Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Belted Cardigan Make Over - Tutorial

O.K. Class, are you ready? This tutorial is so simple! Today we are making this belted cardigan. Who doesn't love cardigans? I, myself, have a nice collection that is ever growing. I was more than happy to add just one more to the assortment! 




Materials that you will need:
sewing machine
cardigan
fabric of your choice


I picked up my cardigan at the local thrift store. I chose this one because it was light weight and it did not taper at the bottom. It was really well made and oh so soft to touch.  The label says Evan-Picone. I have no idea who that designer is, but let's pretend it's some super fancy brand and I scored on a really great deal! I got it for $4.99!

The sweater also has really lovely detailing. A little matronly, but still lovely!


You will want to first lay your cardigan out and measure the full width of it. 


Use that measurement to cut your belt pocket to the needed length and width. I wanted my pocket to be 2" wide. The width of my sweater was 29" so I cut my belt fabric at 2.5"x 30" for seam allowance. Press the sides down with an iron, making sure you measure carefully as you go. 

Now you will want to sew a small hem on the ends of your belt. I folded my fabric over only once on the sides because I didn't want to added bulk. If you have a fabric that is lighter weight, you may want to fold your ends under twice. If not, I recommend using pinking shears to prevent it from fraying.

This is where you will determine where to put your belt. Are you wanting it just under the chest for an empire waist or do you want it to tie right in the middle? You decide!
Now you are ready to pin your belt pocket (I really don't know the proper term for it!) to your cardigan. Again, measure as you go making sure you have the same measurement from the bottom of the sweater to the bottom of your pocket. Be careful as to leaving the sweater in it's natural state and not to pull or tug on your sweater as you go.


Next, just sew your pocket to your cardigan, leaving the ends open. Weave a belt or sash through and you now have yourself a refashioned couture cardigan! 

You're done!
Here is what the back should look like.


My black satin sash is a nice addition, don't you think?

14 comments:

katherine said...

l.o.v.e a whole lot!! hope you are well!! thanks for the cute tutorial!

Madeline said...

what a fun idea!

{natalie} said...

i like it. i think it will have to look for a cardigan to try it out. glad you are back.

Lauren @ 31diy said...

That is a beautiful cardigan! I'm so impressed. I may give this a try after i finish some projects I've been working on. Oh it's so pretty...I may just have to make this project a priority.

Larissa@Just Another Day in Paradise said...

I love this SO much. Saw this on girl creative and it screamed out to me. Now I am making it my mission to find a cardigan I can do this with.

Would love it if you stopped by my blogsometime.

Just Another Day in Paradise

Unknown said...

this is so great! thank you for linking up...I am going to feature you next week :)

Jess said...

Okay I think that is the cutest clothing make-over I've ever seen!

Kim -today's creative blog said...

You're pretty talented! Love the wreath too. Don't forget to link to me please.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your project at Anything Related! ~Bridgette

Terrell said...

I would love to have one of these!! It's just soooo adorable and creative!! I am happy to be your newest follower and would love to have you as a friend at Frou Frou Decor! I would also like to invite you to my Fabulous Friday Finds party, every Friday! Hope to see you there!
Hugs,
~Terrell @ FFD~

Heather Bredimus said...

Hi Amy! I found your site off of Today’s Creative Blog! I love your cardigan! You are so talented! But I would love to know more about that wreath! It's beautiful! I am your newest follower! Woo hoo! I hope you stop by my new blog. I just started it 2 months ago and would love new friends! Please come see me at http://www.modernfamilymagazine.com

Unknown said...

stinkin cute! Love this idea! Have a cardigan in mind for this! I needs a little help and this is the perfect solution! Thanks for sharing this project!

Unknown said...

Way cute. I am pretty much addicted to cardigans and this is awesome. Too bad my sewing machine is MIA right now...

Katie | FashionFrugality.com said...

This looks SO good! I must make one of these! :)

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