How to Make a Cozy Hat from Old Upcycled Sweaters

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See how to make a hat from a sweater. If you are looking for ideas for what to do with old cashmere sweaters or wool sweaters, consider an upcycled sweater project that takes less than 30 minutes.

If you have an old sweater that you love but has run its course, I get it, you don’t want to get rid of it but can’t still wear it. Maybe it has a hole or a stain. Continue to love your favorite old sweater but now you can wear it as a sweater hat instead.

Whether your old sweater is made of wool, cotton, or cashmere. Upcycling cashmere sweaters is great because cashmere is so warm and soft.  

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Do you have any old sweaters sitting in your drawers or hanging in your closet? Whether you gained a few pounds, lost a few, or maybe just don’t wear them anymore.

Looking for things to make with old sweaters? How about a warm and cozy hat? This is the perfect and so easy sweater upcycle project that can be done in under an hour. 

Give an old sweater a new life and turn it into a winter hat. You don’t even need a sewing machine. 

How to Make a Hat from an Old Sweater

When you are making a hat from upcycled sweaters you will need a few basic items, and tools.

Materials Needed / Source List:

• Old Sweater 
• Scissors 
• Needle and Thread
  • You will need very basic sewing knowledge

If you are getting into sewing or are an avid seamstress already, you may love a personalized sewing kit like this one: sewing kit.

Easy Upcycled Sweaters DIY

I confess that I was supposed to be doing something else when I made the decision that I would make myself a ‘new’ hat from my old sweater. This old sweater had been in the closet, then on the dresser and finally, now it’s upcycle sweater time. It’s one of those cozy sweaters that you just can’t bring yourself to get rid of even after it no longer fits.

How to Make a DIY Hat from an Old Sweater

Here are the basic steps for how to make a hat out of an old sweater:

First, cutting the old sweater. Lay the old sweater out on a flat surface and make sure to line up the bottom of the front of the sweater with the bottom of the back of the sweater.

Next, grab a hat that already have to use as a template. I am using my favorite slouch hat that has gotten a little too slouchy and is stretched out. A cute beanie hat works great for this. 

Place the old hat on the old sweater, with the bottoms lined up.

Then cut the sweater along the outer edge of the old hat. I’m sure it may help to draw a line or pin the hat to the sweater. But you can take risks, and live wildly and cut around the hat freely of you feel comfortable.

I suggest using sharp scissors, otherwise, you may have a tough time cutting through the old sweater. And sharp scissors will also help prevent or minimize fraying. You can find hew scissors here: sewing scissors.

Once you cut out the sweater hat you should have something that resembles the shape of a hat cut from your old sweater.

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How to Sew an Upcycled Sweater Hat Together

First, make sure to flip the sweater, soon-to-be hat, around so that the outside is on the inside.

Then grab grandma’s old sewing kit, your sewing box, or a needle and thread. This was my grandmother’s sewing box. There must be thread in here from before I was even born.

These old tomato pin holders! I think all grandmas had one of these, or maybe that is just my personal memories. If you don’t have a sewing kit, you can get one for a reasonable price online here: sewing kit.

Back to our recycled sweater hat. Thread the needle with thread. Since your thread will be on the inside of the hat, you can probably get away with using any color. Or use a thread color similar to your hat color.

My eyesight isn’t what it used to be, so I am using grandmas old needle threader. You can find these online here: needle threader.

Start at one end and sew along the perimeter of your cut out hat. I do’nt really know how to explain the sewing part. My mother taught me the basics of how to sew when I was four years old. I am hoping that you can get this part on your own.

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When you get to the end make sure to knot the thread a few times, and trim off the excess thread.

Your upcycled sweater should look more like a hat now. Make sure to flip the repurposed sweater right side out, so that the cuts, seams, and thread are on the inside.

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Repurposed Upcycled Sweater to Cozy Hat

Thats it. You are all done with your old new hat. Try it on and see how it fits. This one turned out great and covers my ears to keep them nice and warm during these cold and windy days.

This upcycled sweater craft took literally all of about 20 minutes from start to finish. I have to tell you that it’s even warmer than my previous hat. I even have enough leftover from my old sweater to make a matching hat for my little buddy. Add that to the ‘to-do’ list.

If you want to know how to upcycle cashmere sweaters I can only suggest you follow these same steps. Recycled sweater hats and upcycled sweaters make the warmest coziest hats.

If you prefer to skip the upcycle project, you can find great cashmere hats online here: cashmere hats. Then you might as well get a soft cashmere scarf to go with your hat: cashmere scarf.

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