Tips for Sewing Upcycled Sweatshirts

Do you want to have a little fun with your sewing machine? Working with secondhand sweatshirts has upped the fun factor for me. Because the materials are inexpensive and the fabric edges don’t need to be finished, it takes away all the pressure of making mistakes when sewing. It is a great way for beginners to upcycle and a fun escape for the seasoned sewist. It is an inexpensive way to play with design and let your imagination run wild!

So, let’s do it. Go thrift a few sweatshirts. At least one of them must be in your size so you can use it as a template or a base for your design.

Start brainstorming. Is there a place in nature that makes you happy. Is there a symbol that speaks to you (I love a good flower or cloud).  Sketch out a design and lets get to work.

Here are some tips tailored for your creative projects:

Preparation

1. Inspect the Fabric:
   Check for holes, stains, or wear, especially around cuffs and seams. I like to mark them so that as I create, I remember to cover them up or cut around them.
2. Pre-Wash:
   Wash and dry the sweatshirts before cutting to remove dirt and pre-shrink the fabric. You don’t want to end up with a garment that shrinks unevenly after it is finished.

Sewing Techniques

1. Needle Choice:
   I know the internet will tell you to use a ballpoint or stretch needle to prevent skipped stitches and tearing. BUt, I have found that a regular universal needle works just fine on sweatshirts.  
2. Thread:
   Use polyester thread for durability and a slight stretch to accommodate the fabric's give.
3. Stitch Type:
   I set my stitch legnth at 3.0 which just makes the needle move through the project smoothly. I like a straight stich on sweatshirts. if you want to use a zig zag, you may need some stablizer underneath the material. A serger works well on important seams but is not necessary since the sweatshirt material doesnt fray.  It is nice to use a serger on the bottom ribbing to give it some stretch. Test your settings on a scrap piece first. I also top stich if i am combinging pieces (like you do in a quilt).
4. Seam Allowances:
   Allow for slightly wider seam allowances to reinforce the structure, especially if the fabric has been worn thin.
5. Avoid Stretching While Sewing:
   Let the machine feed the fabric naturally without pulling to prevent wavy seams.

Creative Ideas for Sweatshirts

1. Patchwork Designs:
   Use an existing sweatshirt as a pattern and mix and match panels from different sweatshirts for a bold, playful look.
2. Combine with Other Fabrics:
   Pair sweatshirt fabric with denim or quilt pieces for a mixed-media aesthetic.
3. Feature Unique Elements:
   Use ribbing, cuffs, or hoodie drawstrings as design features to highlight the original garment's character.

You're going to love this. Don't put it off because you are nervous. It is a really fun and easy way to be creative. 

Happy Sewing!