Tools and materials:
- Seam ripper
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Swoveralls
Check Out My Upcycled Line of Swoveralls
4 Materials
$5
30 Minutes
Easy
Could there be a more glorious combination than overalls and sweatpants? Perhaps only if the pieces were made using sustainable resources and ethical manufacturing processes which is exactly how swoveralls are made. I was given an amazing opportunity to take some damaged pairs of swoveralls and upcycle them in order to save them from the landfill. I am so excited to share this little project with you!
Cut the top
Remove the problem area
One of the problems I saw with the damaged swoveralls was that some of the top buttons were broken. To repair this part of the swoverall, I cut off the damaged area.
Fold the fabric inward
Sew a new neckline
Next, I had to make sure the neckline would still look neat and clean so I folded the corners inwards and folded along the new neckline as I went.
Sew the neckline
I went over to my sewing machine to sew the new neckline which, once I was finished with it, looked just like it had before.
Sew buttonhole
Sew buttonholes
For the refashioned top bit of this swoverall, I sewed a buttonhole on either side of the new neckline where the buttons had originally been.
Custom overalls
Remove clasps
To create the style I wanted for the top of this swoverall I had to remove the clasps from the arm straps. Using my seam ripper, I got to work on opening up each strap and taking off the clasps,
Resew the straps
Next, I laced the straps through the buttonholes to create a sort of tied strap look and then sewed the strap adjuster back in place.
Sew around the snap
Enclose the sides
To repair the sides of the swoverall I decided on an easy fix! I simply sewed around the snaps to permanently enclose the sides. This is just one really simple and easy way to upcycle a damaged pair of swoveralls.
Cut out lemons
Add your own design
I was lucky enough to have a couple more pairs to repair and refashion and I thought I’d share some of my work. I had a gorgeous baby blue pair to work with and I decided to add a little design element by sewing on lemons and leaves. I started by cutting out lemons from this amazing, bright yellow fabric.
Cut out leaves
I then moved on to cutting out the deep green leaves.
Embellished overalls
I worked on placement for a while to make sure I was happy with the lemon swoveralls.
Sew on the lemons
I moved over to my sewing machine to sew the gorgeous lemons and leaves onto the pair of swoveralls.
Seam rip the straps
Create your own style
I was also given a really gorgeous pink colored swoverall to work on. I wanted to create a really cute, feminine look for this pair. I repeated the steps I had done on the black swoveralls to create tie straps. First, I seam ripped the strap adjuster open to remove the clasps. Once I had removed the clasps, I resewed the straps.
Cut the buttonholes
I then cut off the top part of the swoverall, removing the buttons in the process. I resewed the neckline just as I had done before making sure it looked professional.
Tie the straps
I then pulled the strap through my newly sewed buttonholes and tied them to create the gorgeous tie strap effect I wanted.
Add flowers
To take this pair to the next level, I decided to sew some white flowers around the pockets on the swoverall.
Add a tie-dye swerve
Be creative with your upcycles
I had been repairing and upcycling quite a few pairs and I wanted to show you the different styles and ideas I have been working on. For this pair, I went for a striped tie-dye style which I just love!
Make a half and half pair
I also created a half and half pair of swoveralls. This look is bold and understated at the same time!
Add hanging straps
For a little bit more of an edgy, modern look I added these hanging straps to the pair and also sewed inverted zips on the bottom of each leg.
Embroidered overalls
Here is the floral, feminine pair I had been working on. The flowers are such a small detail but they add so much to this pair,
Overalls with appliques
Lastly, I wanted to show you this print pair that I refashioned. This pair is really just a whole lot of fun! I would love for you to share some more swoverall upcycle ideas with me in the comments!
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I've been wanting to buy some overalls, but wished that there was something a bit more feminine. This gives me great ideas. Does it count if I have new overalls but use repurposed decorations? haha.
Great idea
Aimee
I have never heard of swoveralls! This intrigues very much as I used to wear overalls a lot back in the day!! Can you explain further the concept of swoveralls? I’ve never seen a pair in any store that I’m aware of, but I’m definitely interested in making a pair or two!! Are they overalls with a shirt sewed to the inside of the overalls? That’s what I’m understanding they are!!! Thanks for the help!!!