An Easy Winter Sweater Tote Refashion Tutorial

Lucky me! I got to spend the weekend at Anthony Lakes Ski Resort. Even though the temperature was in the single digits we had a great time. The band Standard Deviation was rockin’ the Starbottle Saloon, the snow was perfect and the sun even made an appearance. It was just what I needed.

Of course, a girl can’t just bring a regular bag up to the mountain. 🙂 This called for a quick sweater refashion. I think it took me longer to decide which sweater to use than to actually make this totebag. I chose a wool sweater that was about 80% wool. It felted slightly after washing it in hot water and drying it on the hottest setting.

First, cut off the sleeves and the collar. The sleeves made a perfect cabin hostess gift for Linda to make some leg warmers. She was thrilled! I can’t wait to see how she styles them.

Next, you’ll need some handles. I chose to use handles from this old purse I found at my thrift store for a quarter.

Decide how big you’d like your bag and cut identical pieces from your sweater, interfacing and lining. You’ll need two of each.

Place the right sides of your sweater together and sandwich it between the two pieces of interfacing. Pin and sew three sides, leaving the top open.

Stitch across the bottom corners.

Right sides together, stitch three sides of your lining together, leaving the top open. Leave an opening in the bottom seam.

Turn the sweater right side out, pin handle, slide sweater into lining so right sides are together.

I started with this ribbon to attach the handle, but later changed my mind and used part of the sweater left overs. I apologize for not having a picture, but I attached it the same way as the ribbon.

Pin and sew the lining to the sweater around the top including the handle attachment.

Now you’re ready to turn it all right side out. Bring it all through the opening you left in the lining.

Pin and sew the opening closed.

Tuck the lining back inside the bag, fill it with some goodies and you’re ready to rock the mountain.

Thanks again, Linda! I had a great time!

You might also like: