Turn Old Sweaters Into Leg Warmers

Cyinda
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 213 Posts

Leg-warmers are back in style and can easily be made from the sleeves of old sweaters, even sweaters with holes! Just turn the sweater inside-out and cut the seam out at the arm-hole using sharp scissors. Next unravel the sleeve (from the top down) until the top is straight and level all around.

If you know how to knit or crochet, just loosely put one loop over the next (all around) until the area is "bound off" If you don't know how to knit or crochet just sew or (using fabric glue) tack each loop of yarn down inside the sleeve.

You can make your leg-warmers shorter by just unraveling more of the top (or cutting the yarn off, then turning it in, then zig-zagging or hand stitching) If you need to make the leg-warmers thinner, simply turn them inside-out and sew a seam up the inside, then zig-zag and cut off excess. I, myself leave the extra piece on and just tuck it down inside and tack it. This is good for a little extra warmth, but it also adds bulk.

For washable leg-warmers use acrylic sweaters, but for super-warm ones, use wool sweaters. For kids sizes, use kids sweaters. I've made lots of these using sweaters from thrift stores and they sure are warm and help keep your legs dry when it snows. Sometimes I'll even spray silicone on them as an added water repellent!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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rose

July 18, 20090 found this helpful

Thanks that is a great idea. I used to knit a lot. Now I have arthritis and can't knit much, but I love leg warmers, because they help keep legs warm, which means less pain. Rose in Australia

NewYork2Texas

October 22, 20140 found this helpful

In summer months when sweater are not in use, you can use them to wrap throw pillows. They are gorgeous.

Anonymous

July 7, 20170 found this helpful

I also use the rest of the sweater to make mittens for me to match.... I trace my hand out onto a paper grocery bag twice. Then place on sweater with thumbs going in opposite directions...

Sew them inside out and hem, being careful not to unravel. Can also make a hat to complete the ensemble.... Don't waste any of that sweater if you don't have to....

DeBushe
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 179 Feedbacks

January 16, 20230 found this helpful

I use old sweatshirts for knee warmers. Cut off sleeve at shoulder seam. Cut off the rest of the sleeve above the knitted cuff. Attach a clip-on elastic (like the ones used to keep sheets on the bed) to the highest part of the sleeve. Clip the other end to the side of your panties. This will keep the sleeve up around your knee where it belongs. You may have to slit the bottom a few inches to make it possible to pull it up over your knee. I have found packages of 4 sheet clip-ons at Walmart and various $ stores for under $4. You will be amazed what a difference it makes to have warm knees!

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