Make Hats and Mittens from Old Sweaters! Perfectly Sustainable Gifts!

[@QueenAmethyst55]

Catherine there's nothing I enjoy more than watching you sewing and muttering. Love your muttering so much! I smile the whole way through your videos. Everything looks great. Especially the French beret. I may just send you a string of onions! 😂

[@CatherineSews]

Ah, my Queen! Your comments always make my day. Sincere thanks 🥰

[@kathyjames9250]

Pardonez-moi, perhaps a beret calls for garlic.

[@SBVancouver]

Those hats and mitts are so perfect! But rubbing the soap on the thread to prevent it from tangling was the most genius trick of this whole tutorial. You so smart.

[@CatherineSews]

Vancouver! We’re neighbours 😍 So glad you liked that soap trick! It smells good too.

[@aliceglass6141]

My mom always used beeswax on her thread

[@sylvieboucher9266]

My mom had been using that trick at least 60 years ago. I have been using the soap for a long time.

[@suzisaintjames]

Frixion ink isn't removed by heat, it just becomes less visible (disappears). It will reappear when it gets cold (no problem just iron again). Save your money and get a set of Crayola markers for the price of one Frixion pen. Crayola markers wash out when the item is laundered, come in a variety of colors, tip widths and is inexpensive (marketed as kids art markers). My favorite. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@sonsandgrandsons]

YES! The tam tam tam!!! All day long! You’re a fun instructor. Keep these ideas coming.

[@deborahwilkins3786]

I love your videos. This was a fun one! On the subject of pressing knits: I have 50 years experience as a hand knitter, 45 as a sewer and 35 doing fine tailoring. Of course you can press knits. But NEVER iron them slide the iron over the fabric) or use the full weight of the iron. Ironing distorts the stitches and heavy pressing crushes the texture. A light press with lots of steam sets the sewing stitches, and in a hand knit evens out the knitted stitches to make a finished product. Be aware that a synthetic might not take the temperature of a steam iron. Always test. But wool is almost always improved by a light, very steamy press.

[@sylviemariehebert9758]

Yes thank you for explaining the actual way to do it correctly AND mentioning the difference there might be between a natural fibre and a synthetic (ie plastic) fiber.

[@aliceglass6141]

It’s possible wetting the beret and putting it on the plate overnight to dry may have worked too. Blocking your knit item ☺️

[@bonnierobbins4230]

New show idea! And possibly for your students! It would highlight vintage lady clothes! Pinafore dress! Or Pants..!! Love your show ❤️ Bonnie Ohio

[@Queenread82]

Catherine! Great! (hahahaha, Catherine the Great!) I think I will make this cute beret for my granddaughter. I will defitely look for a sweater with beads for some fun. Thank you!

[@yuuriraa]

I can't believe I lived without a fabric shaver for so long. I bought a Ranvoo gogo lint a week ago, it's a must-have tool for anyone who loves wearing knitwear.

[@Stevejason825]

This Ranvoo gogo lint fabric shaver is a game changer! It removes all the annoying pillings on my sweaters and makes them look brand new.

[@roseconnolly2277]

Great job! Keep that red/black beret for yourself, It's so you.

[@alynneredmon9560]

I’ve wanted a beret forever but knew it needed to be larger so I could cover at one ear. Thanks your video is an answer to a prayer. Thanks again for your informative videos. I’ve sewn all my life, your making me stretch my wings again. By the way I’m 75,you are teaching a old dog n new tricks. Keep up the great work.

[@barbaralavalle3533]

I knit and crochet with both wool, wool blends, and acrylic/polyester. I steam press all of them. A lot of people think you can't do this to synthetics, but you can. You should test first on a swatch. Just use steam, no pressure. If you do synthetics too hot or too long, you might "kill" the it, which would make it very drapey, and not what most people want.

[@helenablignaut662]

I can just picture you trying on the neckline of the sweater for the beret around your head in the store 😂

[@bonniecrowe1531]

I had no idea that knits could be cut up and they don't fall apart. Terrific!

[@dianemalek436]

The berets are so adorable! Love them! ❤

[@doriscassan6996]

Catherine SAWS!! ROFL I agree that the red and black beret is the cutest. Keep it!!

[@belieftransformation]

Oh my gosh, those hats & mittens were so cute! You look awesome in them all but the red & black beret is my favourite on you, too! What a great way to upcycle old sweaters! Thanks for sharing! 🤗💕

[@ptoste1]

Omg 😃👌👏👏👏🙏🙏Amazing ideas! Fantastic!! 👌👌👌I’m going to give it a try because I have old sweaters. Thank you so much 😊 🤩😍😍😍😍

[@t.t.6861]

Catherine saws 🤣🤣🤣. Thumbs up for the thumb in the mitten.... Nice👍

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

Using old knits is a great way to make unique accessories. When my kids were babies I used to make mittens and hats out of old cashmere sweaters for them. These were so luxurious and cute and my kids loved them. 32:39 There is a german saying: "Langes Fädchen, faules Mädchen." In English that would be: "Long thread, lazy girl." 😉 You can press or steam a beret with the plate in it. That makes a really nice round edge. And you can use a crochet hook to thread the little thingy through the top.

[@cynthiafeldberg4782]

Very nice. You give me the courage to cut knits and re-fashion them.

[@sewone3353]

I like how you show your thought process in making your patterns. I would suggest that your hats might benefit from a silky lining. Nice work!

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I really liked adding the silky lining to the last one!

[@jesshothersall]

Thanks for showing the experiments with thumb and sizes/shapes as well, hearing how you worked out the right way is very useful. Seems to me it's a good way of using up expensive woollens (especially cashmere) that have a moth hole or two or three (after freezing for a fortnight to kill them) by retrieving the unholed part. I made fingerless gloves out of socks with the foot cut off, with just a hole for my thumb, (can use sleeves as well) but had no idea how to make/attach a short topless thumb, so this video is really helpful. ps Your french beret looks terrific on you and I think you should keep it :). Was not surprised to discover you used to work in couturier, explains a lot...

[@theclumsyprepper]

The pink beret was definitely my favourite. I would wear it.

[@Morganistas]

"Bob's your uncle" had me laughing - never heard it before in the U.S.

[@RebelAlliance42]

Ooh yes, I had a lint shaver years ago. It was craptacular and put me off buying another one for years! But they have come a long way, and a couple of years ago, I bought a Philips one and it's great! I love it.

[@carolyncurry9615]

Craptacular! I love expanding my vocabulary! 😂

[@RebelAlliance42]

@carolyncurry9615 my friend takes the credit for that one. You're welcome on her behalf lol

[@tattooedmomma]

I've only been using a serger about 2 months now, but one of the things that drives me craziest is the serger tail/lump on the end of my hoodie sleeve. THANK YOU for showing your flip around method. I feel like you saved me frustration already.

[@judym7153]

These are adorable and I have been inspired by them. I was just cleaning out my dresser drawers and wondering what to do with some old sweaters. Now I know. Thank you for all your wonderful videos. I discovered them last month and have been binging on them. Your instructions are clear and helpful and your enthusiasm and kind smile make it a pleasure to watch. Thank you!!!

[@heidimedhurst2721]

You are so creative Catherine!

[@johannafriedt6362]

You’re awesome in your tutorial but as you’re an experienced sewer you just breeze thru these instructions in no time. Thank you so much for your ideas.

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you! I hope that I don't go too quickly, but I guess people can always re-play sections! So glad you liked the video.

[@johannafriedt6362]

@@CatherineSews not at all. I use the stop & playback lol all good

[@linkay6]

Do you take requests for how to videos? If so, would appreciate info how to send a request. Thanks!

[@CatherineSews]

@@linkay6 you can just ask right here. 😊

[@Mrs.Patriot]

So cute!!! The sweater shavers are a great tool. Could I offer a suggestion? It occurred to me that you can eliminate the seam in the beret by cutting a larger circle out, and gathering it onto the band. When a beret is knit, that's basically how it is done, and then the top is blocked around a dinner plate to give it that shape. Not as simple as your darlings, perhaps, but still very easy. I love the upcycling you share. We have been so blessed with abundance that we tend to waste a LOT that with a bit of imagination can be made awesome again.

[@sylviemariehebert9758]

Thanks for the idea. Would you explain what or how you “block” that knit over the dinner plate?

[@Mrs.Patriot]

@@sylviemariehebert9758 Sure! Virtually all hand knits are "blocked" when the item is finished. You soak it in cool-ish lukewarm water with either a wool wash product like Eucalan, or mild soap, rinse, and squeeze (never wring), then wrap in a towel and press out the extra water. Then you lay it on a dry towel and shape it, and dry flat. To shape a beret, you would insert a dinner plate into the beret to give it that flat shape, and leave it until it's dry. If you make one from a sweater, gathering it like in my comment, blocking it as I describe will shape it nicely. 🙂

[@moyagreene9590]

Hi Catherine, as a fellow Canadian 🇨🇦 living in London UK, I love your videos and learn so much.. so thank you. You have inspired me to cut up a ruined cachemire sweater (eaten by diabolical moths )to make a little jacket to go over a dress for my baby granddaughter. I did not know you could home sew old knits. Brilliant ideas and instructions. Idea for new video.. can you show us how to do bagged linings for everything. I tried to do it for granddaughters special dress( it has invisible zipper and sleeves.. I thought I could avoid all that hand sewing of the gathered skirt.. I left a space sling the back seam of the lining to turn it.. but it was a jumbled mess. So instructions on bagged linings would be great. Many thanks

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Hi Catherine SAWS 😅 great idea for the mittens because yes the trace-your- hand cutout is a bit primitive looking.

[@DeborahPerry-i5o]

You are so adorable, I enjoy watching your videos ❤❤❤

[@judih.8754]

I press my knits. Makes sense to me. Cute projects!

[@jillhulatt4647]

Perfect timing, I was just getting ready to sew mittens for my granddaughters. So it’s great to see your method. I love how you are always so encouraging to us sewers and I always giggle along with you. Many thanks Catherine, you are no favourite.

[@shavonwalker2550]

So I was working on another project that I managed to mess up twice, so I decided to take a break and try this one instead. Not only did I make the slouchy toque, I even figured out how to make a matching scarf from the sleeves. The curve of the armscye is still on the sleeve since I didn't want to make the scarf too narrow, but I'm calling that a style choice. 😁Thanks for helping me restore my self esteem!

[@CatherineSews]

That makes me so happy! I did wonder about making a scarf but didn’t get very far with it, so good on you!! Are you on Instagram? Post a photo and tag me!

[@tanyabrewer991]

Good afternoon, 😂😂😂❤❤❤❤ you always make me smile. I love your idea's. Thank you.

[@bohorustica8545]

All your hats came out wonderfully, even your first beret has a delightful quirkiness to it. Your Black and Red beret though is perfection and suits you perfectly. Thanks do much for sharing, I loved them all. :))

[@JanGraves]

Love your joy and energy in all your videos. Even if I don’t try all your projects, I enjoy watching them. Thanks!

[@magsohara7908]

Fabulous as always!!. Thank you Catherine. Loved the red check beret. My favourite I think. Just an opinion but there is a difference between “pressing” and “ironing”. I iron pillow cases and shirts but I only ever “press” when I’m sewing 🧵 🙋🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@CatherineSews]

Agreed! To me, ironing is removing wrinkles but pressing is setting in creases, setting seam allowances etc.

[@dianeroome972]

Oh my gosh, you did such good work! I feel like I could do this! Thank you for instructing us. And honestly, I feel like almost any sweater will is usable.

[@lifeofjoy9404]

I Iove the joy and enthusiasm that you bring to every project! Thank you for being YOU!😍🤩👍

[@macuisinesanssulfites4101]

Ah, le béret français de Catherine! It really came out great. I was thinking of you just this morning as I was using an old piece of dried soap to mark some fabric - that is one of the many tricks I got from watching your videos. Thank you, have a lovely weekend 😊.

[@annekelly8168]

I love this tutorial! You are so amazing. I have my late husband’s sweaters that I have held onto thinking I could make something for our kids. This is perfect! All of them live in the northeast so hats and mittens are needed. Oh man I’m ordering that lint remover and getting going on this project. Thank you, thank you!

[@cherylhuot4436]

What a lovely idea!!

[@alteriormotiveswithcarrie8546]

I LOVE this video! I'm not an expert sewer but I feel like I could follow this and make a really cool beret, that plaid one came out so perfect! So thank you for a great tutorial. I really like these upcycling videos, and I hope you'll continue making more of them.

[@Hremo_158]

I Love the Tam Hats!! Thank you Catherine for this tutorial! I'm am definitely making one. All the Ready to wear ones are way to big on me. Now I can customize the size 👍👏

[@Linda-mp8co]

What fantastic upcycle ideas!!! I thoroughly enjoy your videos and watch them almost every day. I had a good chuckle over the pilled sweater comment "looked like the dogs breakfast". Your videos & ideas are so inspiring. Thank you so much for all the effort that goes into making them!

[@stefs3460]

I love the beret but I think I will definitely try the hat and mittens! I'm glad I now know the official term for the top of beret embellishment is the sticky outie bit😂

[@janelangdale6022]

A great video, thank you. I think they would be good made with shrunken/felted wool sweaters, especially the beret.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes! Those laundry accidents would be perfect for these projects!

[@kathyjames9250]

Very nice! I was looking at some of my collection of baby knitwear that my mom-in-law made, and thinking some would make precious mittens and hats, if I carefully open the seams. I have some lingerie stretchy fabric that would make great lining. I might even use some stretch iron-on silky interfacing to stabilize some of them before I cut into them. I will also get out my patterns for mittens and hats.

[@leannsews]

All these are wonderful but "le béret est magnifique" Madame Catherine!! Chef kiss 🤌 to this vlog

[@CatherineSews]

Ah, merci beaucoup!! 👨‍🍳😘

[@livingcreatively1]

You made these patterns so easy to follow anyone could do them. The beret looks really cute on you.❤ Have a great weekend😊

[@valeriecoopet9897]

I do press sweaters with a damp cloth on top. I love the beret! I will try one for sure!

[@nicolehubbard3536]

Oh my goodness, these are all so adorable!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Your make overs are beautiful. You might be able to make some wide head bands that cover the ears out of the left over scraps. This may be the only way I can get a knit hat to fit me (other than knitting it myself. You could also make cell phone cross body bags out of some of the scraps.

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, a wide headband is a great idea! And the little bag would be fun too! Thanks!

[@karenheineman3284]

Okay, I have buffalo plaid fleece in my stash that’s been waiting for the right project and now I have it! A sweater and matching beret. As I watched you create yours and struggled what to call the thingie atop the hat, a name came to me, “Beanie Sprout!” How about that? I LOVE your series and I love to sew!

[@CatherineSews]

Beanie Sprout!!!! Yes!! Thanks for that and best of luck with your fleece sweater and beret!

[@karenheineman3284]

@@CatherineSews Thanks, Catherine!

[@karenjones3066]

Thanks so much for this tutorial! I have a sweater I don't like wearing but it's good wool and been wanting to make a warm hat and mitts from for our Ontario winters. I think I would line it with fleece and curve the bottom sides to cover the ears, you've got me thinking! Love the dark beret on you!

[@joycekaminski1943]

This was an awesome video, Catherine. The hats and mittens were so cute especially the berets.

[@333Becca]

These look like great Christmas gifts!

[@CatherineSews]

I think so too! Thanks!

[@nanettedoerr4396]

This is one of my favorite videos. You make this look so easy and I can't wait to try all of these. Thank you Catherine! I am always looking for your next video and one of your biggest fans.

[@Elaine-yk5uh]

Great Catherine, well put together. Would be so satisfying to make up a bag full and go and hand them out to the homeless . Or even find homeless shelters to provide them for the homeless. Definitely give you a good satisfaction . Keep up all the vids they bring so much to happyness and creativity. Take care and hope you and your family have a great Christmas . X

[@dsiemen1136]

I agree, I love the beanie you made for yourself…

[@twinnish]

Great ideas! I really want to learn to knit and crochet, but it would be a lot easier just to get some thing that is done with and turn it into hats and mittens. I live in Saudi though,so this is a project to put on my back burner. I love the beret so much! Everything about it.

[@sewvintageglamwithunadoyle2775]

Omg I love the crew neckline idea for the beret rim! 💖 I don’t suit that neckline so have none in the house but will definitely look out for those when thrifting in the future… BTW I wondered if the mitten thumb would work better if it was at a diagonal angle? 🤔

[@abaigealduda2756]

This is such a great tutorial!! Im going to suggest it (and maybe even volunteer to facilitate) these for some centers that help families in our area. They have sewing machines.... so useful!!

[@abaigealduda2756]

And I'm definitely making a beret for myself 😊

[@JosieStev]

I love hats and mittens

[@CatherineSews]

Wow! That makes me so happy! I wish I could come and volunteer with you!

[@lucilledaub5991]

Cute hats n mittens.

[@PreciousMe]

Great ideas and a wonderful tutorial. I always enjoy your videos and look forward to them each week. Big Hugs.

[@Queenread82]

Also, I will cut off any labels (they might be removable by pulling stitches w/o ruining the connecting stitches) and I will sew in a Nana Loves You label.

[@CatherineSews]

Such a great idea! I love it!

[@barbaraferron7994]

I'm working on an idea to make an aviator style winter hat from fleece pants,👖 that doesn't look like I'm wearing pants on my 🗣️ head. I cut the legs off the pants to use for an attached scarf🧕. What I have left for the cap looks like underpants😅. But I think when I am done it will look good. I like the aviator style sort of an adult sized baby bonnet shape because I like my ears covered but not my forehead and I can only find that style in kids hats.

[@nancyingram966]

Love this video and all your other ones. Have you ever made a pillow using a man's shirt....using the collar AND his necktie? I have someone that wants one for her mother, made from her father's shirt, as a Christmas gift. A memory pillow. I hope you can help, because she wants the shirt tags left intact and it's going to fit a 16" pillow.

[@abaigealduda2756]

Gogo lint! Thanks, Catherine! I owned a lint/pull remover, and it did work, but it took a really long time. It did help me save favorite sweaters. In tge end, it just took yoo mych time and work. Im exited about this new product. Tganks for reviewing! (And for your product reviewing choice discernment, though i might like to see you take on a chainsaw 😅)

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, yes, my husband thought the chainsaw was a great idea too! Can you imagine!?

[@tinam5330]

Love your channel.❤

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

That awesome! I've been looking for a pattern that keeps my ears warm but has room for my hair. If I take the if I smush the first pattern idea with a snoog that should work! Maybe just an oval instead of round would work! I must make notes and experiment!

[@theladybaltimore]

I love sweater shavers.

[@IMOO1896]

This has been timely b3cause I have a couple long tunic sweaters that I’ve wanted to shorten, and you’ve given me ideas of what can be done with the cutoff. Who would have thought a beret would be so easy. Many thanks!

[@myrandavano7470]

Love the dark beret 😍

[@michellemabelle100]

These are so great! Just love the berets. Thanks for the excellent instructions and neat ideas, I think I'm going to make these!

[@lesleylatham8414]

This is a great idea for gifts! Thanks for sharing...your tutorials are always awesome!

[@karenwilliams4152]

❤️ I’ve got to make berets now! Happy happy happy!

[@janettelynch2174]

Wow, I enjoyed all of these projects and learned a lot. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to making them all, JC

[@esperansaloughran693]

Love toques! I treasure my old cashmere ones. Now..thx to you, I can make many as i live in pa! 😮 Thank you so much

[@haydeenunn4372]

These are so cute! Never heard the term Toque.

[@CatherineSews]

"Toque" is a very Canadian term!

[@elizabethmerrick3469]

Hi. You are a genius! Excellent ❤

[@Karen-p5n9q]

Thanks for this timely tutorial! My daughter has asked for a "cute hat" for Christmas and she loves vintage clothing, so guess what I'll be making her for Christmas?! I think the beret would suit her style very well... could I add lining to the beret in the same way as the beanie?

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Thinking about this - the lining for something really loose like a beret does not have to be the same size and shape as the hat. The lining has to fit your head, protect your curls, stay inside when you remove the hat. But I'm thinking the lining could be an easier/simple shape tacked into the hat. Not necessarily a replica of the hat's interior. I haven't done it - just thinking.

[@suzisaintjames]

29:28 I'm trying to figure out why you rejected the ribbing at the neckline. Couldn't you cutout (remove) the seam that makes the "V" and sew it straight? 💖🌞🌵😷

[@kimmyhuynh981]

Catherine saw….makes me laughing 😂

[@laurettavanlandingham243]

DO NOT GIFT THAT BERET! You look adorable in it.

[@mammastreed5070]

I hope you did wear the beret while eating! It’s “oo lala magnificent! “ I’ve been making tons of mittens lately ( I sell Refashioned Finds, sustainable items) it’s cold where I live in Michigan in winter. Have mostly made the ones with 3 pieces and a cuff, but will try your method, it will definitively use less fabric! Such a fun video! Thanks!

[@msstaceyf]

Thank you Catherine! You’re absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to try this, it’s a huge help.

[@esperansaloughran693]

The tam looks fabulous! On you! Wow!

[@daylite07]

Great tutorial, thanks so much. I love the beret

[@tinahenderson9990]

Love the hats ❤❤

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

Wow! You make me want to make some new hats out of my old sweaters! Great video as always :)

[@theladybaltimore]

"Catherine Saws"!!! 😂😂😂

[@Peaceflag47]

Love the red hat!

[@KCOtutti1]

I hope you kept the red beret for yourself. Looks really nice on you!

[@fayehendricksen5689]

Fantastic up-cycles, this is on my next winter list in 2024 , thank you for sharing,

[@loreleig5062]

Thank you for the great ideas and instructions 🌻

[@conniehammer7158]

these tips and tricks, ideas are awesome really useful specially for those who wants to save money...thank you for sharing this video