Since the cold season is here, it also means that it’s time for sweaters, and you might have a few sweaters sitting on your wardrobe that you’re not sure if you’re truly excited to wear. Well, you’re not alone, because like you, I also have a few sweaters that either need resizing or have been a bit outdated. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or purchase new sweaters because you can upcycle your old sweaters and turn them into pretty and cozy ones. All thanks to Catherine Sews on YouTube for these wonderful ideas and techniques.
Materials:
- Sweater
- Scissors
- Fabric pins
- Marking pen or chalk
- Needle and thread
- Crochet hook
- Zippers
- Sewing machine
Directions:
Trick #1
If you have sweaters that have awkward collar flaps that also need resizing, then try this technique. First, cut off the collar of the sweatshirt, then remove the excess length at the hem, and unravel the cutoff hem so you can use the thread for crocheting later. Sew down each side of the sweatshirt from the armpit down to the waist to resize it, then cut off the length of the sleeves, remove the cuff nicely, and sew it on the edges of the sleeves. Cut off some of the collar cutouts, then sew them around the edges of the neckline to turn it from a turtleneck into a crewneck, and start to crochet the edges of the hem. Once done crocheting, add fringes along the edges as shown in the video, then brush it down nicely, and chase it with an iron. Trim off the edges of the fringes to straighten them out.
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Trick #2
Grab a sweater that fits you well, then lay it on top of the sweatshirt that you want to alter, and mark along the areas that you want to resize. Next, cut away the part that needs to be removed, then sew the pieces of the sweater back together, and trim off the area along the waist and sleeves that you want to slim down. Remove the stitches around the neck and remove the collar halfway, then trim down the collar to how low you want it to be, stretch the collar, and sandwich the cut edges between the collar. Sew the collar nicely and you’re done.
Trick #3
If you have a boring sweatshirt and you want to add some modern touch or fun to it, then try this super easy trick. Mark along one shoulder as shown in the video, then pin the zippers along the edges and wear it inside out so you can see and adjust the areas that don’t sit nicely on your shoulder. Once content with how it looks, take off the sweater, then start hand-basting them onto the sweatshirt, and proceed to sew it down the machine.
*All these images are credited to Catherine Sews via YouTube. Give her channel a visit and subscribe for more!
