How to make a felted sweater with a shrug

Step 1

Felt an old wool sweater

Choose a wool sweater that is at least one size too big. Feel the sweater by washing it with hot water and a little detergent and then drying it on high heat.

Step 2

Lay the sweater on a flat work surface. Cut the front of the sweater vertically up the center.

Cut each sleeve about 2 inches from the armpit. (You can save the sleeves to make fingerless gloves.)

Cut the middle and sleeves

Lay the sweater on a flat work surface. Cut the front of the sweater vertically up the center. Cut each sleeve about 2 inches from the armpit. (You can save the sleeves to make fingerless gloves.)

Step 3

Determine length and cut curves

Try on the sweater and mark it with a safety pin at the point where the sweater hits the center of your rib cage. Then remove the sweater and cut evenly across the bottom at the marked point.

Round off the front corner edges of the sweater.

Stage 4

Add decorative trim

Whip around the edges with embroidery floss and decorate your bolero shrug with buttons or other embellishments.

Step 5

Wear it with style

Put on your new yarns and show off this freshly recycled sweater shrug.