Old and used sweatshirts are comfortable, but they rarely fit well. You can repurpose them in more elegant clothes with a pair of fabric scissors and a sewing machine. Cut a sweatshirt to make it smaller, define it in a crew neck sweater or transform it into a particular tank top.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Method One: Cut a sweatshirt to size
Step 1. Find a sweatshirt that is too big for you
This method can be used with men's and women's sweatshirts to bring them back to size.
Step 2. Pull up the zipper, if it has one
Turn the sweatshirt over.
Step 3. Put on the sweatshirt
Use a mirror to see how it fits or ask a friend to help you with this part of the process.
Step 4. Squeeze under the arms
Insert a straight pin where you would like the new armpit point to be. Don't squeeze too much or you may not be able to lift your arms.
Do both armpits, before moving on to the rest of the torso and arms. Measure the length of the fabric you took. Make it uniform, so that the sweatshirt is symmetrical
Step 5. Continue to tighten along the right side of the body
Pin where to tighten every 2 inches (5cm) until you reach the bottom band Then, switch to the left side.
- Measure how much material you have tapped and plan to remove. If there is a big difference between the left and right sides, you'll want to redo it and measure evenly as you pin.
- Keep the pins pointing down so you don't get hurt.
Step 6. Return to the right armpit and squeeze the area under the arm until it fits
Pin the arm every 2 inches (5 cm) until it reaches the wrist.
Repeat on the opposite side
Step 7. Decide if you want to cut length from the body and arms
If you want, cut the band around the waist and sleeves, just above the hem.
Step 8. Stretch your arms up and to the side
Decide how much length you want to cut from the body and arms, taking into account that you will be reattaching the bands. Mark the place to cut with a pin.
Step 9. Remove the sweatshirt
Keep it upside down. Lay it out on a work table.
Step 10. Start cutting
You will need to make the following cuts:
- Use a ruler to mark and cut a straight line along the bottom of the sweatshirt.
- Use a ruler to mark and cut a straight line along the end of each sleeve.
- Cut 1/4 inch off the pins. Cut from the bottom of the sweatshirt, around the armpit.
- Twist the fabric scissors around the armpit and always cut outside pins along the arms.
Step 11. Thread your sewing machine with a thread that matches the sweatshirt material
Step 12. Sew a tight stitch on the outside of the pins starting at the bottom, going around the armpit and down to the wrist
Make sure you sew through both layers of fabric. Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 13. Re-attach your bands
Keep the bands turned on the right side, on top of the sweatshirt facing the wrong side. You will turn each band around after you finish.
Step 14. Wrap the waist band around the bottom of the sweatshirt
Make sure the cut edges of both are touching. Pin around about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) from the edge, giving you room to sew and turn the band.
The band will be too big now, so start on one side of the seam and cut the incoming material when you get to the other
Step 15. Sew the outside of the band and the inside of the sweatshirt together
Make sure you sew through only two layers of fabric. Sew the band together with a vertical short stitch.
Step 16. Repeat this process with the wrist bands
You will need to pin the old band to the bottom of the new sleeve. Trim any excess material before sewing.
Keep where you hem the band below the sleeve
Step 17. Trim any excess material out of the seams
Turn the sweatshirt on its side. Wear it.
Method 2 of 3: Method Two: Cut a Sweatshirt into a Crewneck
Step 1. Find an old sweatshirt
For this project, you'll need one without a zipper.
Step 2. Spread the sweatshirt on your work table
Roll it out well.
Step 3. Cut off the hood of the sweatshirt, just above the hem
Start in the center and cut in a circle until the cap is completely removed.
- If you want to hem the edge of the choker, leave 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of fabric above the hem as you cut.
- If you want the sweater to have a coarse, lived-in look, cut as close to the hem as possible.
- If you want a crew neck that hangs from one shoulder, cut below the hood. Expand the cut about an inch (2.5cm) around the perimeter. You can cut even more if you want it to hang over the shoulder line.
Step 4. Make a hem if you want a neat look
Turn the sweatshirt inward. Fold the fabric down around the neck.
Pin in place. Continue to pin until it goes all the way around the neck
Step 5. Thread your sewing machine with a thread that matches the sweatshirt material
Step 6. Sew a 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) hem around the perimeter of the neck
Remove the pins as you sew.
Make sure you keep the front and back of the sweatshirt separate so you don't sew the sides of the sweater together
Step 7. Turn the sweater over
Wear it. If it is too loose, you can tighten it with method one to make it fit.
Method 3 of 3: Method Three: Cut a Sweatshirt into a Vest
Step 1. Find a used or new sweatshirt
For this method, you will want to use a sweatshirt that is the right size and has a zipper. This way you will create a women's sleeveless sweatshirt.
Step 2. Lay the sweatshirt on your work table with the front facing up
Step 3. Measure an arc starting 2 inches inside the sleeve hem from the top of the shoulder and extending 2 inches below the armpit
Use a fabric marker and ruler to make several guides.
Step 4. Repeat on the opposite side
Step 5. Cut through both layers of fabric
You will sever both sleeves. You can throw them away now, or keep them for future projects.
If you want a simple sleeveless sweatshirt, you can stop at this point
Step 6. Turn the sweatshirt over
Lay it out on your table.
Step 7. Mark the bottom of the cut you just made on each side using a fabric marker
Make a straight cut across the back, from mark to mark.
- This will create an open back look, hanging low behind the waist.
- Make sure you only cut the back side of the fabric.
Step 8. Make a cut under the hood
It will extend from the sleeve cut you just made, side to side. Throw away the piece of cloth that comes off.
Step 9. Try on the sleeveless / vest
Unbutton it, put your arms in the back and button it back. You can wear it showing your back or on top of another layer of clothing.
