Upcycled Sweater Coat DIY Tutorial

How to make a coat from recycled jumpers. I have made my own version of the patchwork jumper coat. It feels like wearing a large cosy blanket. Every time I put on this coat I wonder, “Does this make me look like a crazy old vagrant lady?” And then I whisper, “Who said that?”

This coat is a great way to recycle any jumpers you own with holes or which you have accidentally shrunk in the wash. You will need around 6 woollen jumpers, which you can find for a few dollars at any charity store.  If you’re clumsy like me, buy the jumpers the same colour as the wine you drink.

This pattern is a size medium to large.

You will also need:

    overlocker (serger)
    sewing machine
    tape measure
    pins
    scissors
    thread
    4 large buttons
    iron

1. Before cutting your jumpers you will need to turn them into felt. The easiest way to do this is in the washing machine. Wash your jumpers with detergent on the hottest setting. Next, lay them out on a towel to dry. The fabric is now safe to cut without the knit unravelling.

2. Remove the sleeves and neckband from your jumper.

3. Cut into strips 15cm (6″) wide

4. Cut the strips into random lengths.

5. Pin and overlock (serge) the pieces into squares which measure 15cm x 15cm (6″x 6″). Iron seams flat. Trim if necessary.

6. To make the right front half of your coat, lay out ten finished squares 5 x 2.

7. Pin and overlock (serge) the squares into lengths. Pin then overlock the lengths together. Don’t worry if the joins are a bit wonky; any imperfections carry the imprint of their marvellous creator.

8. Repeat to make the left front half of your coat 5 x 2 squares.
9. In the same fashion, make the back of your coat 5 x 4 squares.

10. Make two sleeves, each 3 x 3 squares. Overlock along one sleeve edge.

11. Fold the sleeve in half to form a tube, then pin and overlock (serge) together.

12. Make the hood 5 x 2 squares.

13. Fold the hood in half, then pin and overlock together along the adjacent edge.

14. Join back and front pieces together to make shoulder seams 15cm (6″) long.

15. Join hood to neck opening.

16. Pin and stitch sides together, leaving enough room to join the sleeve.

17. Pin and stitch sleeves to sides.

18. Overlock (serge) raw edges of your coat.

19. Make buttonholes. Decide whether you want to wear the seams on the outside or the inside of your coat. Sew on buttons accordingly.

Then MARRY the guy who doesn’t mind you wearing your blanket coat everywhere.