DIY sweater pumpkins with upcycled sweaters, t-shirt fabric, and even fleece. They are quite easy to make and you can even sew these by hand if you don’t have a sewing machine. (Learn some easy and basic hand sewing skills here).

The pumpkin leaves are made with two different shades of green felt and this layering technique that I’ll show you, really adds a unique look.

The pattern comes with two different sizes of pumpkins and can be downloaded and printed out so you can save and use it as much as you want.

DIY Sweater Pumpkins Materials & Items Needed

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
Fiberfill Stuffing
Two shades of green felt
2-3 inch length of thin tree branch
Hot glue gun/glue
Green 18- 20 gauge cloth stem wire or green craft pipe cleaners
Needle
Dual Duty Heavy Thread or /Upholstery thread
Pattern and leaf template

If using upcycled wool sweaters read and watch this video for some great tips.

DIY Sweater Pumpkins Instructions

1 – Cut out 6 sweater pumpkin panels.

They can be all the same color or mix and match colors and fabrics.

2 -Using the leaf template, cut out one light green leaf and one dark green leaf.

Sewing Sweater Pumpkins Leaf

3 – Stack the leaves on top of each other, with the dark leaf on top.

Using the leaf template as a visual, sew the leaf veins using a straight stitch on the sewing machine.

You don’t need to be too particular. You can draw the lines lightly with a pencil if you feel you need a pattern or just free sew it. Clip threads.

4 -Apply a strip of hot glue or craft glue along the back center vein of the leaf.

Place the stem wire onto the leaf.

Sewing Sweater Pumpkins

5 – With Right Sides Together (RST) place two of the pumpkin panels together and pin in place.

Sew from tip to tip and backstitch.

6 – Sew the third panel to the two you just sewed together with (RST).

Set that set aside while you sew the next three together. You should have two sets of three panels.

7 – With (RST) place the two pieces together. Line up the top and bottom tips and pin them in place.

Starting on one of the side panels, start sewing around the circle. (You will be leaving about a 3 inch opening for stuffing).

Take your time when going over the top and bottom tips where all the pieces come together. Make sure the seams line up. Go slow so you don’t break a needle!

8 – Trim the bottom and top tips.

Stuffing the Sweater Pumpkins

9 – Stuff the pumpkin through the hole you left.

10-Sew opening closed.

Double thread a needle with matching thread and slip stitch the opening closed.

*I have a little tutorial on how to do the slip stitch. You can locate HERE

11-Making pumpkin contour

Double thread a LONG needle with upholstery thread so it is about 20 inches in length and knot the end.

To plump out and give the top indent: Stick the needle into the top center end poke the needle through the pumpkin to the bottom. You will have to pinch the top and bottom together to find the needle. Just gently keep poking until it pokes through the center bottom.

12- Repeat this back and forth a few times until you get the plumpness you desire.

End at the top and take a little stitch and knot. Don’t worry about the knot showing, as it will be covered up by the stem.

Adding Sweater Pumpkin Stem

13- Cut tree branch.

Get out your tree pruners and go out in your yard and find a thin tree branch that looks suitable for a pumpkin stem and cut about two inches off.

Apply a big dab of hot glue in the top indent of the pumpkin and stick your branch in and secure place.

14- Wrap the wire around the stem several times and then wrap the other end around a pencil to make the curly vine.

Pull the pencil out and you are finished!

I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do. If you have any questions, please reach out.

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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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How To Make Beaded Coasters From Upcycled Sweaters

upcycled sweater beaded coasters youmakeitsimple.com

Coasters do more than protect your tables and counters. They can also add a pop of color to your room and give your cup of coffee or tea a happy place to land. In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make beaded coasters from upcycled sweaters.

Adding beads around the edges using the BLANKET STITCH, really gives the coasters texture and color. You can make them any shape you desire, however, I have the FREE PDF download for the circle and heart that you can get HERE.

This is a fun, relaxing, and easy project AND a set of these make great gifts!

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL BELOW

BEADED COASTERS ITEMS NEEDED

Upcycled felted wool sweater/thick pieces of felt can also be used. (I hope you’ve been saving your sweater scraps)!
Embroidery thread (2-3 yards) Quilting thread can also be used especially for smaller beads.
Embroidery needle (make sure the beads you are using will fit through the needle).
Scissors
Beads of your choice (glass seed beads are a good option)
Sewing machine for quilting (OPTIONAL)

BEADED COASTERS INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut out two circles (4.5 x 4.5 inches – 11.5 x 11.5 cm) * If you have a very thick felted sweater, only use one layer.
2. Separate the embroidery thread into 3 strands.
3. Thread the needle and knot the end.
4. Place the beads you want to use onto a spare piece of sweater or fabric to make loading beads easier.
5. Stack two circles on top of each other and line up the edges. If using the heart shape, start stitching at the notch of the heart.
6. Insert the needle between the two pieces of fabric about ¼ inch/ .5 cm from the edge. Take one stitch and poke the needle out at the edge of the fabric. Load a bead onto the needle and begin the BLANKET STITCH.
7. Take a stitch and make a loop, pull the needle through the loop MAKING SURE THE BEAD IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE THREAD. Pull the thread taught and load another bead.
8. Continue this process all the way around.
9. To finish, take a tiny stitch, knot the thread. Insert the needle into the fabric close to the stitch and out between the two layers. Cut the thread.

You can leave the coaster just like this or you can quilt it or embroider a design in the center to give it a more dense texture.

If you want to use the sewing machine, attach the quilting foot and free-sew whatever design you want.

That’s it! Make a set for yourself and make some for your friends!

I’d love to see what you come up with. Tag your finished coasters on Instagram . youmakeitsimple.

****If you want to know about FELTING WOOL SWEATERS, check out this post.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

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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DIY FELT CHERRIES Easy Sewing Tutorial

Summer has arrived, and it will soon be cherry season. This DIY felt cherries easy sewing tutorial is a fun little project that you can make in no time at all.

There are so many fun ways to use these bright, red gems.

Add a key chain and hang it on your purse or backpack.
Glue a magnet on the back and display them on your fridge,
or embellish your gift wrapping.

These cherries can be made using an upcycled red sweater, red fleece, red knit fabric, regular woven fabric, or felt scraps.

Felted wool sweater fabric really adds a unique charm to a set of cherries.

So get into your upcycled wool sweater stash and see if you can find a piece of red felted wool.

FELT CHERRIES MATERIALS AND ITEMS NEEDED:

Red Fabric
Stuffing
Needle & Thread (upholstery thread)
Scissors
7 inches Suede Chord (1/8 inch)
Key chain ring & Lobster clasp (optional)
Green felt
Glue Gun/Glue and or Tacky Glue
Small round magnet (fridge magnet)
Download and print the pattern

FELT CHERRIES INSTRUCTIONS

Cut Out

2 cherries from red fabric
One dark green rectangle and one leaf from light green felt
Cut a strip of cord to 7 inches.

Apply cord to ring, knotting in the center of cord. Set aside.

Single thread the needle and knot the end.

Using a running stitch, sew around the perimeter of cherry piece ¼ from the edge of the fabric with the knot on the inside of the fabric.

End by poking the needle to the outside, and leave it unknotted. Pull the thread to gather fabric and form a cup.

Insert stuffing into the formed cup. It doesn’t take a lot of stuffing.

Continue stitching around and around using the same seam allowance and pulling to cinch. This will eventually stay cinched.

Push the seam allowance into the inside and pull thread tight.

When the gathering stays cinched you can insert the end of one of the stems into to hole.

Push in about a ½. Sew around the stem and then insert the needle into and through the stem to secure it in place. (These may be a little challenging and will take a little force to poke it through).

Take some more stitches around until the stem is secured in place.

To knot, simply take a tiny stitch at the base of the thread leaving a little loop.

Wrap the needle around the loop and pull to form a knot.

Poke the needle back into the cherry and out the bottom. Cut the thread close to the fabric.

Repeat this process with the other cherry.

TO MAKE LEAF

There are several different ways to finish the leaf. You can just glue the two pieces together with a small leaf centered on top of the bigger leaf, or you can sew them together using a blanket stitch or embroidery the leaf veins using green embroidery floss.

● Center the small leaf on top of the dark green rectangle. Edge the small leaf using a blanket stitch on the sewing machine or sew by hand.
● Embroider the veins (optional).
● Cut out the leaf backing about a ¼ inch from the inner leaf edge.

Leaf Application

Using the hot glue gun, apply a small dab of glue onto the stem knot. Wrap the tip of the leaf around the stem knot and around the key ring. Pinch in place.

SEE THE LEAF TUTORIAL HERE

CHERRY FRIDGE MAGNET

Apply a dab of glue onto the back of a small round magnet and stick it to the back of the leaf.

Tadah! Now wasn’t that simple?

Have fun creating and let me know if you have any questions.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

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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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

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!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

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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Heart Lollipops: Made with Upcycled Sweaters & Felt

Here it is almost Valentine’s Day, and that means craft time to me. I am always looking for new things to make using my favorite felted wool sweater scraps, and these heart lollipops are the cutest!

It’s a quick little project that you can whip up in no time at all. Trust me, you won’t be able to make just one.

Of course, you can make these hearts with regular felt, but a felted wool sweater just adds so much character and texture. (I hope you’ve been saving all your felted wool sweater scraps)! They really do come in handy for a lot of things.

What do you do with heart lollipops?

You can’t eat them, but you can:

Stick them in a potted plant to decorate your home
Embellish a valentine gift wrapping
Place one in a plant that you are giving as a gift
Put a bundle of them in a small vase and give as a gift.
Leave the stick off, and add a loop to hang the heart on a doorknob or wall.

What you’ll need:

The pattern downloaded, printed and cut out. GET THE PATTERN HERE.

fabric scissors
embroidery needle and embroidery floss ( about a yard and a half for one heart)
felt or felted wool sweater (one that won’t fray)
Bamboo skewers, or sucker sticks
glue gun and glue sticks
fiber fill stuffing

Instructions:

Watch the VIDEO TUTORIAL at the end of the post

Cut out 2 hearts.

Thread the needle with 3 strands of embroidery floss. (Embroidery floss usually comes in a skein of 6 strands) I like to split it into half, making it not so bulky.

Knot the end of the thread and take a stitch right at the point, with the knot sandwiched in middle so it doesn’t’ show.

Sew around the heart using a BLANKET STITCH. If you are not familiar with this stitch, you can watch a tutorial here.

Stop about an inch from where you started.

Add a little stuffing to puff it up a bit, but not too much!

Add a little dollop of hot glue to one end of the stick and poke it inside the heart, and inside of the stuffing.

Continue sewing until you come to the bottom point of the heart. Wrap the needle around the stick and take another small stitch to knot the end.

Insert the needle back into the fabric right on top of a previous stitch and pull the needle out in the middle of the heart.

Clip the thread.

You can place it in a small cellophane bag and tie a bow around it, or leave unwrapped.

Another way to make the heart is to leave the stick out and add a loop for hanging.

If you choose to sew them up this way, start sewing at the top notch of the heart instead of the bottom of the heart.

Make a loop with a piece of jute or ribbon and make a knot at the end. Insert that into the heart before you stitch the opening up.

Be sure to check these posts for some other Valentine’s ideas.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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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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diy Upcycled Sweater Hats

There is starting to be a little nip in the air and that means it’s HAT time! If you have some old sweaters kicking around that you don’t want to wear anymore, give them a second life and make a few sweater hats. These hats are easy to make and there are so many options. Only basic sewing skills are needed.

Types of upcycled sweater hats

Pilot & Pixie Caps

These caps are great for the little one’s ears. Made out of a soft cashmere sweater or thin sweater edged with fleece, makes the perfect hat for these cool fall days. Can be made using fleece and upcycled t-shirts as well.

Bobbi Jo Hat

A fun box shape hat.

Beanie

Make a traditional beanie out of a stylish plain or patterned sweater.

Spiral Beanie

This is a super cute beanie. Looks intimidating to make, but it’s very easy to sew up.

Go HERE to check out some great tips on how to find, cut up and prepare a sweater for crafting.

These sweater hat patterns come in a wide range of sizes, from infant to adult. With Christmas coming up, these make great gifts!

Get out your sweater stash, or find an old sweater kicking around and make an authentic, one of a kind sweater hat!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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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 Stars – Free Pattern and Tutorial

Can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? It’s time to get out your sweater stash and make some fun things for the holidays. These upcycled sweater stars are so simple to make and can be embellished in so many ways.

Hang them from a door knob, embellish a gift package, put them on your Christmas tree, or just simply set a few on a shelf.

Depending on what sweater or other material you use, each one will sew up a little differently. That is what makes them so fun to make. Mix and match colors, textures, buttons and balls to your hearts content.

I was so excited to find this yellow sweater at the thrift store one day. A yellow wool sweater is always a good find.

They are rare and hard to find. It was the perfect sweater for a warm, holiday star!

If you would like some tips on how to felt wool sweaters and how to get them ready for craft projects, I have a FREE online video class. You can read more about it HERE.

You can make them with:

felted wool sweaters (my favorite)
mixed fiber sweaters
knits
fleece
felt
woven fabrics

Other Items that you will need:

Downloadable printable pattern (GET IT HERE)
Sewing machine (although it can be sewn by hand)
Scissors
Pins
Needle & Thread
Fiber fill stuffing
Embellishments (optional) buttons, jingle bells, sweater balls, etc.
Loop material for hanging (twine, ribbon, embroidery floss, etc.)

Instructions:

1- Download, print and cut out pattern.

There are two sizes.

2- Cut two stars out of the fabric of your choice.

(Felted wool sweaters, mixed fiber sweaters, fleece, knit, and woven fabrics will work as well)

3- Place star pieces Right Sides Together (RST) and pin in place.

4- Starting at one star point, backstitch and then sew around stopping where indicated to leave space for filling.

5- Trim seam.

6- Clip star tips and inside corners.

7- Turn the inside out

Poke star tips out using the tips of scissors, or a wood turning tool.

This is the polyester fiber fill that I use. As you can see, I buy it in the big bag to have on hand for all my crafting adventures.

8- Stuff the star, poking the fiber filling out into the star tips.

Use a turning tool or the tips of a pair of closed scissors. (only if they have a rounded tip). Be careful not to poke through the fabric!

9- Double thread a needle and knot the end.

10- Sew the opening closed using a slip stitch.

You can watch a demonstration of how to sew the slip stitch HERE.

10- To make indent in the middle (optional) double thread a needle and knot the end.

Making a dimple or indent in the star, makes it easier to place a button or bell on the front of the star.

11- Stick the needle in the back and pull through into the inside.

12- Stitch back and forth through both layers several times, pulling tight to form a dimple.

Here are a few ideas of what you can use to embellish your star.

Jingle bells
Classy buttons
Sweater Balls (watch the tutorial HERE)

13- Sew or glue, the button, bell or sweater ball to the star.

14- To make a loop to hang the star:

Here are some options of what to use to hang your star.

Jute (I use this stuff for everything)
Colored twine
Ribbon
Embroidery floss
Crafting trim

Cut a strip of yarn, embroidery floss, ribbon, jute, etc. about 10 inches long. Fold in half and make a knot on the end.

15- Using a needle and thread, whip stitch the knotted area onto the end of a star tip.

Ta-dah!

I bet you can’t wait to whip up a bunch more!

These sweater stars would be a fun Thanksgiving craft. Someone in my family usually comes up with a simple craft for all of us to make while we sit and chat.

I wonder what we’ll make this year? I will have to keep you posted.

Send me a note if you have any questions while sewing up your stars.

You can find other fun things to make with upcycled wool sweaters in my Etsy shop and my Craftsy shop.

This is a great time to get started on your Christmas gift making. Here are a few other ideas.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

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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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DIY: Upcycled Sweater Spiral Beanie

The contoured curvy panels give your head a comfy, head hugging fit, that is so comfortable to wear.

Pattern includes six different sizes. (6-12 month, Toddler, Child 3-10, Youth, Adult Large, Adult X Large).

Mix it up by using different sweaters and colors or use all the same color. The variations are endless and it is even REVERSIBLE!

You can expose the seams on the outside for a more distinct pattern design or flip the seams to the inside for a smooth flat look.

Fleece works great too.

Material and Items Needed:

• Sewing machine
• Fleece or upcycled sweaters
• Scissors
• Pins
• Fleece strip for binding

This really is a fun and easy sewing project.

The pattern is available right here in my shop, on Craftsy or Etsy.

With the holidays are coming up, now is a great time to get your sewing machine out and whip up a few of these for Christmas gifts.

I do offer pattern bundle deals in my Etsy shop. Any 5, Any 4, Any 3, Any 2.

Find some wool sweaters and fleece and give this sewing project a WHIRL!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Connect:

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

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.

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:

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

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

Place pattern pieces as close together as possible to maximize your sweater fabric.

SAVE YOUR SCRAPS! I will show you what to do with the scraps later in the post.

If using felted wool, 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 way you like to avoid waisting 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 it and store it in a bin for future projects.

* If you think you will make 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 for making these items can be found in my Etsy shop.

Texture: An upcycled sweater will vary in thickness and texture. Some sweaters are suitable for certain occasions and not so well-suited for others.

Thick, Heavy Weight: This material is ideal for slipper soles, bags, and any item that requires a bit more structure.

Not suitable for mittens, slipper tops, or hats.

Medium Weight: Good for most projects.

Thin Weight: Ideal for lining items such as mittens & hats. (Cashmere sweaters work well).

Not suitable for projects that need any structure.

I often use the inside of the sweater as the outside on many 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 much more!

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

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, type in the coupon code:

felted4you

Enjoy!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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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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DIY Upcycled Poncho

Do you have a few sweaters kicking around that you don’t wear? Turn them into a fun, colorful DIY upcycled poncho.

Ponchos are not just for little girls!

Last fall I designed a few little girl poncho patterns and had the intention of making them into women’s patterns because ponchos are not just meant for little girls, right?

Well, I put it off until I had someone request an adult size. It took me a while to tweak and get it right, but it tuned out kind of fun.

Look how cute they are made up using fleece.

Just think of all the possibilities and color combinations.

Ahhhh, imagine one made up using all black fleece or sweater material, how classy and sharp that would look!

Something I will definitely do. If any of you make one of these up, please send me photo so we can share it.

What is fun about these ponchos, is that you can wear them several ways.

Flip it sideways and off center and it has a little more whimsy, playful look than just straight-on-centered.

If you use felted wool sweaters and sew the seams using a single needle sewing machine, the poncho looks really cute worn inside out with the seams exposed.

I use fleece on the neck binding which gives it a soft, comfortable feel around the neck.

The neck binding is easy to sew using a technique I use that saves time and uses fewer steps than applying normal binding. LEARN HOW TO DO IT HERE.

These ponchos make a fun alternative to a light sweater.

Put a little playful back in your wardrobe!

The patterns are available in my website shop and in my Etsy.

Have fun sewing!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Connect:

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 Mistletoe Tutorial

I love having greenery in my house in the winter and a cute little sprig of mistletoe with its contrasting white berries and a red ribbon hung above the door is a breath of fresh air to me, it’s a great way to get a few more of those heartfelt kissaroos.

Who couldn’t use a little more loven in your home?

I am going to guide you through a quick and fun upcycled sweater mistletoe tutorial.

GET THE FREE PATTERN BY CLICKING THE LINK ABOVE.

So how did this plant’s association with Christmas and kissing come to be? It is an interesting story, and I will let you read about it here if you are interested.

As you know, I have a thing for upcycled felted wool sweaters, and my favorite color of sweaters is GREEN. Whenever I go to the second-hand store and find a sweater that is a good shade of green, I buy it and consider my day a success.

Well, I have found another fun project to use my sweaters.

This is all you will need:

Green-felted wool sweaters or regular green felt can work too.
Floral wire (green)
Green floral tape
Scissors
Fake white floral berries or you could use white felted wool balls or anything white that would look like a berry.
Red ribbon
Sewing machine
PDF pattern (download here)

Get out your sweater scraps and find all the green pieces.

Cut out 5-7 leaves using different shades of green sweaters.

Cut out different lengths of leaves.

To apply floral wire to the leaf: set the wire in the middle of the leaf and straight down the center.

Using green thread, set you machine setting to a small zigzag stitch, and short length stitch.

Sew from the tip of the wire down to the end of the leaf.

This is what it will look like.

Make about 5-7 leaves.

Using the floral tape, begin to wrap at the bottom of the leaf, catching a little of the fabric. Continue to wrap about 1/2 inch.

Add another leaf and wrap around both wires.

Add a spring of berries and wrap.

Continue to add leaves and berries spacing the way you want them to be. Then wrap down the stem a little further.

Cut most of the wires, but leave two

Make a little loop with the two wires. This is what you will use to hang your sprig.

Twist the wire and cut off the excess.

Wrap the ends well with the floral tape.

There you have it. Bend and shape the leaves to your liking.

Add a red ribbon and you are set.

Look how cute it looks hung above the doorway.

So, get out your green wool scraps and whip up a few sprigs for your home, or share some kissing and attracting love with your friends and family.

These upcycled sweater mistletoe sprigs do make a great gift and a gift-wrapping embellishment.

Here is a fun neighborhood gift idea that I did one year. I bought a bunch of yummy-smelling Mrs. Meyers dish soap. The pine and the peppermint really do smell wonderful.

I have attached a card made with the PDF below.

You can download the FREE PDF HERE.

Have fun creating!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

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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.

Choosing the Right Sweater

Sewater UpcyclingTip:

Where to Find Sweaters to Upcycle

What Is Felting and Why Do It?

How to Felt Wool Sweaters in the Washing Machine

Felting Wool Sweaters by Hand

Cutting and Disassembling Your Sweater

Another Sweater Upcycling Tip

Storing Felted Sweater Pieces for Sweater Upcylcing

Tips for Working with Felted Wool

The Beauty of Sweater Cuffs and Edges

Cashmere and Mixed-Fiber Sweaters

Ready to Get Crafting!

Other Tutorials You May Be Interested In

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Tomato Pin Cushion Materials & Supplies

Tomato Pin Cushion Instructions

1- Cut out 4 tomato panels

2- Cut out 1 leaf and one stem from felt

3- Place two of the tomato panels (RST) right sides together and pin in place.

4- Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along one side of each set, back stitching at the beginning and end of seam.

5- Clip seam allowance with little v cuts, making sure not to cut into the seam.

6- Place the two tomato panels (RST), lining up the seams.

7- Starting about 1 inch from the top seam, sew around the tomato stopping about 1 inch from the seam.

8- Turn the tomato right side facing out.

9- Fill the majority of the tomato full of the crushed walnut shells.

10- Top off the tomato with the fiberfill stuffing.

11- Double thread a needle with red thread and knot the end.

Tomato Pin Cushion Indent

1- To make the tomato indent, double thread a needle with the UPHOLSTERY THREAD.

2- Take BIG stitch, and direct the needle back up through and coming out the bottom of the tomato.

Tomato Pin Cushion Stem & Leaf Application

1- Take the 1×1 inch stem piece and apply some craft glue to one side.

2- Clip a little slit into the center of the leaf.

3- Slip the stem into the slit and extend it about ¼ inch pas the leaf.

4- Apply a light application of hot glue to underneath side of the leaf to adhere the stem to the leaf.

5- Using the craft glue, apply a light coat of glue on the underside of leaf.

Tomato Pin Cushion Stem & Leaf Application

1- Take the 1×1 inch stem piece and apply some craft glue to one side.

2- Clip a little slit into the center of the leaf.

3- Slip the stem into the slit and extend it about ¼ inch pas the leaf.

4- Apply a light application of hot glue to underneath side of the leaf to adhere the stem to the leaf.

5- Using the craft glue, apply a light coat of glue on the underside of leaf.

Top Stitching Leaf Embroidery

1- Separate out 2-3 strands of green embroidery floss. Thread a needle and knot the end.

2- Starting at one of the inner corners of the leaf, stitch around the edges of the leaf.

Jan Howell

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Mini Wreath Materials & Items Needed

Mini Wreath Instructions:

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DIY Sweater Pumpkins Materials & Items Needed

If using upcycled wool sweaters read and watch this video for some great tips.

DIY Sweater Pumpkins Instructions

1 – Cut out 6 sweater pumpkin panels.

2 -Using the leaf template, cut out one light green leaf and one dark green leaf.

Sewing Sweater Pumpkins Leaf

3 – Stack the leaves on top of each other, with the dark leaf on top.

Using the leaf template as a visual, sew the leaf veins using a straight stitch on the sewing machine.

4 -Apply a strip of hot glue or craft glue along the back center vein of the leaf.

Sewing Sweater Pumpkins

5 – With Right Sides Together (RST) place two of the pumpkin panels together and pin in place.

6 – Sew the third panel to the two you just sewed together with (RST).

7 – With (RST) place the two pieces together. Line up the top and bottom tips and pin them in place.

8 – Trim the bottom and top tips.

Stuffing the Sweater Pumpkins

9 – Stuff the pumpkin through the hole you left.

10-Sew opening closed.

11-Making pumpkin contour