Totally Stitchin’ Project: Upcycled Arm Warmers Page 1 of 7

“Upcycled” Sweater Arm Warmers

Maybe you’re like me, and love to thrift shop. Or maybe you have some old sweaters you love and just can’t bear to get rid of them, even though they don’t quite fit the same as they used to. Now you can reuse those old things to make a new pair of cozy, funky arm warmers. You can also use things you already have to embellish them, such as buttons, beads, etc.

Created by: Megan Midworth, Dove’s Nest Designs

Time: about 2 hours Baby Lock Imagine Baby Lock Decorator’s Choice Two sweaters Thread Scissors/rotary cutter Ruler Chalk Pins

Instructions: 1. Find two gently-used sweaters.

Cut the sleeves off of both the sweaters. Then cut the seam running along the length of the arm. Repeat for all arms.

2. Lay all arm pieces flat.

3. Using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut the sleeves into strips width-wise until each sweater arm is sliced. I used a variety of sizes from 1 1/2"-3 1/4".

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4. Combine pieces from two mismatched sweater arm sleeves. You can get a lot of different looks by arranging the colors and textures. When you have them arranged, it will look like patchwork pieces waiting to be sewn. Repeat to make the second arm warmer.

5. Set serger to: Right needle, three thread, stitch selector B, stitch length 2.5, stitch width 6.0, Differential feed -2.

6. Serge the fabric strips together with the right sides facing out, exposing the serged seam. Repeat for both arms.

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7. Cut the sides of the patchwork piece at an angle so it becomes narrower toward the wrist and bigger toward the top of the forearm. The total size of mine is: Top-8 1/4" Bottom- 7" Length 12 ½"

8. Serge down both sides on both the arm warmers.

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9. If you have a raw edge at the hand end or the arm end, serge that seam now.

10. To mark the thumb holes: Use chalk to mark 1 ½" from the hand end, along the seam. Make another mark 2 1/4" from that. There will be 2 1/4" gap in between the marks; this will be the opening for the thumb. Make sure you do not sew this gap shut!

11. Set sewing machine: Zig zag stitch, stitch length:4.0, stitch width 3.5

12. Sew both of the sleeves the length of the arm, making sure to leave the thumb hole open.

13. Turn right side out and embellish if you want using beads, buttons, etc.

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14. Try it on!

: EZ Directions: So maybe you don’t have the time. Or maybe you have something with a really great print and you don’t want to cut it up into strips. Or maybe you’re not ready to do all the patchwork sewing. Don’t worry-you can still make this project by following the EZ instructions.

1. Find two gently-used sweaters. Cut both of the sleeves off of both the

sweaters. Then cut the seam running along the length of the arm. Repeat for all arms.

2. Lay all arm pieces flat.

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3. Serge down both sides on both the arm warmers.

4. If you have a raw edge at the hand end or the arm end, serge that seam now.

5. Fold the arm sleeve in half (width-wise) and pin the long edges together.

6. To marking the thumb holes: Use chalk to mark 1 ½" from the hand end, along the seam. Make another mark 2 1/4" from that. There will be 2 1/4" gap in between the marks; this will be the opening for the thumb. Make sure you do not sew this gap shut!

7. Set sewing machine: Zig zag stitch, stitch length:4.0, stitch

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width 3.5

8. Sew both of the sleeves the length of the arm making sure to leave the thumb hole open.

9. Turn right side out, and embellish if you want using beads, buttons, etc.

10. Try it on!

For other exciting projects like this one, visit our Web site at totallystitchin.net