How to Sew a Bag From an Old Sweater

A homemade sweater purse

Reducing, reusing and recycling can lead to some fun and funky fashion accessories. A purse made from an extra large men's sweater can provide a world of opportunities to express creativity. These sweaters, often found in abundance during the summer months in thrift store bargain bins, come in a wild array of colors, designs and patterns. Some are so wild that no further embellishment is needed.

Things You'll Need

• Extra large heavy weight sweater
• 1 yard iron-on fusible interfacing
• Tailor's chalk
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Ruler
• Double-sided fusible tape
• Iron with steam setting
• Tapestry needle and color-coordinating yarn (optional)
• Embellishments (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut open the side seams and armholes of the sweater. Remove the sleeves. Cut the shoulder seams apart. You should have a sweater front, sweater back and two sweater sleeves, all separate from each other. Cut the sleeve seams so the sleeves lay flat and are no longer tubular.

2. Lay the front of the sweater flat. Measure out a rectangular shape that is 13 inches wide at the top, 15 inches wide at the bottom, and 14 inches tall. Mark this with your tailor's chalk, and cut it out. Repeat with the back side of the sweater.

3. Cut two rectangles of the same measurements from the fusible interfacing.

4. Cut 1 rectangle from each sleeve, approximately 4 inches wide by 20 inches tall.

5. Press the fusible interfacing to the "wrong" side of each sweater rectangle, with the side of the interfacing that contains the glue facing towards the sweater. Do the same with the sleeve rectangles.

6. Using the steam setting of your iron, heat the fusible interfacing for at least one minute or as per the manufacturer's instructions so it adheres to the sweater pieces.

7. Place the two larger rectangles with the right sides facing each other. These will create the bag. Use your sewing machine or needle and tapestry thread to sew the bottom and sides of the bag together with a 3/4-inch seam allowance.

8. Turn the bag right side out, and fold the entire top edge of the bag 1-1/2 inches towards the inside. Use double-sided fusible tape to secure this fold. Alternatively, you may also stitch it down by hand with your needle and tapestry thread. This step creates a smooth seam around the entire top edge of the bag.

9. Use your sewing machine or needle and thread to sew the two long, skinny rectangles to the bag, approximately 4 inches from the top of the bag on the inside of each side. This creates the straps.

10. Add any embellishments you desire, such as sequins, patches, yarn embroidery, ribbon embroidery, lace or rick rack.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a sweater made of animal fiber that has shrunk or "felted" in the wash. The fabric is incredibly stiff, and not suitable for this project. Choose sweaters with interesting cable stitch work, color patterns or textures. Use a different color yarn, if sewing by hand, for a messy, punk chic look. The fusible interfacing allows the sweater to be cut and sewn without having to worry about the ends unraveling. Do not be afraid to use plenty of it.

• Use caution when working with sharp objects, as even the dullest scissors can cause injury.

References

• Rip It!; Elissa Meyrich; 2006
• Burdastyle - Sewing Techniques, Tutorials and Lessons

Resources

• Inspiration for Reconstructed Bags, Purses, and Wallets