Sweater UPCYCLING!

Three sweater upcycles! Loads of different techniques that you can play around with to upcycle your thrifted or outdated sweaters!
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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0:00 Intro
2:35 Cutting down a long sweater
3:22 Removing Turtleneck
3:59 Unravelling yarn
4:22 Taking in the body
5:04 Shortening Sleeves
6:17 Turning a Turtleneck into a Crewneck
10:38 Crocheting the Edge
13:55 Making the Fringed Edge
16:25 First Sweater Done!
17:14 Resizing a Sweater
23:21 Lowering the Neckline
26:05 Mending a Hole in a Sweater
28:35 Second Sweater Done!
29:45 Making a Shoulder Cut-Out
31:20 Disaster?
34:32 Third Sweater Done!
#upcycling #thriftflip
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Music: Six Seasons by Unicorn Heads and How's it Supposed to Feel by NEFFEX both from the KZbin Audio Library
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Thank you for watching and supporting the growth of my channel!
Until next time, take care!
~Catherine

[@earthangellibra2925]

Needle broke and immediately gave video a like... lol... because we being real here. 👍

[@CatherineSews]

I appreciate that, lol. That crazy needle gave me a heart attack!

[@rosemarymonty5399]

Breaking a needle scares the heck out of me too. Love this channel. I’ve lost about 50 lbs in the last 2 years and have gone from an xl to s-m. 😊All my clothes are really big. I haven’t bought much because I’m still losing (I’m 5ft and currently around 123lbs). I’ve donated a lot of clothes but there are some I want to adjust. I’m an experienced sewer, quilter, knitter and Crocheter however not very confident in my abilities. What you have done with the sweaters is great. I’m going to give adjusting my clothes a try. Thank you.

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, that's a huge weight loss! Amazing. And yes, give resizing a try! So glad to have you on board my channel.

[@SisterShirley]

Rosemary Monty, first, congratulations on your weight loss journey. Secondly, since you are a veteran craftswoman, give resizing your clothing a try. And as a bonus, maybe you'll have enough of some fabric left over for a quilting project. It sounds like you are getting near to your goal weight. I still have a long way to go and watching this video and reading your comment has given me the little extra push I needed today (and most days) Best sincere wishes from, The Great Lake State of Michigan 🐢

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

Great job on the weight loss! I've gone from XL to medium (small), and also have loads of clothes to alter. These videos give me confidence!

[@beebuzz959]

It's scary! But I really hope you try! The worst that can happen is you'll have even more to craft something else with, lol! But chances are you'll end up with a "new" wardrobe and be really happy and proud. Go for it!

[@jesshothersall]

Congratulations and I hope the resizing went well, and you're happy with your new size too

[@annefletcher1322]

I don't sew but I love watching your transformations. I do crochet and I think doing a crocheted edge to your grey sweater was brilliant 🙂

[@dianeroome972]

Dang! Anyone else here wishing they could find a beautiful cashmere sweater at the thrift store?

[@katella]

Go to thrift stores near a rich neighborhood.

[@lacysyverson2782]

I have one that is awesome but a bit too big, now I have inspiration that I could make it perfect!

[@silverhoyden4178]

I find them a lot…end of winter/spring or in fall is a good time to look-good luck

[@eryncook7769]

I wish they would let the poor animals keep their "cashmere". Synthetic yarns can be just as luxurious. Don't support such a cruel industry

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

@@eryncook7769I've had cashmere goats. They live a happy life and get high quality hay so they grow long healthy hair. Then get a haircut. Nothing cruel about it. Synthetic yarns will never biodegrade.

[@TheCalucita]

Thank you for leaving the needle break in the video. Seeing videos like this before i started sewing, and seeing that even experienced sewists broke needles every now and then made it all the less scary when it happened to me the 1st time 💜

[@beebuzz959]

It's also a safety issue, I've had needles shoot into my eye area. I was lucky though because I wear glasses. So I was glad for it for that as well. I hope others take heed.

[@dreed1058]

I'm entirely too lazy to do this but I watched every minute! Love how you explain all the steps, and enjoying your creativity!

[@sacredcowbbq1326]

Same here!

[@zibirix]

love the ideas, but most of all, to see not to cut off the scene that a needle is breaking in a tutorial is something refreshing. everything seems so perfect in almost every tutorial videos, that I always wonder, do they never have problems. so thanks for this.🙏🥰

[@gingerblack4528]

Oh my gosh I have been looking for this for a long time I am 5'1 and my sweaters are always too long in the sleeves this will help me a lot not only to shorten it but to also redesign things that I get from salvation army! I am a low income senior with limited funds and this will help me a lot to make my garments look a lot nicer! Thank you so much for this!!!

[@debinnashville2009]

Me too!

[@kittybartlett8198]

Catherine, what a nice discovery to find your channel! My very simple, older Sears sewing machine has been gathering dust in the closet for several years and truthfully, I've been wanting to start sewing again. Eons ago, I worked in a notions department (actually also at Sears & Roebuck, if that tells you how old I am!) and I sewed all my own clothes in high school and for a few years afterwards - Mom always helped and encouraged me. She could sew all kinds of things without a pattern and is so talented! I have never gotten up to her level, but I always enjoyed sewing - only IF my things turned out well! Seeing you play around with these sweaters reminds me that I want to get started again. Thank you for this encouragement! Can't wait to see more of your videos.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for the lovely comment, Kitty!

[@348Tobico]

I really thought I was the only one who had a heart attack when I broke needles!! It does happen but now I realize I don't need to drink a case of some "adult" beverage to calm down and carry on. I really want to dig into garment upcycling. The sleeve on the red cashmere is a "dolman"--designers worst idea EVER! Excellent save with the second zipper. It added structure to a very floppy opening! Love the ideas and am now a subscriber.

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, I love that. You and I are going to get along just fine! 😃

[@makeitjoyful]

You are blowing my mind! I love how you creatively approached each of these thrifted sweaters. They look fantastic, and I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Melanie! And good luck with your channel!

[@sil7428]

I really want to give you more than one thumb up ! You're work is wonderful und your videos are like sitting next to you and look over your shoulder. Thank you so much, you really help me with your ideas.

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thanks, Sil! That's so great to hear!

[@joankiely3614]

You are indeed so innovative, artistic & very very brave! You cut without hesitation & like you said never give up! I’m an old schooler & never like to take risks. I have learnt so very much from you & now instead of gifting many clothes to the good will, I have started to think first & have been brave enough to alter many jumpers. That’s so great being a pensioner & I’m getting a lot of satisfaction from doing so. Thanks so much & cheers from Western Australia 😊🥰❤️💕😍😘👏

[@carlyk502]

Thank you for the inspirational videos. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! I learn something new each & every time I watch your videos. Thank you.

[@FullSailEVE]

Love what you did with the grey sweater! The last one I think I would have sewn that second slice back up and add a thin gold chording to cover that up and match the gold in the zipper on the upper cut.

[@jesshothersall]

I like that idea, and totally agree with you

[@janeenvance3844]

Perfect idea

[@QueenAmethyst55]

What an absolute treat! Seeing Queen Catherine of Sewing making faces about necklines! Altering jumpers is probably my favorite thing so was delighted to wake up to this video. 👍💃🙂 Catherine sometime would you make a video of transforming a jumper into a waistcoat with buttons? Would love to see you do that. The jumpers turned out great. Well done.

[@CatherineSews]

My Queen! You're a Brit! I didn't know that till now with your jumpers and waistcoats, lol. I'll take your request to heart and see what I can come up with. Thanks for starting my Saturday with your lovely comment. 💖

[@Morganistas]

Ha, her thumbnail is hilarious

[@Queenread82]

This video is such an inspiration, thank you. I am the same way with necklines. I have altered several tshirts (I really hate those high crew necks!) and I turned a turtleneck into a collared v-neck using some embroidered trim I had in my stash. It looks cool and I’ve had a couple of compliments so I guess I’m not the only one who thinks it is an improvement.

[@karenb8561]

I was laughing at your reaction when the needle broke. That is just what I do. Really enjoying your videos Catherine

[@michelleskotynsky9426]

When Catherine said, "change the needle...", I was thinking, "change my pants!"

[@Morganistas]

This was fun and inspiring, Catherine! You have guts with that cashmere but it paid off! Thank you for keeping it real and not editing out those broken needle moments and last minute changes - that's what connects with us amateurs out here and gives us courage to experiment with you! Now I need to train my teen girls to pin for me 😁

[@CatherineSews]

Can you believe that I actually broke TWO needles in that video! I saved the footage of the second one for my next blooper reel! I left this one in because while I was editing it made me jump and giggle every time it came up. So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@barbarapearce1464]

😊😊😊

[@lindadelacy9330]

WOW!! They all came out so well. LOVE the zippers & how you figured out how to fix what you didn't like by putting in the 3rd zipper. SO smart!!! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, ya, I was really in a jam until I remembered I had one more zipper! Now I love it!

[@sallyescrader1434]

Hello again, Catherine. This video is truly inspirational! I have about 7 HUGE jumpers in beautiful colours, but that I no longer wear because they are SO dated…. but now I have the knowledge to revamp them all, all thanks to you! Breaking needles is an occupational hazard if, like me, you sew for a living! It never fails to give me heart palpitations!! I’ve been binge-watching your tutorials and have already pieced together t-shirts to make them bigger, changed round necked t-shirts into “v” necks and many more projects. I’ve saved myself a fortune! Thank you soooooo much!

[@lottalehm]

I love how you said 'finally sweater weather'. Yes, finally! Thanks for your ideas for altering boring sweaters into designer clothes. Love from Germany

[@asterismos5451]

The end result worked great but during the crisis point with the blue sweater my solution was to add in a lacing detail in the second slash: it'd connect the top and bottom back together and prevent the sagging and add another bit of interest.

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, I like that idea!! That would've been a cool addition to the whole look.

[@dorothytackett9943]

Love the changes you made. Inspires me to improve the fit of one of my sweaters. TFS

[@debracalliss5958]

Nice job. On the gray sweater, I would have suggested picking up and knitting the edge but the crochet did work. That’s just the knitter in me talking. Every time I see someone cut into a knit I go a bit faint.

[@CatherineSews]

Lol, sorry if I made you faint! That waffle knit definitely complicated things for me, especially as a very novice knitter. 🤩

[@riobird1363]

😳 😮 🤯 OMG this video made me remember ALL the sweaters I thrifted because I got bored with it or couldn’t fit it anymore etc. Never again 😂 now I know how give my clothes a make over!!! I loved watching this video and I enjoyed the process, I was at the edge of my seat waiting for the outcome 😂thank you for sharing your talent!

[@reeseoroni]

Definitely two cuts/3 zippers! Looks super cool. Looks great on you. Enjoyed watching this vid for the third time.

[@enksmom]

I think the width of the neckline on the grey sweater is perfect! I love these upcycles so much! You have just the content I have been searching for!

[@bc927]

Wow! I just mustered up all the courage to alter a blue sweater by folding in the cowl, stitching and then cutting off the excess. I feel SO much more comfortable wearing it as I also cannot tolerate turtle neck type sweaters, even though I like the look on others. The bottom of this sweater is rounded, but I think I'd also like to cut it off and try the fringe look! You are such an inspiration!! Thank you!!💕

[@CatherineSews]

That is wonderful to hear, BC! good luck with your fringe!

[@JoytoWorld]

Love, Love, LOVE! Thank you for your creative upcycling ideas on knits!! I've lost weight and can't afford a new wardrobe. Been shopping Goodwill and these updates are inspiring!!

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

Great transition for the pale grey sweater.

[@DH-ku6qg]

Love the way you teach, showing everything. Good job!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love your can do attitude. Great remakes for your sweaters.

[@bookswithatwist-vanvelzerp9262]

I LOVE that you show at the end you wearing the before and afters - it helps me envision my own plans so much better than any other way I've tried so far

[@elainelear4982]

The end result is lovely. The fit fits you much better. Thank you for inspiring me and also giving me the courage to resize clothes.

[@nancyhurt7145]

I’ve never altered a sweater so will be on the lookout at thrift stores! How fun!

[@HollieGiles]

I have been sewing for my whole life, and I am also a dedicated thrifter, which I think is great fun if you live where the thrift stores are loaded with great finds. I did live in Chicago, which has such great finds, but now I live in a smaller city and the thrifting is less exciting, and not so easy to find the best stuff. I have to say, for as long as I have been sewing, I never really thought of changing a sweater like you just demonstrated; I am impressed. I have fixed lots of holes, and changed some things, but not to the extent that you did. I now realize, since the thrifting is not as productive here, that I can change things, and now as I shop I will look at everything differently, knowing I can make it better for me, and for my daughter, who also loves to thrift. Thank you Catherine!

[@CatherineSews]

Yes! For someone with your sewing skills, a thrift store holds endless possibilities!

[@martimoore740]

I love love love that fringe! You just keep inspiring me. Thank you. I am almost to the point of having the courage to buy beautiful thrifted sweaters with tight neck openings!

[@CatherineSews]

Go for it, Marti! You've got this! Worst case scenario is that you learn a lot while giving it a try.

[@margaretheschmidt7062]

Oh my dear, you scared the sh....out of me with that brocken needle😂. Lovely ideal!!!!!

[@irenelovelyasusual8035]

Omg! You are a great teacher and a genius! I really enjoyed this video and learned a lot from it. Thank you!!!

[@helenablignaut662]

You inspired me so much since I discovered your channel! My one daughter just collected a dress that I made a little smaller for her and I'm nearly done with a top made from scratch without a pattern for my other daughter.

[@CatherineSews]

I'm thrilled to hear this, Helena! That's amazing!

[@lindajimmerson8542]

I LOVED the first 2 sweaters and am excited to go thrifting and following you some more! I love 3/4 sleeves too and feel encouraged to recreate some new styles for myself🙃 Thank you for sharing your talents with us and especially that you make instructions so easy to comprehend 🥳

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks Linda! Such an encouraging (and tactful) comment!❤️

[@heathermackay58]

I like your confidence That neckline on the red one looks way better now. You made it look easy. Thank you for the inspiration Catherine

[@klynndubois6200]

Great comeback from the 2 zipper to 3. I always enjoy your videos!🤗🥰 have a blessed day!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, K Lynn!

[@rhonda478]

Ive been waiting for this. Thank you

[@marielepizzera7095]

Just what I needed to take a turtleneck down. Since I have a short neck, I’m definitely am going to use your video. Thanks a million.

[@carlyk502]

I really like it. It’s very edgy & bold & so very way, way out of the box of how sweaters should be

[@CatherineSews]

So glad you like it! Thanks!

[@carlyk502]

You’re very welcome, keep up the good work!☺️

[@joannemcdevitt6654]

These 2 upcycled blouses turned out spectacular! Beautiful job, Catherine! ❤

[@juliefakkema]

I've been a knitter for years, and have finally decided to work harder to create my own sweaters so they'll fit. Now I see I can recycle the ill fitting sweaters, and I'm really irritated I didn't think of it years ago. So glad to have stumbled on your channel!!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Julie! Great to have you on board!

[@susanrussell8195]

I love the changes you made to the first two sweaters. I agree that you should have just went with one slash. The addition of the zipper was brilliant. More designer/polished. Truly inspiring content.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Susan. Great to hear 😊

[@lizenglish6130]

Have just discovered your channel Catherine. I’m in the UK. Your voice is very relaxing to listen to and your instructions are excellent. You have inspired me, thank you. 😊x

[@silentmentor5888]

I have a beautiful heavy cashmere sweater with giant turtle neck! I've never worn but was sure there was a way to remove that hideous neck line. Now there is!!!!!!! I will follow your instruction and be delighted!!!! So happy. Your gray sweater is perfect!!!

[@barbaravoneitzen7729]

They came out cute. Good job.not giving up. Which I usually do.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, it's often easier to give up, but much more satisfying to press on until you have a finished product that you like.

[@jenniferrice5877]

I'm a sewer, a crocheter, a knitter and a embroiderer. The stitch you are doing is a one and a half double crochet. It makes a very nice edge. You have such a nice manner I could watch you all day.

[@CatherineSews]

A one and a half double!? That sounds like a Canadian coffee order. In my limited understanding of crochet, I really thought it was a double! Thanks for letting me know ☺️

[@sharidaugherty9772]

Hi Catherine. Omg love how the grey sweater came out. Red one is perfect. The blue one what a great design idea.

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you, Shari! So glad you like them all!

[@amygawtry754]

I agree...thanks for leaving in your needle break!

[@maryann1187]

I’ve shared your “high neckline, I can’t breathe” videos with my sister! 😂 She feels the same way! I agree that high crew necklines are not flattering on women! Love your channel! Learning so much!

[@Lojay_5]

Love to watch your ideas. I’m an avid sewer so I really appreciate you!!!

[@debbayley2161]

Such fun to watch these transformations! Well done! 🌺

[@Auriasis]

It was absolutley a joy to watch you and sewing process. I love the zippered negative space on the blue.

[@fortmacmom3122]

The cutouts look fantastic !

[@songbird3094]

They all turned out great 😍. TFS

[@deidrabenson361]

Thanks sooo much for sharing your ideas and knowledge! Loved the video!❤️❤️❤️

[@kellyhudspeth1736]

Regarding your repair of the hole on the red sweater ~ I heard what you said there ~ “pretty DARN good” 😊 get it? You “darned” the sweater! 😮

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, I didn't even catch that!

[@cathym1257]

Well done, Catherine! You are very creative (and daring). Now you have three more beautiful sweaters to add to your wardrobe. Thanks for all these great ideas!

[@sozofam2164]

They’re all amazing, and YOU are very brave!!

[@auntiezann5146]

Loved them all, but the gray was my favorite! I, too, loathe bulky high collars, and I probably wouldn’t even have looked at that sweater in the store! Beautiful!

[@karenshields395]

The outcomes are so beautiful!

[@BoltonLass]

My new favorite word “Upcycling” great video.

[@rondabergeron4414]

very good. A suggestion, my father-in-law was a finishing carpenter and his motto was measure several times before you cut. It works. Everything looks great. Good job.

[@duanewiley631]

That gray sweater update was fabulous and has inspired me to go thrifting and get one I can practice on! Thanks for this great tutorial!

[@twillett100]

You’re amazing!!! Thanks for the tutorials!

[@eryncook7769]

Your are a sewing genius! Good to see that even geniuses can break a needle!😂

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

So brave working with knitted sweaters, turned out great!!!!😍😍😍

[@Monga_Makes_Things]

Catherine, I love your remakes and upcycles!! I sometimes just dive in and then have to fix my fixes. I appreciate seeing your thought process as you plan each redo and work through the surprises. You’re so inspiring! -Addie

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, I can totally relate to the idea of fixing your fixes. That was what happened with the blue one! Thanks, Addie!

[@michaelsnider2484]

Your instructions and demonstrations are so amazingly clear! Thank you!

[@Bioluvskatz]

L❤VE the grey makeover. And nice save on the zipper one. I think I’d put a piece of a small elastic at the bottom of the gap between the 2 zippers. It gaps a tad there.

[@meganprice2803]

I LOVE the zipper details! What a great look! Thanks for the tutorial!

[@kcchicana]

Just love how you transformed that cowl neck sweater to that cute, sassy new look! You've inspired me.

[@Heidi-ri1qf]

Absolutely love this!

[@ritaflatt6425]

Catherine, you are such a blessing to me & obviously many others! I have several sweaters in my closet that I no longer enjoy, therefore I never wear them. I am beyond happy I came across your channel today! I've learned so much from you! Thanks sweet lady! You are amazing! 👐💐🎈🪁♥️❤️💗🫶🫶🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧

[@olgakorn53]

The red sweater is perfection! ❤

[@leannmendoza3854]

They all turned out super cute!

[@joanreid2804]

Absolutely brilliant! Great job, very inspiring and brave!

[@jgiard9030]

Love it! Your upcycles are inspiring!

[@craftscor]

I kinda like the blue one the best. It's so original and jazzy! You make them look so easy.

[@myrtlejeanne6526]

Great video! Inlike yourcstyle--lower neck, shorter sleeves and snugger in the torso. İ have to alter a lot because there is no such thing as a garment tht fits--until i make it fit. I'm XL in the shoulders and at least 3x in the tummy and hips. When cutting the new armhole and sleeve head I make each a tiny bit wider in the back to accommodate the back when reaching forward. I also make the lower front arnhole and sleeve a tiny bit narrower so it doesn't bunch up. Also I automatically take at least 4 in of the bottom of any top to avoid the oh-so-fashionable "sausage look" of cloth stretched around my middle, and because I wear skirts when most tops are designed to wear with pants. And yes, I like 3/4 length sleeves. Most ready wear sleeves com down to my fingertips. Although I objectively am "fat," I don't look fat and often get comments oh how my clothes look.

[@CatherineSews]

Great job, Myrtle! It sounds like you understand you own body well, and you know to alter clothes and dress yourself in a really flattering way!

[@modgranny]

Impressive tailoring! Love your ideas and construction! Thanks for the wonderful video!

[@TeresaLuna-xx4ed]

Great ideas! Love the fringe idea!! Thanks!

[@stephenadler1098]

Wow! Beautiful job

[@aadefeo]

last sweatshirt came out amazing!

[@airmom8716]

Awesome blue sweater. I like the 2!

[@miaschu8175]

I love the blue top - very punk rock chic. I think that I would have liked the second zipper to be closed, to stop it sagging. But your solution worked well:)

[@chrissy24-7]

This was a great discovery on utube! I love how much detail you show, I feel like you're dealing me thru each step. I might have the confidence to try some of the ideas I've had about my own wardrobe!

[@rebeccaannsmith4576]

Love them all

[@tambramccauley2132]

love the change!

[@airmom8716]

Amazing gray sweater remake! The fringe is awesome!

[@trustytrunks315]

Love it! Making a lost art relevant again. Not sure I’ll do anything, but loved watching you!

[@wekebu]

I've been quilting for 25 years and you're making me feel brave about garment adjustments. I currently will take in and make things thinner but never thought I would be brave enough to move shoulder or sleeve!

[@brendajones6664]

Pop

[@ChristinaHauri]

Wow! You are amazing! This was super fun to watch; thanks for sharing!!