How to Alter a Sweater to a Cardigan

Transform your winter sweaters into a springtime cardigan.

Get more use out of your favorite winter wear by transforming your warm sweaters into functional cardigans. Individuals with little to no sewing experience can complete this simple project. Re-purposing those old sweaters saves money and lets you get the most out of your favorite winter gear.

Things You'll Need

• Sweater
• Shirt With Three Quarter Length Sleeves
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Sewing Pins
• Sewing Machine
• Thread In Corresponding Color
• Iron
• Fabric Clasp
• Embellishments

Instructions

Instructions

1. Lay the sweater on your work surface so that the sweater lies completely flat and is in the shape of a "'T'."

2. Trim the sleeves of your sweater. Lay the second shirt with three quarter length sleeves on top of the sweater to serve as a cutting guideline; this shirt should be approximately the same size as the sweater. Use the measuring tape and pencil to draw a straight line across the sleeve of the sweater approximately 1/4 of an inch below the sleeve of the shirt you are using as a template. Cut along the line you have drawn, and remove the excess fabric.

3. Trim the bottom of the sweater to the appropriate length. If you are happy with the length of the sweater, you can skip this step. If you would like to shorten the sweater, trim the sweater accordingly, leaving an extra 1/4-inch at the bottom so that a seam can be created.

4. Create the front panels of your cardigan. With the sweater laying out flat on the table, use the measuring tape to find the center of the sweater. Draw a line down the middle of the sweater and cut along this line, creating the panels of your cardigan.

5. Finish the raw edges of your cardigan. Fold the raw edges of the sweater over to create a smooth edge, pinning each of the folds in place as you work your way around the sweater. The fold should be a half of an inch in width on each edge to create a uniform look.

6. Sew each of the seams. Use the sewing machine loaded with matching thread to place a top stitch in each of the edges of the cardigan. Remove the pins after each side has been sewn.

7. Use the iron, on the appropriate setting for the fabric, to press each of the seams into place.

8. Add your fabric clasp to the sweater. Attach the clasp to the inside edge of the front panels at the collar. Follow the specific instructions for the fabric clasps that you have purchases for best results.

9. Add embellishments such as iron-on designs, jewels, or sequins as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Play with the neckline or length of the sweater to create different shaped cardigans.

• If you are unsure what size you want the finished product to be, simply use a cardigan you already own as a template.

References

• Cut Out + Keep: How To Convert A Sweater Into A Cardigan