How to Make a Scarf Out of a Sweater

Make a scarf out of a sweater? Why not? It's an interesting and unusual way to reclaim, recycle and re-use sweaters that you just don't wear anymore. If you have a sweater you don't wear anymore, here's one way to turn your sweater into a scarf that you'll love.

Things You'll Need

• 1 knit sweater
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Seam ripper
• Steam iron
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Yarn in matching or contrasting colors

Instructions

1. 

   Choose one or more sweaters with coordinating or matching colors. The circumference of each sweater should be at least the length you want your scarf to be.

2. 

   Using a sleeve arm on the sewing machine, run two lines of stitches 1-inch apart around the sweater body just below the underarm.

3. 

   Cut across the sweater between the two lines of stitching. The stitching will prevent the sweater knit from unraveling at the cut edges. Set aside sleeves and upper body for another project.

4. 

   Repeat the stitching and cutting at the bottom of the sweater body if desired to remove ribbing. The remaining knit tube will be the material for your scarf.

5. 

   Using a yarn needle or seam ripper, pick out the stitches on one side seam of the sweater tube. If the body of the sweater is a seamless tube, stitch a pair of lines as above to prevent unraveling, then cut down the side of the tube and unfold the strip of knitted material. Press lightly with a steam iron to flatten.

6. 

   Fold knitted swatch in half lengthwise with right sides together. Steam press lightly to set seam.

7. 

   With sewing machine, stitch down one end and across bottom of scarf, using a zig-zag stitch for flexibility and give.

8. Turn scarf right side out and hand-sew open end closed. Finish with fringe on both ends if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix and match two or more sweaters for a funky effect. Use the sleeves to make a matching hat.

Resources

• Read an excerpt from Sweater Surgery on Amazon.com
• Turn several sweaters into a cozy lap throw.