Thrift Flip Tutorial: How to DIY a Cute Sweater and Shorts Set
I had an old sweater that I refused to part with but really wasn’t flattering as a sweater anymore.
With some basic measuring, cutting and sewing, I turned it into a two piece shorts set.
Join me and I’ll show you step by step exactly how I completed my DIY sweater upcycle.
Tools and materials:
- Oversized sweater
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide elastic
- Fabric marker
- Ruler
- French curve (optional)
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
1. Draft the shorts pattern
Turn your sweater inside out and lay it flat, lining up the seams and bottom edge.
Mark the center front just below the armholes.
Measure 14 inches (35 cm) up from the lower edge at the right side.
Mark 15 inches (38 cm) from the lower edge in the center and 16 1/2” (42 cm) on the other side.
Join the three points with a straight line.
Draw a second line 2 inches (5 cm) above the first and parallel to it.
Measure 7 1/2” (19 cm) along both lines from the center mark on the left and repeat at 8 1/2” (21.5 cm) on the right.
Join the two lines at these marks.
Mark 8 inches (20 cm) down from the lower line on the left for the front crotch depth and repeat at 10 inches (25 cm) on the right for the back crotch.
Join with a straight line to the outer edges of the waistband.
Draw a curve for the front crotch seam.
Measure 1/2” (1 cm) in from the back crotch seam at the waistband.
Join with a straight line to the bottom of the seam and draw a curve where they meet.
Cut out the shorts and cut off the lower side seams of the sweater.
2. Assemble the shorts
Separate the two parts of the shorts.
Fold them in half lengthways with the right sides inside.
Sew the inner leg seams, using a straight stitch.
Pin and sew the two pieces together at the front and back crotch seams, with the right sides facing.
3. Waistband
Turn the shorts right side out.
Cut the elastic to 28 inches (71 cm) or to fit comfortably around your waist with an overlap.
Join the ends securely.
Find the center of the elastic loop opposite the join and pin it to the center front seam on the right side.
Pin the join to the center back seam.
Distribute the rest of the elastic evenly around the top of the shorts and pin and sew in place around the top edge of the elastic.
Turn the waistband to the wrong side and stitch down along the free edge of the elastic.
4. Shape the crop top
Trim the uneven edges from the top section of the sweater.
Turn the top right side out and check that the length from the top of the shoulders is the same on each side.
It should be about 7 inches (17.75 cm).
Fold the top in half lengthways at the center front and trim off any excess.
Set your sewing machine for a zigzag stitch of width 3 and length 2.
Sew along the lower raw edges of the top, to stop them from fraying.
DIY sweater and shorts set
I’m very happy with the way this DIY sweater upcycle turned out.
I didn’t have to throw out a favorite sweater and I always prefer to upcycle my clothes when I can. It’s so satisfying and so much better for the environment.
Please let me know in the comments below what you think of my sweater upcycling ideas.
Next, learn How to DIY a Sexy Mini Skirt From a T-shirt.
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