How to Reuse a Sweater to Make a Scarf
Recycling and reusing items not only reduces clutter and waste, it can also save you money. Instead of throwing away old or unwanted sweaters, make one-of-a-kind scarves out of them for yourself or as a gift for others. Create a traditional, rectangular scarf or get creative with circular fabric scraps cut from a sweater to make a new fashion accessory out of an old article of clothing.
Instructions
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Patchwork Scarf
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1
Cut four strips of fabric from the sweater: two 4-inch wide pieces from the front and two 4-inch wide pieces from the back. Use a ruler and fabric marker to measure the fabric and mark it for a straight cut.
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2
Cut each strip into small squares, 4 to 5 inches long.
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3
Using a needle and thread, stitch the squares together side by side in one long, singular row, forming a scarf. For print or multiple sweaters, rearrange squares so that designs and colors alternate, creating a patchwork effect.
Scrap Scarf
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4
Cut circles from the sweater ranging in size from 2 to 5 inches in diameter. For a 36-inch long sweater, cut 14 to 18 circles. Utilize fabric from both the sleeves and torso.
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5
Layer the fabric circles on top of one another so that they overlap slightly, forming a single row. Use straight pins to keep the fabric circles in place.
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6
Use a needle and thread to stitch the circles together.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a variety of old sweaters to create versatile scarf designs.
Use a sewing machine for a quicker sewing project.
Try cutting and stitching together various shapes for more festive scarves.
Place a cup down onto the sweater and trace around it with a fabric marker to create perfect circle shapes to cut for the scrap scarf.
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
