How to Make a Cozy Upcycled Flannel and Sweater Shirt
For this project, I'm combining a thrifted flannel and sweater to make a cozy upcycled flannel shirt with a cowl or turtleneck.
I had the knitted sweater sleeves left over from another project and they color-matched with a flannel shirt that I found in the thrift store. Together, they make a warm and easy-to-make top that's perfect for a beginner to sew.
Tools and materials:
- Oversize flannel shirt
- Knitted sleeves
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
1. Remove the collar
Cut the collar off the shirt, from below the second button and around the back of the collar, to make a more open v-shaped neckline.
Stitch the placket closed from the neck edge down to the first remaining button.
2. Remove the sleeves
Cut the sleeves away from the shirt, leaving the seam intact on the shirt.
Chop the cuffs off the shirt sleeves, leaving half an inch (1 cm) seam allowance, and put them aside.
3. Make the collar
Cut the center seam out of the sleeves and open them out. Place one on top of the other, right sides together, and cut off the curved sleeve head.
Sew the side seams together to make a tube. Turn up a hem at the narrow end and stitch it.
4. Attach the collar
With both the collar and shirt wrong side out, tuck the collar inside the shirt neck and sew the wider edge of the collar to the neck edge.
Cut off any excess fabric.
5. Knitted sleeves
Pin and sew the shirt cuffs to the ends of the knitted sleeves.
Turn the sleeve right side out and insert it into the shirt armhole. Pin the sleeve head to the armhole with right sides together and sew.
6. Finishing
Stitch the folded collar edge to the front of the shirt.
If needed, cut the shirt to your desired length and hem.
Completed flannel and sweater upcycle
I’m delighted with how well this upcycling flannel shirt project turned out.
It works at all lengths, from almost cropped like mine to a long flannel and sweater to wear over leggings.
I would love to know if you want to see more projects like these in the future. Do please let me know in the comments below.
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