Reduce, Reuse, Recycle A Thrift Store Sweater

You Will Need

- PROJECT BUDGET
- Cheap

Recycle a thrift store sweater into a snappy new bag!

Take that cute wool sweater you accidentally washed & dried or a snazzy thrift store find and turn it into a cute recycled tote!

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Collect Supplies
Cut a square or rectangle out of the body of the sweater, cut the same dimensions from lining fabric,
remove sweater arms.

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Split sleeves up seam and cut off the tops for pockets.
Cut rectangles out of the sleeve tops, cut same dimensions +1.5" in length for lining.

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Using the remaining scraps, cut out 2 circles and trim circles into free form flowers.
Cut 2" squares out of the bottom left and right, repeat for lining fabric.
Create a long tube from lining fabric for inside pockets, pin pockets to inside, mark center with chalk
for stitching line
Pin sides and bottom, stitch, leave 2" corners open, leave opening in the bottom for turning.
Fold 2” cut out matching side and bottom seams.
The bottom should look like this.
Add magnetic snaps following package directions. Leave enough seam allowance at the top for
stitching recommend 1" or more, using a folded piece of scrap fabric to reinforce the snap. Stitch
around snap to reinforce extra fabric.
Pin sweater pocket to lining, right sides together (lining should be 1.5" longer), stitch ends.
Line up bottom of pocket, pin, then stitch sides. Leave an opening for turning.
Trim corners, turn pocket & pin openings.
Stitch side seams of bag, leaving bottom open.
Pin pockets over side seams (right side), then stitch to attach.
Stitch across bottom.
Fold 2" cut out, matching side & bottom seams, pin & stitch.
The inside bottom should look like this.
Trim sleeves to desired width - 5" or 6" recommended.
Pin ends of two sleeves together, stitch & trim seam.
Fold lengthwise, stitch, leaving approx. 6" open for turning.
Turn right side out & smooth opening. Stitch closed with a tight whip stitch.
Pin strap to side seams, matching right sides, stitch.
Making sure the straps are inside, pin lining to outside, right sides together, stitch.
Turn bag right side out, through opening in the lining. Pin opening in lining and stitch.
Turn lining inside, smooth and pin, top stitch ¼".
Stitch flower to center of each side over snap, stitch button on top. Done!

Versions (2)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle A Thrift Store Sweater

By ofenjen

By ale_corason

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Midnight Flower

29 Jan 18:09

This is so cool! I love the flower.
Well Done!

Cat Morley

29 Jan 19:02

That looks great, what a good idea.

nicgee

29 Jan 19:20

Love it! I recently made a similar shaped bag with a pair of worn out jeans lined with a child's stretchy cotton T shirt, must get round to posting up pics :).

Joni

29 Jan 21:15

awesome I liuv it, xx

ofenjen

29 Jan 21:19

Wow, thanks for all the compliments! *blush*

athenamat

30 Jan 01:31

Great tut.

Dolly

02 Feb 02:10

Very cute! I saw one like it at a store for 35 dollars and it wasn't even as cool. It was just the sleeves and the bottem sewn shut. Your's is much better!