Upcycled Sweaters

Creative Ideas for Upcycled Sweaters

Old sweaters are goldmines for upcycling — cozy, textured, and super versatile. Whether it’s wool, cotton, or acrylic, there’s so much you can do. Here are some creative and useful upcycled sweaters for giving an old sweater a second life.

Sweater Mittens or Gloves

Turn the sleeves into cozy mittens. Use another pair as a pattern, cut, sew inside out, and flip. Add fleece lining for extra warmth.

Pet Bed or Sweater Pillow

Stuff the body of the sweater with old clothes, fabric scraps, or pillow stuffing. Stitch up the arms and neck, and boom — instant pillow or mini pet bed.

Sweater Bag or Tote

Use the body of the sweater as a bag base. Add a liner and strap (you can use the sleeves for the handles), and you’ve got a soft and stylish tote.

Jar Cozies or Mug Warmers

Cut sweater cuffs or sleeves into rings to slip over mugs, mason jars, or vases. Instant hygge vibes!

Slouchy Beanie or Headband

Use the sleeve or upper torso area to make a simple beanie — just shape, stitch, and flip. Add a pom-pom for flair. Or cut and hem a strip for a soft headband.

Cozy Leg Warmers

Cut the sleeves off, hem the raw ends, and you’ve got DIY leg warmers (especially from cable knit sweaters).

Book Covers or Journal Wraps

Glue or sew sweater fabric to the outside of a notebook or journal. Feels great in your hands and makes a charming gift.

Sweater Pumpkins or Decor

Stuff small sweater segments with fiberfill, tie with twine or yarn, and you’ve got cute rustic pumpkins or decor pieces.

Soft Toys or Stuffed Animals

Especially fun if you’ve got kids or want to gift something sentimental. Make a little bear, bunny, or heart-shaped pillow.

Bonus Tips:

• Felt it: If it’s wool, throw it in a hot wash and dryer first to felt it — then it won’t unravel and gets super dense and easy to cut.
• Mix textures: Combine different sweaters for patchwork projects (scarves, blankets, etc.)
• Keep embellishments: Buttons, zippers, and tags can be reused or add charm to the finished piece.

Here are some favorite Upcycled Sweater tutorials for our list.

DIY Sweater Bag Tutorial

Making a bag out of an old sweater is super satisfying — it’s cute, cozy, and totally customizable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make a basic sweater tote or handbag (no fancy sewing skills needed):

DIY Sweater Bag Tutorial

What You’ll Need:

• Old sweater (preferably medium or heavy knit)
• Scissors
• Needle & thread or sewing machine
• Pins or clips
• Lining fabric (optional, for structure)
• Handles or straps (can use sweater sleeves, old belts, ribbon, rope)
• Optional: buttons, snaps, zipper, embellishments

Step-by-Step:

Choose the Sweater

Pick one you love the texture or color of. Chunky knits give great body, but thinner knits are easier to sew.

Cut the Body

• Turn the sweater inside out.
• Cut straight across just under the armpits. You’ll use the bottom part as your bag base — it’s already a loop!

You can save the top half (with the sleeves) for handles or another project.

Sew the Bottom Closed

• Keep it inside out.
• Pin the bottom edge together and sew a straight seam across the cut edge.
  • Use a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine for stretchy knits.
  • Or stitch it by hand with small, tight backstitches.

Optional: Sew boxed corners (just pinch the bottom corners, sew across them, and trim to give the bag depth).

Add a Lining (Optional but Pro)

• Cut a piece of fabric the same size as your bag body.
• Sew the sides and bottom.
• Tuck it into your sweater bag with the right sides facing out.
• Pin and sew the top edge to attach it.

This gives it structure and keeps it from sagging too much, especially with heavy knits.

Add Handles or Straps

• Use the sweater sleeves: Cut them into two strips, fold lengthwise, sew shut, and turn inside out.
• OR use belts, ribbons, or rope for a different look.

Pin the handles inside the top edge of your bag, then sew all the way around the top to secure them.

Finishing Touches

• Add a snap, zipper, or button for closure.
• Decorate with patches, embroidery, or appliqué from the leftover sweater fabric.

Done!

You’ve just upcycled a sweater into a cozy, functional bag — perfect for books, groceries, or just flexing your DIY skills.

DIY Sweater Journal Wrap

Ooh, a sweater journal wrap is such a cozy and creative way to give your notebook or sketchbook some personality — plus it makes a great gift! Here’s a simple guide to turn an old sweater into a reusable cover or wrap:

DIY Sweater Journal Wrap

🧵 What You’ll Need:

• An old sweater (cable knit looks great!)
• A journal or notebook
• Scissors
• Pins or clips
• Needle & thread or fabric glue (for no-sew version)
• Optional: Button, elastic, ribbon, felt for embellishments

Step-by-Step Instructions

Choose the Right Sweater Piece

• Use the sleeve or the body of the sweater.
• If your notebook is small (like a Moleskine), the sleeve might already be the perfect size!
• For bigger books, use the bottom portion of the sweater.

Measure and Cut

• Lay the sweater flat.
• Place the journal open on top (spread flat, cover facing up).
• Add 1 inch on each side for seam allowance and flaps.
• Cut a rectangle based on this size.

Optional: Cut two small side flaps (about 3–4 inches wide) to hold the journal cover like a book jacket.

 

Sew or Glue

• Fold over the raw edges and hem them (to prevent fraying).
  • You can sew by hand or machine.
  • Or use fabric glue for a no-sew option.
• Fold the side flaps inward and stitch or glue them down (they’ll hold the notebook cover in place).

Add a Closure (Optional)

• Elastic band: Sew one end to the back cover side, stretch over the front, and sew the other end to the back. Great for keeping it shut.
• Ribbon tie: Stitch a ribbon to each side and tie it closed.
• Button & loop: Sew a button on the front and create a yarn loop to hook over it.

Embellish!

• Add patches, felt flowers, embroidery, or even sweater buttons.
• You could even stitch in a small pocket on the front for pens or notes.

Pro Tips:

• Felt the sweater (wash in hot water and dry) if it’s wool — this stops unraveling and adds durability.
• If the fabric is too stretchy, line it with cotton or felt for structure.
• Reuse the sweater’s ribbed edge for the wrap’s spine or flap — looks super polished.