How to: Turning an Oversized Sweater Into a Loungewear Set

Tools and materials:

• Oversized sweater
• Shorts
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Elastic
• Horsehair braid

Pin and cut

Put on your oversized sweater and place a pin in the place where you plan to cut it. Then take off the sweater and cut where you marked. 

Cut out shorts 

Take the bottom half of the sweater that you just cut (the part without the collar and sleeves) and turn it until the side seams meet in the center. Next, take a pair of shorts (folded in half) and align the side seams of the shorts with the seams of the sweater. Cut around the shorts. 

Fold the half that is cut, over the half that isn’t, and pin to secure. Once aligned, take a tape measure along the bottom edge and measure two inches. Cut the second half to match the first, with an extra two inches added at the bottom for the crotch. 

Finish the shorts 

Separate the 2 halves of your shorts and place them back together, right sides together. Pin to secure and sew the edges together. Next, match the crotch seams and sew the shorts closed on the bottom. 

Add an elastic 

Cut out a piece of elastic. The length should be the same as your waist measurement, minus two inches. Place your elastic onto the edge of the shorts. 

Next, fold the fabric over the elastic to hide it, and pin to secure it. Take the elastic out and sew the hem closed. Remember to leave a small opening to reinsert the elastic after sewing! Just hook the elastic onto a safety pin, slide it through the opening and across the waist. Tie the elastic in a knot when it reemerges on the other end. To finish, topstitch the opening. 

Horsehair hem

Once finished with the shorts, set aside and grab the top of your sweater. Turn it inside out. Take your horsehair braid and pin it in place at the bottom of the cut sweater. Fold the edge over and topstitch to hem and finish! 

We can all agree this sweater has been given a whole new life. This cute loungewear set is perfect for days off, lazy Sundays, or even working from home. Look great and do it comfortably!