How to Upcycle an Old Sweater Into a Cute Hat

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Upcycle an Old Sweater into a Cute Hat

How to Upcycle an Old Sweater Into a Cute Hat

Make a winter hat from that old sweater you never wear.

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Step 1 of 21

Sweaters are really easy to upcyle into hats, and even mittens! No hoodies! The sweaters you use can't have hoods, zippers, or pockets. Turtle necks work great! You can use fabric or knit sweaters.

Step 2 of 21
Here's the sweater I'm using. I bought it from a thrift store. Bigger is better here, because you can make more hats from one sweater! Start by turning your sweater inside out.

Here's the sweater I'm using. I bought it from a thrift store. Bigger is better here, because you can make more hats from one sweater! Start by turning your sweater inside out.

Step 3 of 21
You want to draw an outline for your hat in marker. I'm making a slouchie hat or beanie.  The neck makes the perfect rim for your hat, but You can also use the bottom edge.

You want to draw an outline for your hat in marker. I'm making a slouchie hat or beanie. The neck makes the perfect rim for your hat, but You can also use the bottom edge.

Step 4 of 21
When you're happy with your outline, Pin the two sides of the sweater together. My pins are about half an inch from my outline.

When you're happy with your outline, Pin the two sides of the sweater together. My pins are about half an inch from my outline.

Step 5 of 21
When you're all pinned, cut it out a half inch from the line you drew.

When you're all pinned, cut it out a half inch from the line you drew.

Step 6 of 21
Pick out a thread that matches your sweater. It's ok if it's not exact, because you won't see it much anyway.

Pick out a thread that matches your sweater. It's ok if it's not exact, because you won't see it much anyway.

Step 7 of 21
Now sew all the way around the hat on the line you drew. You can also hand sew, but it takes a while.

Now sew all the way around the hat on the line you drew. You can also hand sew, but it takes a while.

Step 8 of 21
If you used the neck for your hat, you will need to sew over it so your hat isn't wonky.

If you used the neck for your hat, you will need to sew over it so your hat isn't wonky.

Step 9 of 21
Like this.

Like this.

Step 10 of 21
This is the side I sewed properly....

This is the side I sewed properly....

Step 11 of 21
And this one I didn't. You can see how it bumps out and doesn't look as nice.

And this one I didn't. You can see how it bumps out and doesn't look as nice.

Step 12 of 21
When your happy with the shape and size of your hat, cut all around the outside edge so there is minimal excess fabric arond the seam.

When your happy with the shape and size of your hat, cut all around the outside edge so there is minimal excess fabric arond the seam.

Step 13 of 21
I like to leave the tag on when I'm done but it's your choice.

I like to leave the tag on when I'm done but it's your choice.

Step 14 of 21
This is how it looks on. I'm thinking of adding a pompom on the end.

This is how it looks on. I'm thinking of adding a pompom on the end.

Step 15 of 21
I made another hat but with a different kind of fabric. You can see it here. This hat was made from a turtleneck and I really like the folded look here.

I made another hat but with a different kind of fabric. You can see it here. This hat was made from a turtleneck and I really like the folded look here.

Step 16 of 21

To make a pompom, cut about 100 4 - 6" strings of yarn and tie it tightly in a bundle in the middle. Trim the strings to your liking. Sorry about no pictures, I will put some up for this soon.

Step 17 of 21
How to sew on your pompom: see through the top of the hat a few times, then stick the needle and thread through the pompom. Pull the pompom tight to the hat, the keep doing this 5 or 6 times.

How to sew on your pompom: see through the top of the hat a few times, then stick the needle and thread through the pompom. Pull the pompom tight to the hat, the keep doing this 5 or 6 times.

Step 18 of 21
Tie off your thread when you're done and tie it tight!

Tie off your thread when you're done and tie it tight!

Step 19 of 21
And there ya go!

And there ya go!

Step 20 of 21
The finished hat. I used strips of sweater for this pompom.

The finished hat. I used strips of sweater for this pompom.

Step 21 of 21
How it looks on!

How it looks on!

Start Over

15 Comments
Supplies

Old sweaters

Scissors

Thread

Yarn

Markers

Heather W

That's what I do with the sleeves too!

(author) last month

Symantha Raley

to make fingerless gloves. Now I know what to do with the middle.

Symantha Raley last month

Symantha Raley

Great! I use the sleeves

Symantha Raley last month

onebluemoon  66

my niece loves hats I'm so going to go find great sweaters and give this a whirl , I think hunting down a great sweater at the thrift shop will be almost as fun as the end result !!! thanks for the idea !!

onebluemoon 66 4 months ago

Beth Winkelspecht

Great way to recycle ... Great job

Beth Winkelspecht 5 months ago

Heather W

Awesome Katelyn! I've made four. I really like hats:P

(author) 6 months ago

Katelyn Sherman

I just made one and it turned out great!!!

Katelyn Sherman 6 months ago

Missa 💗

Cute!!! U look like my friend Nicole she wears hats like tht

Missa 💗 6 months ago

Heather W

Haha! You can always hand sew it too.

(author) 6 months ago

Tutorial Doctor

I am going to buy a sewing machine!

Tutorial Doctor 6 months ago

shima marzouq

nice

shima marzouq 6 months ago

Au Natural

Wow, this guide actually makes me want to sew! And wear beanies!

Au Natural 6 months ago

Felicia Gustin

This is awesome! Great guide!

Felicia Gustin 6 months ago

Heather W

Thanks!:)

(author) 6 months ago

Ellie Kneeland

Great idea! Way to recycle 😍

Ellie Kneeland 6 months ago

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