10 creative ways to reuse old jumpers instead of tossing them
Give them a new life with one of these cosy DIY projects
Instead of tossing old jumpers, get creative and turn them into cosy accessories and stylish home decor. Whether it’s a well-loved jumper with pilled sleeves or one that shrunk in the wash and no longer fits, there are fun ways to give it new purpose rather than throwing it out. Below, you’ll find 10 smart ways to reuse old jumpers – and the good news is, you don’t have to be a sewing pro or a seasoned crafter to give these DIY projects a go.
Old jumpers are a lovely way to infuse a textural element into your space – think an up-cycled jumper decorative pillow or a fun cover for your favourite coffee mug. If you want to try your hand at creating some accessories, a pair of mittens or a jumper headband are just a few beginner-friendly sewing projects.
So, before you bin or donate that pile of old knits, go ahead and reuse them for one of these simple and budget-friendly DIY ideas.
Design decorative cushion covers
Make your own version of the popular jumper decorative cushion by repurposing an old cable knit. They’re easy to make and you can either use the jumper material on both sides, or pair it with a different fabric on the back. Jumper pillows are both classic and cosy – and no one will ever know they used to be part of your winter wardrobe!
DIY a gift bag
Reuse an old jumper as a festive little gift bag for sweet treats and small presents. Jumper sleeves are particularly well suited for this – cut the sleeve to the desired length, sewing the bottom and using the hemmed sleeve as the top. Add a colourful bow and voilà – an elegant handmade gift bag.
Make a mug cosy
A mug cosy is the ultimate way to make a cup of hot chocolate extra warm and comforting! Create a custom mug cosy by cutting a strip of jumper fabric to fit around your favourite mug. Then, use a button closure to add a decorative detail and make the cosy easy to remove for washing.
Fashion a headband
If there’s an old jumper you always loved wearing, keep a small piece of it by fashioning it into a stylish headband. It’s a great sewing project for beginners, and one which can be done by hand or using a sewing machine. Tip: use a jumper with a little bit of stretch and cut the bottom hem or a sleeve to make your headband.
Sew Christmas stockings
If you love a good festive craft, grab an old jumper and turn it into a jolly Christmas stocking. You’ll either want to use a thicker jumper for this project or line the interior of the stocking with sturdy fabric so it maintains its shape. Personalise the jumper stocking with pompoms, buttons, ribbon or a monogram – the possibilities are endless!
Get crafty
Get your craft supplies out and give old jumper new life as charming handmade decorations. Pick a jumper with interesting woven details, fun colours or a visually appealing pattern. Cut and frame sweater pieces using wooden embroidery hoops of different sizes. Stick with a simple look or add extra detailing with ribbon, beads and buttons.
Get practical with a storage vessel
Instead of tossing a thick cable knit jumper, give it new purpose and up-cycle it into a functional storage vessel. Pair it with another soft but sturdy fabric such as fleece or sherpa to line the basket’s interior. It makes for a pretty and practical storage container for small toys or craft supplies like yarn.
Transform it into a hot water bottle cover
Make a custom cover for a hot water bottle out of a soft and snuggly jumper you no longer wear. Materials such as wool or cashmere are ideal for this project. Adorn the water bottle neck with ribbon or decorative pompoms, and keep the opening clear so you can easily fill and empty the hot water bottle.
Fall for autumnal sweater pumpkins
The perfect nod to sweater weather, these textured pumpkins are a fun and easy autumnal DIY project. Pick an old jumper that complements your seasonal decor colour palette, then use it to cover a faux pumpkin. Wrap the stem in natural twine, and you have a lovely autumn accent you can bring out year after year.
Try a pair of mittens
A simple sewing project turns an old jumper into a cosy pair of mittens! Trace around your hands to make your own sewing pattern on a sheet of paper, then use it as a cutting template on the jumper. Sewing hack: use the bottom hem or sleeve cuffs for the mitten wrist cuffs.
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