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Who doesn’t love a good craft that allows you to use supplies you already have?
I’ve had a couple of sweaters sitting in my donation pile for awhile now. They were still in good condition and I didn’t want to part with them, so I started thinking of a way I could make them into something else.
I thought about making some small pillows, but knew with my two rambunctious dogs and their hair and nails that idea wouldn’t last long.
With fall approaching, I tried to think of some type of decor I could turn those sweaters into. I don’t own a lot of seasonal decor, so I try to use things that can be displayed for several months. Pumpkins are always a go-to for me! They add the seasonal touch without being overpowering or very holiday-ish.
Making little pumpkins out of the sweaters would be a fun little addition and will even add in some texture! These guys took about 30 minutes each to make, just depending on the size and how detailed you make it.
Grab an old sweater or hit the thrift store and let’s get started!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
SWEATERS | SCISSORS | STRING | THREAD | NEEDLE | TWINE | HOT GLUE GUN
HOW TO MAKE
For this project, you will be using the sleeves of sweaters. Keep that in mind if you are wanting a certain pattern or look.
Once you have some gathered some, cut the entire sleeve off and cut that into smaller sections. A larger section will make a bigger pumpkin.
I cut mine into three sections, making three smaller pumpkins. This is also a good time to use a fabric shaver or scissors to cut off any snags or pilling.
Grab one of the sections you just cut and turn it inside out. Using some string, tie off one of the ends. Set this piece to the side for now.
You will need to gather some filling. While you could use Poly-Fil if you have that on hand, I just cut up the body of the sweater that wasn’t being used into little scraps. Stretch the scraps out to soften them.
Take the section you set aside and turn it right side out. Fill the sleeve with the sweater scraps making sure it is stuffed, but can still be closed.
Tie off the opening with string, leaving a little bit of fabric hanging out at the top. Trim of the excess string.
Now, it’s time to give the pumpkin its shape.
Using a needle and thread, start at the bottom and weave the thread up the side of the fabric. Two or three stitches is all you will need. Once you get to the top, push the needle through the center and back down to the bottom. This will help pull the thread tight and create the ridges.
Continue this all the way around, using the same continuous strand of thread. Try to finish on the bottom of the pumpkin, where you can pull it tight once more and knot it. Use a dab of hot glue to keep it secure.
To create the stem, wrap your twine around the fabric at the top, hot gluing as you go along.
You’ve made your pumpkin! Add embellishments if you’d like and keep going!
This is such a fun little craft to make and I love that you can customize it with any texture, color or fabric! Have fun with it and happy crafting!
