Turn Any Sweatshirt into a Cardigan

Turn any sweatshirt into a cardigan! It's actually an easy sewing project and fun to do. I find they are also quite comfortable to wear. Certain times of the year, like late winter and early Spring, you'll find sweatshirts on clearance racks. So stock up in all sizes and make it a family affair.

For advanced ideas and instruction, there are several books available on how to go from simple to simply fabulous.

First, start with a sweatshirt (any size you are comfortable in, any color you like)that has been washed to eliminate possible shrinkage.

• Find the center of the front by folding the sweatshirt in half and matching the shoulder and the underarm seams. It is helpful to press with an iron so you can see the center line.

• Temporarily mark the center line with fabric marker or hand baste it.

  OPTION: Stabilize the sweatshirt along the center line you just marked. Some people will sew a long piece of ribbon using a wide zig zag stitch or you can fuse a narrow strip of medium weight interfacing. I prefer to use interfacing. The idea is to keep the edges from stretching during cutting and sewing.

• Cut along your marked center line so the front of the sweatshirt is now two pieces.

• Turn each edge under to the inside approximately 3/8ths of an inch and stitch close to cut edge.

• Turn each edge again to the inside approximately 3/8ths of an inch to form a facing. Stitch close to inside edge.

  THAT'S IT for a super simple project!!

  Now decorate it! Use fabric paints, hot fix crystals, machine embroidery, ribbons, felting...whatever!

Remove the bottom hem binding and make a new straight hem using your favorite hemming method - by hand or machine. Note that the sweatshirt may be several inches shorter once the original hem binding is removed.

Remove the cuff binding on each sleeve. Note that the sleeves will be much longer than they previously were so be sure to measure where you want them to end (allowing for at least a one inch hem) before you cut any excess fabric.

Add ribbon to both sides of the fronts in lengths long enough to "tie" your cardigan closed. Don't like tie closures? Make your facings wider and add buttonholes and cute buttons!

Want pockets? Cut a couple of squares of contrasting or fun printed fabric and sew them on.

There are just oodles and oodles of things you can do. Give your sweatshirt that's now a cardigan a fashion look or one that is just fun and crafty.

After all, YOU are the designer!