How to Make a Turtle Neck Into a Cardigan

Transform that standard, old turtle neck into a festive cardigan.

The cold, damp winter months call for warm clothing and protected necks. Turtle necks offer that warmth and comfort, but they also lack versatility. Alternatively, cardigans can be layered over dresses, blouses and casual wear with ease. We all have those latent turtle necks cowering in the corners of our closets. With a few sewing techniques and a bit of creativity that old turtle neck can be transformed into a voluminous and comforting cardigan.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• 2 yards of bias tape or ribbon
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Sewing notions
• 1 decorative button

Instructions

1. Lay the turtle neck front-side up on a flat, even surface. Unfold the top turtle neck section so that the whole sweater lays flat. Mark the center line of the turtle neck that would normally sit down the center front of your torso with a fabric marker. Mark from the very top of the neck piece to the bottom hem.

2. Cut along the marked line from the previous step using a pair of sharp scissors. Measure from the top of the newly cut line to the bottom hem. Add 1 inch to this measurement. Cut two pieces of bias tape or ribbon that match this final measurement. Measure from the top of the neck piece to the bottom of the neck piece. Add 1 inch to this measurement. Cut out two pieces of bias tape or ribbon to match this final measurement.

3. Pin one piece of bias tape along one of the newly cut edges on the right side of the turtle neck garment. Make sure that the tape sticks out slightly further than the edge of the knit material to cover over the raw edge. Fold over the extra 1/2-inch of fabric on each end of the turtle neck edge and pin in place. Sew along the pinned bias tape to secure in place using a straight stitch on your sewing machine. Repeat with the second piece of bias tape and the opposing raw edge.

4. Pin one of the shorter pieces of cut bias tape or ribbon to the inside of the raw edge of the neck piece. Tuck under 1/2 inch of fabric on each end of the ribbon as you pin into place. Repeat with the other piece of ribbon on the opposing neck piece edge. Sew both ribbons into place.

5. Sew a decorative button into place with a needle and thread just below where the neck piece starts and over the bias tape or ribbon. Slice a 1/4-inch slit on the opposing side with sharp scissors.

6. Wear the newly made cardigan with the former neck piece serving as a wide collar with a decorative ribbon edge.

Tips & Warnings

• Only proceed with this craft on a tight knit fabric.

References

• Threadbanger: Remake Old Sweaters Into Springy Cardigans
• Chic Knits: Convert a Pullover to a Cardigan