Monday, May 9, 2011

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. :)

36 comments :

  1. I love your scarf. Great idea to give your sweater a new life. I am too a green lover and I recently became Kermit the frog thanks to my green cardi. http://www.bombardone.com/sewingprincess/2011/03/welcoming-spring-the-billy-cardi/ We have fun in my house, too

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  2. I love your scarf. Great idea to give your sweater a new life. I am too a green lover and I recently became Kermit the frog thanks to my green cardi. http://www.bombardone.com/sewingprincess/2011/03/welcoming-spring-the-billy-cardi/ We have fun in my house, too

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  3. I love your scarf. Great idea to give your sweater a new life. I am too a green lover and I recently became Kermit the frog thanks to my green cardi. http://www.bombardone.com/sewingprincess/2011/03/welcoming-spring-the-billy-cardi/ We have fun in my house, too

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  4. Theres nothing wrong in looking like the forest guardian lol....
    It looks great you are so talented.
    Karen x

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  5. THE TUTORIAL IS AMAZING! THE SCARF LOOKS GORGEOUS!

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  6. I don't really wear scarves much (living in a super hot country), but this made me want one. So pretty! I think the green color goes well with the leaves design. If I do make this (already going through the fabrics in my stash in my head), I also want it in green.

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  7. This looks great! I have a couple of old tshirts that are pretty worn out and was wondering what to do with them. This seems like a great idea...Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Really lovely scarf and excellent tutorial. Your husband's comment re guardian of the forest is so sweet!

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  9. Wonderful scarf. I would like to be a forest guardian troop, too :) I admire your creativity and ingenuity.

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  10. Wonderful scraf! I would like to be a forest guardian troop, too with a scarf like this! I admire your creativity and ingenuity!

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  11. this is absolutely adorable!!! What a fun twist for a scarf :)

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  12. Gorgeous!!! I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-leafy-garland-scarf-from-an-old-cardigan/2011/05/10/

    --Anne

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  13. Wow! That is beautiful! What a great way to save an old sweater :-)

    Rachel @ Maybe Matilda

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  14. This is gorgeous; I love it! Thanks for sharing another great idea.

    http://www.licklepickle.blogspot.com

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  15. lovely scarf :-D i have to try this out.

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  16. Forest Guardian... lol. Something my fiance would say...

    Love the scarf!

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  17. That is really cute! I'm not a scarf wearer, but that is gorgeous!

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  18. what a great idea..you are so smart Sachiko.keep rocking with amazing ideas..

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  19. That is adorable! What a great idea...now I just have to find a worn-out sweater. Goodwill, here I come!

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  20. I am repeatedly amazed at your creativity! This is a truly lovely example of repurposing! Love it!

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  21. This is the prettiest scarf I've ever seen!

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  22. This is beautiful and it looks great even on you!

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  23. That is really, really pretty and so perfect for spring! Thanks so much, I'll be linking.

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  24. Oh my, that is beautiful! I am inspired by your creativity. I love the addition of the little beads, too.

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  25. Wow, I absolutely love this!

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  26. You look beautiful, forest guardian. Great tutorial.

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  27. You look beautiful, forest guardian. Great tutorial.

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  28. PRECIOSA, me encantó y una idea magnifica para aprovechar un viejo jersey

    feliz año y gracias por compartir tus ideas

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  29. Oh love love love it! I have so much scrap fabric I'm sitting on - this is definitely on my list to try!

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  30. Hi! I love this scarf! I'm hosting a scarf challenge throughout Nov. 2012 and I'm using this scarf as an inspirational reference for all the participants. I used one photo and linkeed to both this post and your homepage.
    Let me know if you'd like more info.
    Best,
    Rikka J.
    Ricochet and Away!

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