How to Make a Scarf Out of a Wool Sweater

Turn an old knitted sweater into a new cosy scarf.

Repurposing wool sweaters not only makes environmentally sound sense, it is also an economical and creative way to create original personalized accessories. Scarves made out of old sweaters can either be felted or not depending on personal preference, and can be made to the perfect width and length.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Scissors
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Washing machine (optional)

Instructions

1. Lay the sweater on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. Cut the sweater into four rectangles each measuring roughly 7 by 20 inches.

2. Sew the short ends of the rectangles together to make one long strip of knitted fabric. Use a sewing machine, or backstitch if you are sewing by hand.

3. Wash the scarf using the hot wash cycle in the washing machine to felt the knitted fabric and bond the stitches together to prevent them unraveling.

Tips & Warnings

• If you prefer not to felt your scarf, machine stitch all around the edges with a zigzag stitch using a matching colored thread.

• Make the scarf to different measurements by increasing or decreasing the size of the rectangles. If you want to make a very long scarf, or make a more interesting color combination, use two or more sweaters and sew the rectangles into stripes.

• Make the scarf thicker and more snugly, and hide the seams between the rectangles at the same time, by cutting two scarves, then sewing them together with both right sides facing out.

References

• Knitty; Gold, Frankenknits and Myrrh; Kristi Porter; 2006