What should you do with old sweaters? If you’re wondering what to do with old cashmere sweaters, or regular sweaters, you’re in the right place!
You bought those sweaters for ski slopes you no longer visit, holiday and ugly-sweater parties at offices where you no longer work, or for fashions and sizes you no longer wear. Now, they take up space in your closets and drawers. The wool sweaters itch; others have issues — they pill, they pull, they snag, they shrink. Some are beautiful — and some are not.
But what do we do with the sweaters we no longer want? It seems a shame that such a cozy piece of clothing should be tossed into the giveaway bin. And admit it, you still kind of like that reindeer sweater.
Before you throw them in a storage bin, think about ways to repurpose those old wool sweaters – maybe into awesome gifts for the next winter holiday. We’ve rounded up the best craft ideas to repurpose old sweaters. Here are 14 usable things you can create out of your unwanted sweaters.
What to do with old sweaters
If you’re wondering what to do with old wool sweaters, the ideas below can be a good starting point. Since old sweaters are made of all different types of materials, pick what you think would be the best texture for the ideas below.
1. Toddler leggings
Have you got brightly colored or crazily patterned sweaters you no longer wear? We bet you know a kid who would love them. This easy tutorial shows you how to turn old sweaters into toddler leggings so cute you’ll want to cut up your new sweaters to make more.
2. Coffee sleeves
We usually grab a cardboard sleeve for our take-away coffee cups to keep our fingers safe from the hot cup. Then we throw them away when we have finished the beverage. Cut down on the waste and show a little flash by turning sweaters you’re not wearing into one-of-a-kind coffee sleeves.
These sweet little cozies are made from old wool sweaters that have been felted, or simply washed in hot water with plenty of detergent. These make great gifts, perhaps paired with some nice coffee or a mug.
3. Three little mittens
Instead of buying or knitting new mittens, why not take the DIY approach using your unwanted winter tops. You can make a pair and a spare from one old sweater. Felt the sweater or keep it in its original form. If that old favorite sweater kept your heart warm all these years, it can do the same for your hands.
4. Fingerless gloves
These cute fingerless gloves are made from the arms of a sweater and are useful for phone and camera use on a wintry day. (We even use them at work when it’s extra chilly but we need to type.) Go for a more manly look for your favorite guy friend. They make great gifts for officemates or workplace gift exchanges.
5. Old sweater tote bag
This tote bag made from a sweater is cute enough to serve as a purse. You could take it one step further and add appliques, or simply attach some thrift store costume jewelry to the sides as embellishment. Since the arms aren’t being used in this pattern, you could make some boot leggings to match the tote.
6. Hot water bottle cover
Feeling a little under the weather? You’ll feel better snuggling with a hot water bottle fuzzied up in a hot water bottle cover repurposed from a favorite old sweater. In fact, you don’t have to be sick to enjoy it: tuck it under your covers before bedtime, and you can turn the thermostat down a few degrees and still keep warm all night long.
7. Scarves
Forget paying a high price for those trendy infinity scarves. If you’ve got an old sweater, DIY it into a sweater, and you’ll be runway-ready in a jiffy. These scarves also make wonderful holiday presents you can craft on a dime.
For a different look, you can also repurpose old sweaters into hoodie scarfs, which marry a hood and a neck wrap into one fashionable item. It’s Little Red Riding Hood meets Paris Fashion Week. This is a great way to use a lighter weight sweater, as the hood requires a doubling of the material. Look for cashmere sweaters or other soft wools.
8. Old sweater beanie hat
Don’t forget to cover your head. Turn a not-so-adorable sweater into a way cool beanie. A special lining makes it itch-free, so it’s a great use for that old wool sweater that always kept you scratching.
9. Sweater skirt
Take the ugliest sweater you can find and make it into a rock star skirt. You’ll be the hit of the office party.
10. Sweater pants
This video made the rounds on Facebook, and the sweaters turned into pants became an item on campuses in the northeastern United States. They are called “swants.” The pattern is tricky but very doable. Make sure you choose the largest sweaters available — check your husband’s closet. Don’t tell him I told you.
11. Throw pillow
An easy way to use up a sweater you aren’t crazy about is to pad it and pillow it. It might look better on your couch than it did on you, and now you have a unique decor item for your living room.
12. Cardigan
Do you have a pullover sweater that is just too snug? Turn it into a sweet cardigan and wear it over a shirt.
13. Yarn
If you don’t want to make anything yet, but still have the urge to put that old sweater to good use, then deconstruct it and save the yarn. Sweaters can be difficult to unravel for yarn, but this great tutorial can help you get the yarn ball rolling.
Is it hard to recycle old sweaters into new clothes?
Recycling old sweaters into new clothes can be a fun and creative process, but it does require some basic sewing skills and a bit of patience. Here are a few things to consider:
- Skill Level: If you’re comfortable with sewing, knitting, or crocheting, you’ll find it easier to transform old sweaters into new garments. Beginners might need to start with simpler projects.
- Tools and Materials: You’ll need basic sewing tools like scissors, needles, thread, and possibly a sewing machine. Additional materials like buttons, zippers, or fabric for lining might also be necessary.
- Design and Planning: Having a clear idea of what you want to create is crucial. Sketching your design or finding inspiration online can help guide the process.
- Time and Patience: Depending on the complexity of the project, it might take a few hours to several days to complete.
- Sustainability: Upcycling old sweaters is a great way to practice sustainability and reduce waste.
Overall, while it might be challenging at first, with practice, it can become a rewarding hobby for finding ways to use repurposed sweaters. Anyone can upcycle old sweaters – so give it a try!
What are the most common old sweater crafts?
There are several popular crafts and projects you can create from old sweaters. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Sweater Mittens: Transforming old sweaters into cozy mittens is a popular project. The thick material of sweaters makes for warm and comfortable mittens.
- Sweater Pillows: You can use the fabric from old sweaters to make decorative pillow covers. This adds a cozy, textured look to your home decor.
- Sweater Blankets: By sewing together squares or strips from multiple sweaters, you can create a patchwork blanket that’s both warm and unique.
- Sweater Scarves: Old sweaters can be cut and sewn into stylish scarves. This is a simple project that doesn’t require much sewing skill.
- Sweater Hats: The stretchy material of sweaters is perfect for making beanies or other types of hats.
- Sweater Bags: You can repurpose sweaters into tote bags or purses, adding lining and handles for functionality.
- Pet Beds: Old sweaters can be stuffed and sewn into comfortable beds for pets.
These projects give new life to old clothing and allow for creative expression and sustainable crafting.
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I have also read that some groups will take old sweaters and create doggie sweaters for shelter dogs, to keep them snug in their cold (often times stark) kennels.