One Old Sweater, Two Cozy Handmade Gifts

When summer ends, I start thinking about Christmas. I like to give handmade presents and between work, church, family, school, there are lots of gifts to make. The easiest way to do so is baking something. But everyone bakes, I like to plan ahead and instead make something better. Something that I know the receiver will enjoy and that matches their personality.

Today I'm going to show you how to make two different gifts upcycling an old sweater.

An old sweater. Thrift stores have lots to choose from.

Inner cushion or stuffing

Elastic

Bias tape

Measuring tape

Scissors

Needle

Thread

Safety pin

We'll start by turning the sweater inside out. Now cut out the sleeves of the sweater. Make a seam to close the arm opening.
Sew a straight line right below the neck. In the picture above, I put the measuring tape to show you where to sew.

The trim the excess (neck and shoulders)

Before turning it right side out, cut the corners carefully. Do not cut the seam.
Insert the stuffing and hand sew to close the opening.

Sew the part that was close to the armpit to shape it like a rectangle. (It was like a trapezoid). Trim the excess.

Turn it right side out. Sew the bias tape at the top. Trim the edge of the sleeve close to the bias tape.

Turn it again and sew the bottom of the bias tape, we've created a tunnel where the elastic goes

Use the safety pin to insert the elastic. Sew both tips of the elastic and trim the excess.

That's it, now you have a pair of leg warmers and a cushion cover. They're both perfect for winter!