After years of wear, a sweater is usually retired to an attic box or the back of a drawer. But you can give an old sweater new life by using the material to fashion a charming pair of mittens.
Tools and Materials
Paper
Pencil
Scissors
Sweater
Pins
Sewing machine
Sweater Mittens How-To 1. Make a pattern: Trace one hand on a piece of paper with the thumb at a 30-degree angle from the fingers. Draw a mitten shape around the outline of the hand, adding 1/2 inch (allow more than 1/2 inch if the sweater you are using is especially bulky).
2. Cut out the pattern and pin it onto the sweater, piercing both layers. Cut out the pattern to create two mitten shapes.
3. With right sides facing, pin the mitten cutouts together, then with a sewing machine, sew them together, leaving a 1/4-seam allowance. Begin sewing at the cuff along the outside edge of the mitten, making sure not to stretch the fabric. For smooth curves, pick up the foot, and rotate the mitten as you sew.
4. To prevent fraying, sew around the mitten again, leaving a 1/8-inch seam allowance. Turn the mitten right-side out, and press. Repeat these steps for the second mitten.
Resources The Virtuosa sewing machine used in this segment can be found at Bernina.
Yes, I made these and my daughter loved them. Thank you, Martha for sharing!!
I made these mittens for my family for Christmas because I have no money. I took the sleeves of the sweaters and made them into matching sweater socks! I tied the mittens and socks together with leather chord strung with a few bells and voila! free Christmas gifts for my family. I've made 3 sets so far.
I tried making these but they didn't come out as good as Martha's. I broke down and ordered some online at http://www.enjoymittens.com. I really love them! Good luck to you who are as crafty as Martha!
I made a pair of mittens from a thirft sweater that I wanted to try felting. I am hooked! I can see some great handmade gifts coming up soon!
I made these from a striped wool thrift store sweater and they turned out adorable! They were a gift for my mom and she loves them.
I made these from a striped wool thrift store sweater and they turned out adorable! They were a gift for my mom and she loves them.
I made these and they are SO adorable. I used an old angora sweater that was accitently washed, so it shrunk and had no purpose, except to make wonderful mittens! It was so easy to work with and I sewed mine by hand! Very easy and very cute!
if u see a sweater u want at a thrift store and its to small or big well why not get it and make some mittens , i also made a matching scarf the kids love them i donated 10 sets to a food pantry adn now they give me sweaters they no longer want i pick through them and make some and donate the rest . gerri
Last Christmas I made some with a twist. My 5 year old granddaughter's hand became the pattern. I felted the sweaters in hot water first. Afterwards, I embellished the red mittens with white sheep's wool needle-felted cuffs
Oh, how wonderful! I'll do that to my old sweaters at the end of this winter instead of giving them to the Salvation Army! Well, uh, ok, I'll do that to one of my sweaters this year and give the rest. guilt free!