DIY a Cute Cardigan With Bow Ties

7 Materials
$10
2 Hours
Easy

In this tutorial, I show you how to upcycle a sweater into a really cute cardigan with bow ties that can be worn at the front or back. You can also learn how to resize your sweater to get a more fitted look, perfect for your new cute and preppy cardigan!

Tools and materials:

  • Measuring tape
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon
  • Silicone double-sided tape
  • Sewing machine
  • Sweater
Sweater into cardigan

Shorten the cardigan 

To begin, roll up the ribbing of your sweater. 

Measure the length


Then measure the new length for your cardigan. I chose to make mine 40 cm (15.8 inches) but choose a length that is comfortable for you. 

Turn a sweater into a cardigan


Pin, to mark your new length, and then sew a zig-zag stitch or another stretch stitch right next to the ribbing to get your desired length. 

Cut the excess fabric


Once you have sewn, cut the excess fabric from the inside of the sweater.

Pin the center

Cut the sweater down the middle

Turn your sweater inside out, fold it in half, and use pins to mark the centerline. 

Cut down the middle


I recommend using a thin, double-sided silicone tape to stick down along the centerline, removing the pins as you stick. Using the tape helps to cut straight down the middle.

Cardigan with ribbon tie


Once you have cut, remove the plastic coating from the tape and fold and stick each side over to create the perfect, equal hem along the center of the cardigan. Sew along the edge of the folded fabric to ensure a secure hold. 

Cut ribbon

Add bow ties 

Next, cut 4, 45 cm (17.7 inches) long pieces of ribbon for the cute ties. 

Pin on the ribbon


Pin two ribbons on each side of the cardigan opening. Sew two ribbons at the top and two in the center. 

Shorten the sleeves

If your sweater was too big for you, you can always shorten the sleeves to get a better fit. To do this, repeat the same technique you used for the bottom of the sweater. 

Cardigan with bow ties


You can style this piece with the ribbon bows at the front or back depending on your taste. How would you wear this cardigan? Let me know in the comments below! 

Suggested materials:
  • Measuring tape
  • Pins
  • Scissors
See all materials

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