Tutorial ~ Old Cardigan to New Scarf ~

I shared this picture of my favorite cardigan several posts ago...It went through so many wear and wash cycles, the cardigan doesn't hold its shape anymore, and the color has faded.


I thought it looked too worn out to wear, but if I cut it up to small pieces to make something and use the wrong side of the fabric, it is still useful. I just have a hard time parting with my favorite things. I decided to give it new life. :)

I will show you what I did.

{You will need}

100% cotton cardigan or sweater (thin material)
Thread that will match
Fabric to make the strip for the scarf
Three or four different kinds of beads
1 - large sew-on snaps
1 - large covered button kit (mine is 1 1/4")

{How to}

* How to make leaves

1. I made the template for the leaves. First, draw 2" X 3" rectangle and draw a leaf in the rectangle. Then, you will have about the same size leaves I made. Fold the knit right sides together and lay the leaf template, trace the shape and cut out leaves. I made 34 leaves for this scarf, but if you want to make a longer scarf, you will need more.


2. Sew two sides (leave the bottom part, so you can turn inside out), clip the top for a clean finish, and turn. Press with an iron.


* Putting Together the Scarf

1. Cut 4 1/2" X 30" strip. Fold it in half with right sides together. Leaving 2" in the middle, sew both sides with 1/4" seam allowance.


2. Bring the seam in the center, fold one of the ends flat, draw a half circle and sew. Cut off the excess and do the same to the other end.


Turn the strip inside out, press with an Iron.

3. Start sewing the leaves. Start from the ends. Use the picture as a guide. I used zigzag stitches to sew the leaves. Keep in mind where you want to add the buttons and such. Wrap it around your neck and decide where you want to sew on the snaps and the covered button. I have the button 11 “ from one end of the scarf. If that would give you an idea how you want yours to look...


4. Don't forget to start from the other end too. Sew the leaves in a way that they will meet at the center of the flower shaped part.


5. Use the same fabric you used to make the strip to cover the button for the center of the flower shaped part. Sew it on. Then, sew, sew-on snaps to the scarf.


6. Sew beads onto the scarf. The key is to do it randomly.


Now, time to enjoy...




I was so happy with the results; I asked my husband, "How do I look?"

His response: "You look like a forest guardian."

I said, "Hey!"

Well, we joke around like that all the time in our household; he is not being a jerk or anything... just in case you are wondering. I think it would look pretty to make this with different colors too. Unless you happen to have a green cardigan and want to make this, come on; join me in being a forest guardian troop. :)