Refashioning Sweaters and Turtlenecks: The Most Budget-Friendly Way
Sometimes the sleeves on your favorite knitwear get frayed or stretched out, but you don't want to throw it away. This method also works if you need to lengthen the sleeves on children's clothes. This clothing refashion is very budget-friendly and can be done either by hand or with a sewing machine.
How to Refashion Stretched Sweater Sleeves
Find heavy knit tights in a matching or contrasting color. Cut off the bottom portion, leaving 2 pieces 25 cm in length.
Mark lines with chalk on both sides approximately every 5 cm.
Fold under the top edge and stitch it on a machine. You can also finish the future cuff by hand. Next, make pin tucks along the chalk marks and stitch each of them as well.
The finished sleeves look like this. Lightly steam them through cheesecloth.
Cut off the frayed edge of the sleeve if you are updating a garment. If you are lengthening a child's sweater, skip this step. Finish the cut edge of the sweater with a double-fold hem and sew the new cuffs underneath it, 5 cm from the edge. The pleats help keep the sleeves from overstretching. For snug cuffs, choose knit tights containing polyester and do not steam them after making the pin tucks.
Use sharp scissors carefully, keep needles and pins secure, and sew slowly with your hands clear of the machine needle. Follow the garment's care label; test heat or steam on a hidden area first and use a press cloth if suitable.
I would never have guessed that the makeover used children's tights π I am not sure about adult clothes, as the overall look matters, but it is a very good restoration idea for growing children (y)