How-to Guide for Converting a Pullover into a Cardigan Sweater Jacket
Transforming a Pullover Sweater into a Stylish Cardigan
In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to turn a plain pullover sweater into a chic cardigan with a button closure and fabric strips.
First, lay your pullover sweater flat and carefully cut it straight down the middle of the front, opening it up into two halves. This creates the cardigan front edges.
Next, sew strips of fabric (such as ribbing, knit fabric, or matching sweater material) along the new open front edges. These strips will serve as the button band and closure reinforcement.
After adding the fabric strips, it's time to create buttonholes. Use a sewing machine or hand stitch to make buttonholes evenly spaced along one strip.
Sew buttons opposite the buttonholes on the other strip for closure.
To finish off the edges, hem or overlock the inside edges to prevent fraying or curling, giving the cardigan a neat finish.
Here are some additional tips:
- Choose fabric strips that complement or match the sweater material for a professional look.
- Cutting and sewing should be done carefully to avoid distorting the sweater shape.
- If your sweater is thick or knit-heavy, consider adding interfacing to fabric strips for extra stability.
- Experiment with button size and placement to get the desired style and fit.
By following these steps, you'll have a simple and effective way to upcycle a pullover into a cardigan with a button closure and fabric trims. For visual guidance, there are quick video tutorials available online.
Happy sewing!
Materials Required:
- Tape measure
- Contrasting fabric
- Sharp scissors
- A button
- Thick hair elastic
Steps:
- Cut a line straight up the center front of the sweater with sharp scissors.
- Flip the fabric strips over and press 1/4 inch down on the other edge of each fabric strip.
- Sew each unpressed side of the fabric strips to the raw edges of the center sweater cut.
- Fold and press each end of the fabric strips.
- Fold the hair elastic in half and pin it under the fabric strip with the ends facing in.
- Pin the unpressed sides of each fabric strip to the raw edge of the center cut made on the sweater.
- Fold over each fabric strip so that wrong sides of the strip and sweater are facing together and raw edges are hidden.
- Each fabric strip is to be folded and pressed by folding or ironing down 1/4 inch on the long side.
- Topstitch around all four edges of the fabric strip and add the button so that you can button your cardigan closed.
Incorporate contrasting fabric strips, such as ribbing or knit fabric, to match the sweater material and enhance the overall look of your transformed cardigan. To achieve a polished appearance, ensure careful cutting and sewing to preserve the sweater's shape and consider adding interfacing to the fabric strips for extra support.
