Felting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Recycled Sweater Wool Mittens (HOW TOs)

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sweatermitten

There has been an interest in making mittens from recycled wool sweaters.  Following are the links to several good blogs and sites that show you just how to make these beauties.  I thought that I would post this early for gift giving and craft shows, so have fun!

 Video: http://studio5.ksl.com/?sid=4456414&nid=61

 Pattern: http://media.bonnint.net/slc/907/90740/9074084.pdf

 http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Mittens-for-Buy-Nothing-Day/

 http://frugalliving.about.com/od/craftsgifts/ss/Sweater_Mittens.htm

 http://www.marthastewart.com/article/sweater-mittens-with-molly

 http://www.ehow.com/how_4668425_mittens-out-old-sweaters.html

http://www.scholastic.com/dearamerica/activities/crafts/storm_mittens.htm

 http://www.urbanthreads.com/pages?id=229

 http://breakingeven.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/too-cute-tuesday-felted-mittens.html

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Comments

  1. I printed the pattens for the mittens and I think they are too small. I do not know how to enlarge the patten.

  3. These mittens are so cool and I want to make them so bad, even bought some wool sweater, and now they won’t come together for me!!!!! I sewed the two thumb parts together,that was o.k. but them I pinned the back and front together and the thumb part was to short by about 1/1/2″. Please I would be greatful for any help. Thank you!

  4. I can not make the thumb turn out correctly.
    Either I am sewing to far down to the mark, then it makes a gap in the # 3 and combined #1 and #2. Can you suggest a tip?
    Thank you in advance.

  5. I had the same problem as Patsy. I extended the “bottom” part of the thumb piece by about an inch and then they lined up just right. I’m just glad I saw it BEFORE I cut — the mittens turned out SO cute!! (they were a gift for a friend who had lost hers – I made her a hat to match, too.)

  7. I’ve had trouble finding 100% wool sweaters; is it necessary to use 100% wool or will cotton or acrylic sweaters work also?

  9. I went to purchase sweaters at my local thrift store today & was a little confused. Some sweaters say 100% wool and some say lambs wool. What is better?

  10. The video and instructions made this look very easy. However; it is misleading. I am disappointed! So excited to use up some old wool sweaters; yet the directions do not make sense. I also had the same problem of the mittens being too small. Wish we had more clear, step-by-step instructions!

  12. I would like a pattern but would also like one that has a liner made from fleece.
    thanks.

  13. I would like a pattern to make the mittens. Can’t seem to find one online. Lots of videos, but no patterns. Thanks

  16. I watched the video and though it was informative- her mittens are so cute and so well done. BUT she could have used ALL WOOL! Children, especially will get stinky mittens if they play out in wet snow a lot. Polyester (polar fleece) gets stinky. Wool does not. I look for only 100% wool sweaters to recycle. For the inside of mittens, use Merino wool, lambswool, Cashmere, or Angora- these are all soft and non-scratchy! Then you can truly recycle and use ALL natural fabrics! Also- to make them naturally waterproof- lanolize the mittens. To learn how, look for videos (youtube) on how to lanolize woolies or “wool covers”. It’s easy and fun!

  18. Just want to say what a total waste of my time – bust these out in 30 minutes as you say? Maybe if the correct pattern sizes had been given. I, like some of the others, found one side of the mitten WAY TOO SHORT and you won’t even respond to these people. How helpful is that?!

  20. I’m sorry, I thought you were the “artist”. Thank you for the instructables link. I checked it out and it looks like that is a much better way to go. I’m going to try it today. If it works out I’ll let you know.

  22. Okay, I used the instructibles link and customized the pattern to fit children and adults with a lining and it worked great! 🙂 Thanks SO much for your help Linda!!!

  26. I was disappointed by the pattern as the palm did not lay down flat. I did extend the cuff as it was easy to see it would be too short. It’s probably best, too,if woolen knits are used as a woven wool won’t stretch to get your hand into the mitten. I’ve made them 3 times trying to adjust the pattern. One of these times I’ll get it right.

Trackbacks

  1. […] and find yourself an old 100% wool sweater. Wash and dry on hot to felt the wool and visit this site for several different options on patterns to follow. Super easy, and super warm. You can modify the […]

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