We all have a favorite sweater that went through the wash and is now short-sleeved and midriff-bearing. However much you love that sweater, don’t try to start a new fashion trend! The felted wool of your shrunken sweater is the perfect material for a sturdy, warm, unique pair of mittens. All you need is a little bit of sewing know-how.
- Make a pattern: Trace your hand on a piece of paper with fingers together and thumb separated. Cut out the pattern, leaving ½-inch margin for seams all the way around, and one or more inches on the bottom for a cuff.
- Pin the pattern to the front of your sweater, lining up the bottom edge with the sweater’s waistband for a pre-finished cuff. Cut through both sides of the sweater to create the front and back of your first mitten.
- Pin the two mitten halves together with the outside facing in.
- Sew all the way around the mitten ½-inch in from the edge. Use the measurements on your sewing machine, or eyeball it if you’re hand sewing. Make sure to leave the bottom open!
- Turn right-side-out and don your first sweater-mitten! These mittens can be worn on either hand, so repeat the steps to create the second mitten.
This is my favorite DIY from the book. What a great addition to the SunriseGuide! Would you accept suggestions for more DIY projects?
Thanks Sheila. Glad you like it. Those are my mittens in the photo! We’d love more DIY projects. Please send us your ideas!