Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Thrifting Old Sweaters For New Uses

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Between the holidays coming up, crafting for charity and loved ones all year, and the economy here in America consistently on a downturn lately (or does it just feel like it?), I’ve been looking for unique ways to up-cycle found and thrifted items for either my use or holiday gift use. All this week I’ll be featuring some great projects, starting with two ideas for thrift store sweaters!

 

(image from Knit Quest’s website)

The first is this “Recycled Sweater” idea from Knit Quest. She links to a tutorial for taking a several sizes too big sweater from the thrift store, felting it down a bit, and turning it into a zip-front masterpiece!

 

(image from Craft Stylish website)

The second comes from Leethal’s first Craft Stylish post on holiday gift ideas – recycling sweater yarn! She takes you step by step through picking the “best” sweaters at the thrift store to taking apart the seams to washing your yarn once you’ve unraveled your sweater!

 

(image from Craft Stylish Website)

It’s not only the perfect way for a knitter or crocheter to save money on yarn this season, it’s a great way to keep up with your goal of reducing, reusing and recycling.

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Comments

  1. I love these ideas about recycling sweaters. Another idea is to use old sweaters to make new beach ball pillows. I have pictures and instructions at my site (FunInTheMaking.net).
    Make something today!
    Jane

  3. I love recycling sweaters to make little loveable things…I’ve also tried the idea you mentioned. I took a nice,too big wool sweater, and made it into a little lined sweater coat for my daughter this year. There are so many lovely natural fibers out there just waiting to be repurposed!

Have you read?

Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

Art can speak volumes, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth—literally. This recycled artwork, framed and ready to hang, is a perfect example of how beauty can emerge from the unexpected. It’s made from upcycled materials, bringing new life to discarded objects in the most artistic way possible.

This piece has that effortlessly cool, modern feel that I just adore. It reminds me of the kind of art I used to make as a kid—finding bits and bobs around the house and combining them into something that just worked. Only now, this work is polished, framed, and ready to elevate your home decor. It’s sustainable art with a story to tell.

What’s really great about this kind of art is that it adds character, depth, and meaning to a space. It’s not just a pretty picture; it’s a reminder that beauty can come from reuse and recycling, and it’s a nod to those of us who want to surround ourselves with eco-friendly treasures.

Why we love it:

  • Made from recycled materials

  • Each piece is completely unique and crafted with care

  • A conversation starter for your sustainable home decor or eco-conscious gallery wall

If you’ve been looking to add a touch of meaningful, eco-friendly style to your walls, this recycled artwork is definitely the way to go.