We all have those beloved cardigans hanging in the back of our closets, the ones that have seen better days or no longer fit our style. But instead of just tossing them away or letting them collect dust, have you ever thought about upcycling them? Giving a tired, old cardigan a new lease on life can be a rewarding, creative project.

Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it’s also a fantastic way to personalize your wardrobe without spending a fortune.

In this blog post, I’m going to guide you through the process of upcycling a cardigan. Whether you want to add some fun embellishments, change the fit, or even completely transform it into something entirely different, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, ideas, and a few mistakes to avoid along the way.

Ready to turn your old cardigan into a unique, new piece? Let’s dive in!

Why Upcycle a Cardigan?

Before we jump into the actual process of upcycling, let me ask you: Have you ever had a piece of clothing you loved but never quite wore anymore because it didn’t fit the way you wanted or had become worn out? I know I have.

My favorite cardigan from a few years ago still holds sentimental value, but it no longer fits my style or body the same way.

Upcycling isn’t just about giving an old item a fresh twist. It’s about creativity, sustainability, and saving money. When you upcycle a cardigan, you’re essentially breathing new life into it. This process can help you:

• Reduce waste: By reusing and recycling, you’re doing your part to minimize environmental impact.
• Save money: Instead of buying something new, you can creatively repurpose an old item.
• Express your personality: Customize your cardigan to match your unique style, and wear something no one else has.

Simple Additions and Embellishments

Upcycling doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. In fact, some of the best transformations come from simple additions and embellishments. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1.1 Add Embroidery

Embroidery can completely change the look of a cardigan. If you love intricate details, this is a perfect place to start. You can stitch flowers, animals, or even abstract patterns into the fabric. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need an embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, a needle, and scissors.
2. Choose a design: Find a design that suits your style—something simple like flowers or a cute animal.
3. Trace the design: Lightly trace your design onto the cardigan using a fabric pen.
4. Start stitching: Use basic stitches like satin or backstitch to fill in your design.
5. Finishing touches: Once the embroidery is complete, trim any loose threads and give your cardigan a final press.

1.2 Add Patches or Appliqués

Patches and appliqués are another easy way to breathe new life into an old cardigan. They’re especially popular for casual cardigans, adding a fun, personalized touch.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Pick your patches: Choose fabric patches, leather patches, or even fun iron-on appliqués.
2. Arrange the patches: Lay out the patches where you want them to go. Use fabric glue or pins to keep them in place.
3. Sew them on: For added durability, sew around the edges of the patches.
4. Iron-on option: If using iron-on patches, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, placing the patch on the cardigan and using a hot iron to secure it.

1.3 Lace Trim or Ribbons

For a more delicate touch, lace trim or ribbons can elevate your cardigan in an elegant way. This works especially well with soft, flowing cardigans.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Pick your trim or ribbon: Choose lace, satin ribbons, or even leather strips for a more edgy look.
2. Measure the length: Measure the edges of the cardigan to ensure the trim fits.
3. Sew or glue the trim: Using a needle and thread, sew the lace along the edges of the sleeves, hem, or neckline. Alternatively, you can use fabric glue for a no-sew option.
4. Press the fabric: Once the trim is in place, press the cardigan gently to ensure everything lies flat.

Resizing or Altering Fit

If your cardigan doesn’t fit as well as it used to or you want to give it a more modern silhouette, resizing and altering are great ways to upcycle it. Here’s how to make simple changes that will make your cardigan more wearable.

2.1 Take It In or Let It Out

If your cardigan is too loose or too tight, resizing it can make all the difference. You can either take it in for a more fitted look or let it out for added comfort.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Try it on: Put the cardigan on and assess where you want to make the adjustments.
2. Mark the areas to alter: Use fabric chalk or a pin to mark areas that need to be taken in or let out.
3. Sew it up: Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the marked lines to adjust the fit. Make sure to remove any excess fabric to avoid a bulky appearance.
4. Press and check: After sewing, press the seams to ensure they lie flat and check the fit.

2.2 Turn It into a Crop Cardigan

A trendy way to upcycle an old cardigan is to turn it into a crop version. If your cardigan is too long or you’re just looking for a fresh look, this is a great option.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Decide the length: Try the cardigan on and mark where you want the new hemline to be.
2. Cut the cardigan: Using fabric scissors, cut the cardigan at the desired length. Make sure to leave an extra inch for hemming.
3. Hem the edges: Fold the raw edges under and sew a straight stitch to hem the bottom of the cardigan.
4. Finish the look: You can also add embellishments like a button or zipper along the new hem for a chic finish.

Reworking It into Something New

If you’re feeling really creative, you can transform your cardigan into something entirely different. Maybe you’d like to turn it into a cozy throw blanket, a vest, or even a pillow cover. Here are some ideas:

3.1 Turn Your Cardigan Into a Vest

Cardigans can easily be reworked into stylish vests with a little bit of effort.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cut the sleeves: Start by cutting off the sleeves from the cardigan, leaving the body intact.
2. Remove the buttons: If your cardigan has buttons, carefully remove them and store them for later use.
3. Cut down the sides: Cut along the side seams, if necessary, to make the vest fit your desired shape.
4. Finish the edges: Hem or finish the cut edges to prevent fraying. You can even add decorative trim along the edges to give it a polished look.

3.2 Make a Throw Blanket

If you’re not ready to wear your old cardigan, why not repurpose it into a cozy throw blanket? This is perfect for any cardigan that’s made of soft knit material.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cut the cardigan into pieces: Cut your cardigan into large squares or rectangles.
2. Sew the pieces together: Arrange the pieces together to create a blanket-like shape. Use a sewing machine or hand sew the edges together.
3. Add a backing: If you want extra warmth, sew a soft fleece or wool backing onto your cardigan pieces.

Important Things for Upcycle Cardigan

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While upcycling can be a fun project, there are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Let’s go over a few to ensure your project turns out just right!

1. Not Measuring Properly: Always measure before cutting, especially if you’re resizing or cropping. It’s easy to make mistakes and end up with an uneven or unflattering result.
2. Overloading with Too Many Embellishments: It’s tempting to go overboard with patches, embroidery, and embellishments, but sometimes less is more. Keep it simple and focus on quality.
3. Forgetting Fabric Care: Be sure to wash and iron the cardigan before starting the project. This will make your alterations easier and give you a cleaner result.
4. Rushing the Process: Take your time, especially when sewing or adding intricate details. Rushed projects often lead to mistakes, which can be hard to fix later.

Conclusion

Upcycling a cardigan is not only a fun and creative way to breathe new life into an old piece of clothing, but it also allows you to express your personal style.

From adding embroidery to turning it into a vest, the possibilities are endless! Just remember to measure carefully, go easy on embellishments, and take your time with each step.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab that old cardigan in your closet and start upcycling! If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Leave a comment below or share your progress with me on social media. Happy crafting!

FAQs

Q1: How do I know if my cardigan is suitable for upcycling?
Look for cardigans made of materials that can be easily altered or embellished. Thick woolen cardigans may be harder to work with than cotton or acrylic.

Q2: Can I upcycle a cardigan without sewing?
Yes! You can add iron-on patches, use fabric glue, or even tie-dye or paint your cardigan for a fresh look.

Q3: How do I care for an upcycled cardigan?
Always follow the care instructions for the fabric and any embellishments you’ve added. Hand washing or gentle cycles with cold water are typically the best options.