When Sustainable Sewing and Knitting Meet: The Sweater Switchup

If you’re like me (and many others), your passion for crafting extends beyond knitting. Not only do I enjoy a few uninterrupted hours of knitting, but I also love to sew. When our sister brand, Sew Daily, released their new book Sustainable Sewing (available in print and as an eBook), several projects caught my eye. Then, I hit page 70 and my creative wheels started twirling.

About the Book Sustainable Sewing

Sustainable Sewing offers an engaging and eco-conscious approach to sewing that is both creative and environmentally friendly. In this book, the editors at Sew Daily provide readers with valuable insights, practical tips, and over 20 inspiring projects. It’s divided into chapters for sustainable home décor, upcycled accessories, and my favorite, refashioned garments.

Related: How a Serger Saved my Epic Sweater Fail

One of the standout features of this book is its emphasis on reusing old clothing, thrifted items, and unwanted textiles to create new and unique pieces. This not only helps you save money but also contributes positively to reducing waste and minimizing your environmental footprint. The focus on upcycling and repurposing makes this book especially relevant in a world increasingly concerned with sustainability.

The Sweater Switchup

The project that caught my eye is by designer Michele Matsumoto, a professional tailor and sewing pattern designer. In the book, she shows us how to jazz up a traditional sweatshirt into a unique, upcycled sweater. It’s called Sweater Switchup.

How does she do it? Knitted fabric!

Michele uses a thrifted, chunky-knit blanket to replace the sleeves of the sweatshirt. By deconstructing the sweatshirt, the existing sleeves can be used as a pattern to cut the knit blanket. What a great way to make the most of an old blanket that might be stained or damaged in one area.

The step-by-step instructions and colorful illustrations make the process of replacing the sleeves so easy. Plus, it shows you options for both a drop shoulder sweatshirt and raglan sleeve sweatshirt.

Related: Ask the Experts: How Do I Determine Sleeve Length for a Drop Shoulder Design?

Reimagining This Idea for Knitters  

If you don’t have an old blanket to make this sweatshirt, you have other options. As my creative wheels spin and spin, here are a few ideas that come to mind.

These are just a few ways you could use this project as inspiration to join your love of knitting with sustainable sewing.

What comes to mind for you? Share your favorite knitting-meets-sewing hack in the comments below!

Serial yarn sniffer Kerry Bogert loves to spend her time knitting when she’s not collaborating with the team at Interweave or editing Interweave Knits magazine. Her passion for making things with her hands is only matched by her love for her children and a well-attenuated stout. Kerry endeavors to never stop learning, buying yarn, or collecting beads. Read her latest articles at Interweave.com. 

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