Winter is tightening its grip, meaning you are likely looking for ways to stay warm. If you have old, worn out sweaters you’ve been clinging to, now’s the time to breathe new life into them. Grab your knitting needles or sewing kit and put an old garment to new use with these eight ways to reuse that old sweater. Super simple, some require no sewing at all.
1. Leg Warmers
Repurpose the sleeves into something that will cover your legs instead. Cut off the sleeves, sew or knit a seam along the cut end, and slip them over you legs with what was once the cuff at the top. Warm legs in a snap!
2. Boot Toppers
A variation on the leg warmer, cut a shorter piece of sleeve and slip it over your leg, cuff side up. Now put on your boots and fold the sweater cuff over the tops. This will insulate your legs as well as protect your tights from snags.
3. Headband
A versatile project, cut a strip of fabric in the desired width. You can make a narrower band to hold your hair back, or a wide band to cover your head for added warmth.
4. Mittens
Using your hand to create a pattern, cut from the bottom, preserving the hem (which will become the cuffs of your mittens). Sew the two sides together and, voila, toasty fingertips.
5. Beanie
Using the existing hem, cut two half circles, then sew them together to make a cozy cap. You can vary the size of your cut pieces to make a snug beanie or a loose fitting one. Check out the idea here:
6. Pillowcase
This is a super simple way to upcycle that old sweater and get a new look on your old throw pillows. Simply cut squares or rectangles to size and sew them together. Add buttons or other decorative trim for a custom look.
7. Mug Cozy
An easy, no-sew project, cut a strip from your sweater and attach velcro using fabric or hot glue. The simply wrap around your favorite glass or mug. It’s like a koozie for your coffee cup!
8. Fingerless Gloves
Want to keep your hands warm while still using your touchscreen phone or tablet? Cut the sleeves from the sweater to whatever length our desire, make a hole for your thumb and there you go! Now you can scroll away on your phone while your hands stay warm.
Wrapping up our article on 8 ways you can reuse an old sweater, if you’re interested in other repurposing projects, check out: 8 Ways to Reuse a Sleeping Bag or 5 Ways to Use a Plastic Milk Jug for Survival.
Featured Image from Dan Gold/Unsplash
