Up-cycle Your Cardigans: 3 Easy DIY’s

September 28, 2012

Posted 09/12

I happened upon a $1 rack of cardigans at H&M last fall….right place, right time. I grabbed a bunch, gave some to my sisters, and kept the basic colors. I realized I had not really worn them however, and I knew it was because they just needed a little more pizzaz to catch my interest on the go. So, resourcing that same scrap pile of leather swatches and trims, I decided to re-vamp, and now they are all competing for my attention. It just takes a little here and there to make it a new fun piece. Two of these are no-sew too! Not much instructions needed for these – mainly inspiration to get creative with what you have:)

1) DIY Shoulder Patch Cardigan – Up-cycle inspired by this lovely number from Emerson Fry’s fall collection.

Materials:

Cardigan

Suede or faux leather fabric (I used a soft cotton suede)

Needle and Thread

Instructions: Measure the length of the shoulder hem with your cardigan on (since it stretches when it is worn). Also make sure it is pre-shrunk or hang dry only. You can hand stitch or sew. As you sew or stitch pull the fabric slightly with you as you go so that it is sewn at the stretched length. Trim the ends at an angle if needed. If you use a thick fabric use a thick needle. You will want to match your thread to your fabric.

2) Heart Patch Pocket Cardigan

Materials:

Any color Cardigan (Pockets preferred) – (similar here or here)

Leather or faux leather fabric

Tip: check your local inter design stores for any fabric books they are getting rid of!

Fabric glue

Instructions. Measure out your heart so that the top middle part lines the width of the top of your pocket. You want it to be high enough that it won’t flop over. Cut, trace, and duplicate a second heart.

Glue only the area of the heart that will overlap the pocket. Pretty simple:)

The leather fabric I used had a soft suedish backing so it was perfect for fabric glue. Leather backings will not hold and you will need to sew.

3) Sequin Trimmed Pocket Cardigan – This is by far the easiest way to add a little glam.

Materials:

Pocket Cardigan (similar here)

Sequin Trim

Fabric Glue

Instructions: Simply measure the length of the trim along the pocket, cut, and use fabric glue to secure. Gentle wash and line dry.

Now go through your closets and see what you can do to change up some oldies to make new goodies:) Hope you enjoy!

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Flora and Fauna says:

September 28, 2012 at 12:51 pm

Wow! This was great! I’m totally inspired to try the same thing! Love all three looks! Have a great weekend! xo

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whitney @ thecurtiscasa says:

September 28, 2012 at 1:15 pm

love these diys! I just posted about that Emerson Fry sweater yesterday and totally thought about doing the same thing! 🙂

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Sheila@TheFailteHouse says:

September 28, 2012 at 1:18 pm

such creative ideas to recycle- I need to try one of these…I have so many old sweaters I could re-make thanks for posting Anna. I think the glittery pocket one might win 🙂

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Lilly says:

September 28, 2012 at 1:47 pm

LOVE this idea! I need to try one of these 🙂

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Stephanie @ henry happened says:

September 28, 2012 at 1:48 pm

I love that these add a little extra something without making the cardies over the top or not wearable! great job!

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Gaby [The Vault Files] says:

September 28, 2012 at 2:05 pm

Love them all! Have a great weekend Anna 😉

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Lindsay @ Delighted Momma says:

September 28, 2012 at 2:18 pm

All of these ideas are SO creative!! I just wish I could buy that cute little heart cardigan already made–I have ZERO sewing skills ha. Have a great weekend beautiful!

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rachael adele says:

September 28, 2012 at 2:18 pm

i was just thinking this morning that i needed to do something with my sad cardigans that i NEVER wear anymore.

that heart pocket is so darn cute. i may have to test my not-so-great sewing skills this weekend!

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Jennifer says:

September 28, 2012 at 2:22 pm

love them all! Happy weekend!

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Martina says:

September 28, 2012 at 2:41 pm

Wow, so nice and easy and glam! Am a huge fan of cardis in all shapes and coors – wil have a look at what i can do over the weekend!

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Gloria says:

September 28, 2012 at 2:42 pm

I love the shoulder patch idea – so cute! Have a wonderful weekend!

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Kelsey Elizabeth says:

September 28, 2012 at 2:55 pm

The suede shouldered one is my favorite! I am still shocked (and sooo jealous) about the 1$ cardigans!!!

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christin says:

September 28, 2012 at 3:04 pm

I totally want to try my hand at making heart elbow patches on a cardi. But I’m not crafty. Maybe Grace will help me 🙂

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jana zuniga says:

September 28, 2012 at 3:23 pm

SO CUTE AND CLEVER ANNA!!! I love all three but esp the heart pockets. ADORABLE.

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Sarah says:

September 28, 2012 at 3:59 pm

Love this Ana. And that sequin shirt with the chambray is genius!

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New Dress A Day says:

September 28, 2012 at 4:15 pm

Love this lady!! What a fun trio of cardis in your collection now! Gorge 🙂 xx Marisa

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Sara Flynn says:

September 28, 2012 at 4:25 pm

great ways to upcycle your cardigans. I love the last one.. I should that with some of mine!

Sara
http://seventwentysomethings.blogspot.com/

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Annie says:

September 28, 2012 at 4:58 pm

Absolutely love these easy ways to refresh my cardis!! Going to do one of these for sure!
-Annie
(www.livesimplybyannie.com)

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Nicole @ Happy Pretty Things says:

September 28, 2012 at 4:59 pm

I always say, “when in doubt, shop at H&M!” – you gotta love those $1 sales – thanks for giving me ideas on how to spruce my cardis up!

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Anne says:

September 28, 2012 at 5:10 pm

These are all so fabulous! I definitely have my eye on a couple cardigans in my closet that need some love. Craft time this weekend!

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Jen says:

September 28, 2012 at 6:01 pm

$1 cardigans?! SO jealous. That’s my own personal heaven.

Love these ideas– especially the sequins. You can never go wrong with sequins!

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Cynthia says:

September 28, 2012 at 6:22 pm

First of all…you found $1 cardigans?? I think I need to follow you around when you shop! IF, I lived near you that is 😉 Love the diy ideas. Thanks!

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Michaela says:

September 28, 2012 at 6:24 pm

You are TOO good. The sequin and heart pockets are the cutest ever. And hello…a $1 cardi sale?! This is amazing.

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Laura @ Chaotic Domestic says:

September 28, 2012 at 6:34 pm

The cardi’s look awesome!! Great post!

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Heidi says:

September 28, 2012 at 7:03 pm

So cool! I love the heats. -Heidi

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detrimental beauty says:

September 28, 2012 at 7:08 pm

I love #2. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I linked this post in my Fashion Friday post today…

Thanks for the DIYs!

danielle @ detrimentalbeauty.com

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Amy says:

September 28, 2012 at 9:15 pm

You need a pin button on the end of this post! I will be pinning when i get home! such great ideas 🙂
xo,
Amy
itwasloveat.blogspot.com

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madilla says:

September 28, 2012 at 9:43 pm

#1 ans #2 are my fave! And it seems such an easy project to do!

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Alexa says:

September 28, 2012 at 9:57 pm

Oh Anna…the cutest. Love the little sparkle you added! xo PS happy weekend friend!

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homestilo says:

September 29, 2012 at 12:07 am

First of all, $1 cardigans?! That’s just bananas. I really like the pockets- especially the heart idea.

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bestie says:

September 29, 2012 at 1:55 am

you kill me with your cleverness…seriously! fantastic ideas. and love the bracelets!

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Megan says:

September 29, 2012 at 10:27 am

i feel like i need to live next door to you so you can revamp all of my clothes and make jewelry and stuff. oh and cuz youre awesome. duh

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Melissa says:

September 29, 2012 at 12:58 pm

the heart pockets and your cheekbones in that last picture are KILLING me! So glam.

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Cara-Mia says:

September 29, 2012 at 5:33 pm

Um $1 cardigans??? How lucky!

I love all three of these DIYs.

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Collette | Serendipity Handmade says:

September 30, 2012 at 11:24 pm

Wow, a $1 rack! Lucky, lucky, I’ve never seen anything like that in my neck of the woods. Very cute — love the sequins idea beat.

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clarabelleblog.com says:

October 1, 2012 at 3:31 am

Stumbled upon your blog via Pinterest. You are GORGEOUS and you have a new fan!
http://www.clarabelleblog.com

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Amanda says:

October 1, 2012 at 4:28 pm

Oh my…a $1 rack of cardigans. Sounds like heaven to me. You look so stylish in those cardis, my friend. I need to do some layering. I’m inspired!

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Coco Bolinho says:

October 6, 2012 at 12:08 pm

I love your blog! You’ve got a new follower:)

Hope you can visit my blog and follow me back if you like it 🙂

http://styleglaze.blogspot.com

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emma robert says:

November 7, 2012 at 7:48 am

Nice color cardigans with awesome colors scarves! if you want to look stunning this winter wear cool color
cardigans with stylish boots!

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Noelle
says:

November 27, 2013 at 5:08 am

Very cute. My only question is, how do you wear all those layers without looking and feeling bunchy?

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Refashion Your Clothes says:

April 24, 2015 at 4:21 am

The heart pocket one if my fave. I don’t have any scrap leather but I think it would look really cute using lace in place of the leather.

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