From cotton to wool, cable knit to colorful, sweaters offer lots of crafty opportunities long after they aren’t wardrobe-worthy. Whether they shrunk in the wash or a snag got out of hand, there are a plethora of ways to upcycle sweaters. So, if you’re in the market for some creative ideas for the knits you no longer favor, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.
Pillow Covers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Outgrown or stretched out sweaters- colorful or neutral- are easy to upcycle into pillows for your home. And if you’ve ever shopped for new throw pillows, then you know how pricey they are and why upcycling your own is a huge savings.
Faux Succulents
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Accidently shrunk a wool sweater in the dryer? Now that it’s technically “felted wool”, you can craft with it and turn it into little succulent plants like these. Aren’t they charming?
Tote Bag
Image credit: Sum of Their Stories.
Admittedly, I’m a little obsessed with this project. From the colorful embroidery to the refashion as a tote bag, this idea might be my new favorite way to upcycle sweaters. And YES, I will definitely be shopping for the right sweater to do this to.
Upcycle Sweaters into Jewelry
Image credit: A Bit of Sunshine.
As someone who has covered thrifted bangles before, I was particularly drawn this this idea. Because creating nubby, colorful bangles from old sweaters is a GREAT way to capitalize on their colors and textures.
Valentine’s Day Garland
Image credit: Little Vintage Cottage.
There are lots of things you can make a Valentine’s Day garland from. But this version uses old or thrifted sweaters for an extra cozy touch. After all, sweaters are good for staying warm and cuddling…which is also something Valentine’s Day is known for as well- wink, wink!
Reusable Gift Bags
Image credit: My So-Called Crafty Life.
Reusable wrapping paper and gift bags are ALWAYS in fashion if you ask me. And using a sleeve of an old sweater to do that is ABSOLUTELY genius. I can’t wait to try this one myself…
Refashioning Plain Sweaters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Now, there’s no reason a perfectly good sweater can’t remain part of your wardrobe. But there’s also no reason you can’t embellish a plain one either. For instance, I added retro school patches to this thrifted cardigan for a little throwback Fall fun. But you could also swap out plain buttons for some vintage rhinestones, as well.
Upcycle Sweaters as Garland
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Here’s a fantastic way to upcycle your wool sweaters AND make Christmas more eco-friendly. This felted wool tinsel or garland is so lovely and will look fantastic on your tree, won’t it?
Cozy Winter Candles
Image credit: Homeroad.
Sweater texture really is ideal when you’re decorating for winter- and this upcycled craft idea is wonderful for achieving that “hygge” feel, too. Wrap a mason jar or other glass candle holder with the knitted sleeve (or other section) for a cozy candle that wards off winter’s chill.
Re-covered Lampshade
Image credit: Beth Bryan Designs.
Speaking of enjoying the cozy texture of sweaters, here’s a fantastic way to jazz up a lamp. Doesn’t this shade look gorgeous now that it’s been cleverly re-covered? I love how much dimension the sweater adds to it, and the light will diffuse beautifully through the knitted stitching.
Sweater Stocking
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
There really are endless ways to upcycle a wool sweater, and this one is perfect for the holidays. I just love how this sweater stocking turned out, and now I want to make one of my own!
Covering Flower Pots
Image credit: Kim Pepper Blog.
Now here’s a way to upcycle sweaters that I never would have thought of. Not only does it cover a plain (or ugly!) flower pot, but there’s a secret step to giving it that “stony” look, too!
Decorative Mittens
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Decorating with mittens is fun at Christmastime, but finding pretty mittens to use isn’t always that easy. Thankfully, your old sweater is the perfect thing to upcycle into a pair which you can then hang on a sled or incorporate into a festive wreath.
Fall Pumpkins
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
There are all sorts of craft ideas out there for fabric pumpkins. And of course, sweaters are always a cozy option– especially if you find some in warm, autumn colors like these.
Showstopping Throw Rug
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Nope, that’s not a blown up view of amoeba under a microscope. It’s a throw rug made from old sweaters– so if they shrink or snag, they can definitely be repurposed into artwork for your floor. Isn’t that an AMAZING way to upcycle sweaters? Consider my mind blown.
Upcycle Sweaters as Christmas Ornaments
Image credit: Swoodson Says.
I love making felt ornaments for the Christmas tree, but using sweaters instead really takes it up a notch. I love how this one was further embellished with beads, sequins, and mini tinsel, too.
Embroidery Hoop Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The thing about a cable knit sweater is that the cables could kind of-sort of look like the ridges of a pumpkin. So if you’re able to thrift an orange cable knit sweater, then using it for some Halloween embroidery like this makes an awful lot of sense.
Winter Snowmen
Image credit: DIY Beautify.
Here’s a cute and nostalgic way to upcycle white sweaters- especially if they’ve gotten stained or discolored. Soft and cozy snowmen like these are such a fun winter craft to do on a cold and snowy day.
How to Upcycle Sweaters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Whether they come from a dresser drawer or the thrift store, there are tons of ways to upcycle sweaters into brand new things. Home decor, gifts, trendy accessories, you name it- there are all sorts of ways to repurpose them. I hope these projects have given you some fresh new ideas for sweater crafts- I can’t wait to hear what you end up making. And YES, there are definitely going to be some new sweater upcycles in my future, as well.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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