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, 630-978-2500.