• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

Thrifting Old Sweaters For New Uses

October 6, 2008 by robyn charles

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.

Related Posts:

  • Upcycling or Hoarding? Why Your DIY Projects Could…
  • How to make recycled clothes pin puppets
«
»

Comments

  1. Hester Jane says

    October 6, 2008 at 7:49 am

    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

  2. Betsy says

    October 23, 2008 at 9:11 am

    I made some legwarmers, dresses, a purse, and a baby toy out of three sweaters-details at this post from October 9. http://betsyannlob.blogspot.com/2008/10/project.html

  3. Christy in OH says

    March 13, 2009 at 8:41 am

    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

What better way to mark a special occasion than with a little bit of recycled luxury? These Veuve Clicquot Champagne bottle earrings are a fabulous way to add a touch of glam to any celebration—and they’re made from upcycled Champagne bottles! I can already picture wearing them to a dinner party or popping them on for a glass of bubbly to really feel like you’re celebrating in style.

The clever use of recycled glass from such an iconic brand brings a fresh, fun twist to your jewelry collection. I absolutely love that these earrings turn something so familiar and extravagant into wearable art, while keeping sustainability at the forefront. It’s such a cool, chic way to repurpose something that’s already had its moment and give it a new one.

Why they’re perfect for you:

  • Made from recycled Champagne bottles, these earrings bring eco-conscious style to your jewelry collection

  • A unique accessory that turns everyday luxury into wearable art

  • Ideal for special occasions, wine lovers, or anyone who enjoys adding a bit of sparkle to their outfit

Whether you’re attending a wedding, a special dinner, or just want to add a little pop to your day, these earrings are sure to make a statement. A stylish way to bring sustainability into your wardrobe—cheers to that!

Explore

books Christmas CraftGossip Giveaways Craft Inspirations Easter glass halloween Home Decor kid crafts mason jar More Crafts Patterns & Tutorials recycled art Recycled Clothing Recycled Jewelry Recycled Sewing Recycled Tutorials Recycling Ideas Recycling Organizing tin can

RSS More Articles

  • Bookmark Cross Stitch Patterns
  • FREE Summer Vacation Die Cut Files to Download
  • Knit a Linen Stitch Hot Pad
  • Agnes Sweater Vest PDF Crochet
  • Coldplay Caught on Camera?! This Free Coloring Page Will Leave You in Stitches!
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo for Kids
  • Primrose and Bee Punch Needle Pattern from DMC
  • Striped Ripple Afghan- Free Crochet Pattern
  • Knitting Pattern Review: Sabai Top by PaulaStrickt
  • Book Review – Capture Your Own Life with Collage Quilting

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy