How to recycle and reuse knitted sweaters

Every year my mother in-law makes my husband a knitted sweater, they are beautiful and she spends a great deal of time on them. But over time they get snagged, or stretched, so instead of throwing them away I reuse them to make my own knitted and crochet projects.

Usually knitted sweaters are knitted in sections, so it is always best to try and remove the stitching holding the pieces together. Usually this is easy to see. Cut and begin unravelling, continue until all pieces are separated. Use scissors as need, be careful if you cut into the pattern your yarn pieces will be smaller when unravelled. This can be time consuming so try not to get frustrated and just cut it apart…believe me it will be more waste than not.

Now that your sweater has been taken apart and are now in 3 or 4 pieces you have a few options. You can choose to unravel it all and use the yarn to make your own creations or you can use some of the pieces as is. For example, the sleeves make great hats and neck warmers. The torso and back can be made into bags, neck warmers and shawls. I like making hats from the sleeves and tearing apart the rest, then I make matching slippers, scarves and mittens.

To make an easy bag from the torso or back pieces, you will need to unravel the piece about a third down, starting from the top.  Once unravelled sew, knit or crochet to keep pieces from unravelling further. Fold piece in half and yarn sides together, then yarn bottom together. Knit or crochet handles to desired size. Add a liner and a zipper if your sewing machine friendly, they make great grocery or gift bags…

            Other projects may include knitted or crochets quilt pieces, kids, infants or pet sweaters, slippers, hats, mitts, scarves, socks hand and neck warmers, wash clothes and pot holders…and so much more. Save your knits and make them new once more, have fun and help reduce wasteJ