DIY Pullover to Cardigan Sweater Jacket Conversion Guide
Transforming a Pullover Sweater into a Cardigan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you tired of your pullover sweater's one-piece design? Here's a simple guide to convert it into a stylish cardigan with button closure.
Step 1: Mark and Cut the Sweater Front
Lay your pullover flat and mark the center front line from neckline to hem. Carefully cut the sweater straight down this line to create two front panels.
Step 2: Finish the Cut Edges
The raw edges will likely unravel, so use a sewing machine or hand-stitching to finish the edges. Common finishes include serging, using a zigzag stitch, or applying a knit binding or ribbing trim along the cut edges to maintain stretch and a clean look.
Step 3: Add Button Bands
Sew knit or ribbed button bands to the inside edges of each front panel. These bands stabilize the edges and provide a base for buttons and buttonholes. Alternatively, you can pick up stitches with knitting needles or crochet along the edge to create a stretchy button band directly.
Step 4: Create Buttonholes and Sew on Buttons
With the button band in place, create buttonholes evenly spaced along one side. Sew buttons aligned with the buttonholes on the opposite side.
Step 5: Optionally Re-shape Neckline/Collar
Depending on the original pullover design, you may want to modify or add a collar or trim to complement the new cardigan front.
Materials Needed
- Two fabric strips, each 2 inches wide and 2 inches longer than the front of the sweater
- A button and a hair elastic band cut in half
- Contrasting fabric, sharp scissors, and a tape measure
- A thick hair elastic, pins, and a sewing machine or hand-stitching supplies
Instructions
- Fold over each fabric strip so that wrong sides of the strip and sweater are facing together and raw edges are hidden.
- Pin the unpressed sides of each fabric strip to the raw edge of the center cut made in the sweater.
- Fold and press the long side of each fabric strip.
- Fold and press each end of the fabric strips.
- Topstitch around all four edges of the fabric strip and add the button so that you can button your cardigan closed.
This method effectively converts the pullover into a functional cardigan with button closure, preserving the original knit fabric's style and warmth. Happy sewing!
For beginners, consider knitting or crocheting a cardigan from scratch or using patterns designed as cardigans rather than modifying an existing pullover. A YouTube video demonstrates turning a pullover into a cardigan, but cutting the sweater and sewing is necessary, as you cannot convert it without altering the garment cutting. Some people also suggest using a separating zipper if buttons seem complicated, but buttons are more classic. If you want a quick non-sewing hack, a TikTok video hints at simple transformative styling but without a full conversion with buttons.
