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How to breathe new life into old cardigans

Sweater weather is still here. If last year's dresses are starting to feel a little dowdy, there's no need to go shopping for a new wardrobe when you can easily spruce up the items you already have. With little or no sewing involved, you can create some new cardigans with these ideas.

How to breathe new life into old cardigans

Jennifer perkins

These decoration ideas work for kids and adults alike. Do you realize that you have used the elbow of your favorite sweater? Cover the hole with an application. Lost a button along the way? Make some new ones in any fabric you like. Plus, if that pesky stain won't come off, you can always paint it over.

Check out this episode of DIY This With Jennifer Perkins for even more examples of sweater embellishments and step-by-step guides to using tools like button covers.

How to breathe new life into old cardigans

Jennifer perkins

Vintage beaded sweaters are a rare and hard thing to find when looking for antiques. If you are lucky enough to lend a hand, it will most likely cost you a bit. With the help of fabric paint, you can make your own version. Use round sponge brushes to make polka dots and a fine tipped fabric paint to create the effect of raised beads. This option also allows you to choose the color scheme you want.

How to breathe new life into old cardigans

Jennifer perkins

Once you have the craft store tool for making covered buttons, no boring button will be safe! They come in different sizes and the possibilities for fabric coverings are endless. Some hand sewing is required to replace the buttons, but in less than an hour, you can give your favorite sweater a whole new look.

How to breathe new life into old cardigans

Jennifer perkins

Why not paint some elbow patches instead of sewing them on? Mark elbows on sweaters while wearing. Take off the sweater and stretch your elbows on a cup or a piece of cardboard. Draw a heart and fill it in with soft fabric paint. Add faux stitches with a fabric or permanent marker.

How to breathe new life into old cardigans

Looking for more ideas to liven up your wardrobe? Check out our posts on DIY Pencil Shoes, Fruity Fun, and Blinged Out Sun Hats.