Before sending a bag of old sweaters to the thrift store, try repurposing them in creative new ways.
Felted Wool Blanket
What’s cozier than a blanket made entirely of sweaters? Yellow Suitcase Studio sewed squares of felted sweaters together, adding decorative stitching along the edges, to create this patchwork piece. The blanket is ideal for cozy movie nights, but it also makes a thoughtful gift.
Pouf Ottoman
A pouf is ideal for kicking up your feet and relaxing. When you combine a thrift store sweater with an insert made from fabric and polyester fiberfill, a versatile DIY ottoman can be yours for little cost and not much time at all.
Decorative Pillows
Sweater-covered pillows make couches even cozier. To create your own pillowcase, cut your sweater to the proper size using a pillow for reference. Turn the pieces inside out and stitch them together, leaving just enough room to slip the pillow inside before sewing the case closed. Then, add buttons or other embellishments to dress up your cozy new cushion.
iPhone or iPad Case
Protect your tech gadgets from chilly temperatures by dressing them in cases made from felted sweaters. Sewing a simple pocket for your iPhone, iPad, or e-reader is quick and easy. Plus, the results are adorable!
Felted Coasters
This winter set your warm beverages down on a soft coaster of felted wool. Any wool sweater can be felted by washing it in hot water and running it through the hottest setting on your dryer. Cut the sweater to size, then make yourself a cup of hot cocoa to test out your new coaster.
Pom-Pom Hat
If you have an old sweater, a sewing machine, and an hour to spare, you can make yourself a new pom-pom hat with scissors, yarn, and cardboard. After yours is done, score yourself some thrift store sweaters and create a hat for everyone in the family.
Wrist Warmer
A wool or cashmere sweater that’s taken an accidental trip through the laundry machine may seem like a hopeless case, but the shrunken and frayed fabric can still be salvaged. By cutting off the sweater’s sleeves and adding a little crocheted edging, you can make adorable DIY wrist warmers. The cozy creations are perfect for cold mornings and stormy evenings.
Coffee Cozy
To keep your fingers burn-free while you sip on piping hot beverages this winter, make a DIY cozy. Cut a sweater sleeve to a length of about five inches, add some liquid seam sealant for a neat edge, and sew on some buttons. Your coffee cup never looked so cute!
Knit Lampshade
Add a bit of coziness to any corner by updating an old lampshade with a “new” knit cover. Simply slip a sweater over the shade, cut it to size, and hot-glue it in place.
