15 Ways to Re-use an Old Sweater
*Updated in 2025, disclaimer, some links may be affiliate links*
The Joy and Value of Repurposing
There's something truly special about giving new life to old things. In a world of constant consumption, repurposing stands as a creative act of resistance and resourcefulness. When we transform an old sweater into something new, we're not just saving money—we're participating in a practice that honors the value of what we already have.
Repurposing connects us to generations before us who knew the wisdom of "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." It teaches our children that creativity and resourcefulness are muscles worth strengthening, especially during seasons when finances might be tight.
Essential Tools for Your Upcycling Journey
If you're inspired to try some of these projects and want a little extra help, here are a few tools that will make your sweater upcycling journey smoother:
- Sharp Fabric Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors makes cutting through even thick sweater material clean and precise. Keep these separate from your paper scissors to maintain their sharpness.
- Wool Wash: For preparing wool sweaters, a gentle wool wash like Eucalan helps condition fibers during the felting process.
- Quality Sewing Needles: A set of sharp, sturdy needles in various sizes will help you work with different weights of sweater material.
- Tailor's Chalk: Tailor's chalk makes it easy to mark cutting lines on your sweater without leaving permanent marks.
A Reflection on Creative Stewardship
As a family that values creativity and resourcefulness, we've found that these upcycling projects provide more than just practical items for our home. They become opportunities to teach our children about being good stewards of what we've been blessed with.
There's something deeply spiritual about taking what might be discarded and transforming it into something beautiful and useful. It reminds us that in God's economy, nothing is wasted—not even an old sweater that no longer fits.
These projects have become special moments in our homeschool journey too. What better way to teach measurement, design, and problem-solving than through hands-on creation that serves a purpose?
Your Turn to Create
Creating something with your own hands, whether it's as a gift or a project for yourself, is immensely satisfying. Finding new ways to do it for free when you re-purpose a sweater? So much more so!
I've put together 15 of the prettiest recycled sweater crafts I could find to give you a taste of the possibilities out there. Whether you're using an old favorite that no longer fits, or a new one (to you) discovered at the local thrift shop, you're sure to find an idea to get those creative juices flowing.
A been-there-done-that tip if you are using pure wool or cashmere sweaters: You will want to "felt" these first by washing them in the hottest water possible and machine drying them, because otherwise the first time you try to clean your project you will end up with a dollhouse sized version! Cute, but not all that useful.
Recycling Sweaters to Elevate Your Gift Wrapping
{1} Boxwood Clippings uses the sleeve of a sweater to wrap a cute little box. I'd love to unwrap a gift like this! Simply using the old sleeve of a sweater would create such a cozy little gift or decoration!
{2} Annette Browning, from FiberArtsy blog shared her simple, elegant winter wine bottle cover from a sweater sleeve. 5 minutes takes your hostess gift from ordinary to memorable.
{3} Aunt Peaches shows you how to make felt flowers using an old sweater and your washing machine. I love these as a finishing touch for Christmas or birthday gift.
Recycling Sweaters to Wear Again
{4} Beth shows you how to take a button down sweater and turn it into a Cozy Cardigan Cowl and Boot Socks From an Old Sweater. My teen would love making this!
{5} Using old sweaters to make mittens is a classic for a reason. Rebecca Mae Designs has a really clear tutorial on how to make lined mittens from an old sweater that will keep your hands the warmest they've ever been.
{6} has the cutest patchwork poncho tutorial around, and it looks so cool. She made hers with a squares of wool sweaters. My girls love anything patchwork!
{7} Instructables has a terrific tutorial on how to make slippers from an old sweater....for any size of feet (this is especially handy if you have teenage boys or extra-tall husbands!). So straightforward that could make enough for your whole family in a day. And have I mentioned the zero dollar part recently?
Recycling Sweaters For Your Home
{8} Swoodson Says has a great tutorial on how to make a patchwork blanket from old sweaters....If you have a large family, or many extra sweaters to re-purpose, this is a great way to use many to create a stylish and cozy addition to your home!
{9} Thistlewood farms shows you how they recycled sweaters to cover old vases and transform the whole look. I love this one for its use of parts I might toss as scrap otherwise.
{10} A Cultivated Nest has a chic tutorial for creating an up-cycled lampshade cover! It's a wintery way to add a fresh touch to your home decor, without spending extra money on a lampshade cover!
{11} Tidbits & Company had some truly lovely recycled sweater pillows for you to make. The tutorial includes some tips from an experienced seamstress, and the results are so pretty.
{12} The Renegade Seamstress shows how to make an Easy Mug Cozie from old sweaters. Depending on what pattern and fiber of old sweaters you used, this would make a great gift for almost anyone on your list! Cashmere for the mother in law? Scandinavian patterned thick wool for the outdoors enthusiast? You get the idea.
{13} Update your crayon storage containers with this cute how-to on reinventing an old sweater into new storage options from Carolyn at Home Work
{14} Empress of Dirt shows you how to make a pet bed from your old favorites. So stinking cute!
{15} If you're looking for a stylish option to freshen up your accessories, how about this sweater laptop tote tutorial from It's Always Autumn?
In the cold winter months, enjoy the warmth of the indoors while feeling good about re-using some of those old sweaters that are just taking up space in your closet!
Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.
Can I shorten sleeves on a sweater? I’ve had this sweater for years but the sleeves are about 4inches too long
The fourth idea shows how to cut a sweater, use a zigzag stitch to keep it from fraying, and then turn under, pin and sew to finish. I know the pain of long sleeved sweaters!
Yes, there a way to shorten them. You need to know how to connect them back so it does not look noticeable. You need to save the string long enough that you can use the same thread to weave it back into the 2 pieces. I have shortened long coats like that.
[…] If you’re like me, you might have an old sweater or two that you’re never going to wear again. Here are 15 ideas for giving those old sweaters new life! familystyleschool… […]
[…] If you're like me, you might have one or two old sweaters that you'll never wear again. Here are 15 ideas to give life to these old sweaters! Family Style School … […]
I LOVE LOVE LOVE these ideas. These are some really great ideas that almost anyone can do. I am glad to see there are so many creative people in this world. Thanks for the ideas. I cannot wait to make a pair of slippers.