Tips for Upcycling 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.
  3. Plan for Fabric Grain:
    If sewing tow large panels of a sweatshirt together, pay attention to the grainline of the sweatshirt fabric to ensure your pieces stretch in the right direction (e.g., horizontally for body panels).

Sewing Techniques

  1. Needle Choice:
    Use a ballpoint or stretch needle to prevent skipped stitches and tearing.
  2. Thread:
    Use polyester thread for durability and a slight stretch to accommodate the fabric's give.
  3. Stitch Type:
    Use a stretch stitch, zigzag stitch, or a serger to maintain the fabric's flexibility. Test your settings on a scrap piece first.
  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.

Finishing Touches

  1. Reinforce Seams:
    Consider double stitching or using a serger to finish seams for added strength and a clean look. If doing small applique, a simple strait stich will work.
  2. Hem Carefully:
    Use a twin needle or a zigzag stitch for hems to maintain stretch and flexibility. Surprisingly, almost all home sewing machines come with a twin needle and they are very easy to set up.
  3. Add Embellishments:
    Applique is the easiest way to upcycle a stained sweatshirt. Incorporate applique, embroidery, or patches to add a whimsical touch while covering up any imperfections in the fabric.

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.

 

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