Fall Set Made from Unwanted Clothing

If you have unwanted sweaters and shirts sitting in your wardrobe, turn them into a fall set. A hat, scarf, and mittens can be useful in cold weather.

For this project, use one warm wool sweater and a flannel shirt or another soft fabric shirt. Before cutting, make sure the garments are clean and the fabric is not damaged. Separate the sleeves, front, and back, then trim away the seams.

Scarf

Cut 2 rectangles measuring 20 by 55 cm from the shirt and 2 from the sweater knit. Sew them together in pairs with a straight machine stitch.

Place the 2 pieces right sides together, pin them, and stitch around the edge, leaving an opening for turning.

Turn the scarf right side out and sew a finishing seam 5 mm from the edges. This makes a double-sided accessory for cool weather.

Hat

From the front or back of the sweater, using the ribbed lower edge, cut a rectangle 50 cm wide and 40 cm high. Fold it in half and finish the edge with a serger or a zigzag stitch.

Along the top edge of the hat, sew a line of basting stitches by hand with doubled thread, then pull it tight to gather.

Turn the hat right side out and trim the cuff with a piece of shirt fabric to tie the set together.

Mittens

Trace your hand for the pattern and add a 1.5 cm seam allowance on all sides. Cut 6 pieces from the template: 4 from the sweater knit and 2 from the shirt fabric.

Sew the shirt and sweater pieces together in pairs. Place the lower pieces right sides together, turn them right side out, and stitch around the edge. Fold the double layer with the knit mitten piece and finish the seams with a serger or zigzag stitch.

Turn the mittens right side out. You can fold up the lower edge or leave it longer.

This set can be made for an adult or a child. For a child's garment, secure all trim, avoid long loose cords, check that it fits comfortably, and avoid overdressing or overheating. Use scissors, needles, and a sewing machine according to their instructions; a child needs adult supervision.