In this upcycling tutorial video, I’ll show you how I refashioned active wear that I picked up thrifting and upcycled them so they better suited my needs and style.
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1. Upcycle an old sweater into a more modern style.
I picked up the sweater for a few dollars from my local thrift store.
It had clearly been well loved because it was stretched out of shape and the fabric was covered in pilling balls.
I loved the spearmint colour though and couldn’t resist buying it.
The first step was to get rid of all the pilling. Pilling are those little balls that form on the fabric from years of wear and washing.
To do this, I always use a standard razor to remove them, simply scraping it over the fabric. I recommend testing the process on an unseen piece of the fabric just to make sure the razor won’t damage it.
Next, I took in the side seams to reduce the width so it fit me a little better.
Then, I cut off the ribbed fabric along the bottom hem. This was all stretched out of shape. Then I sewed a new bottom seam ensuring it was wide enough to accommodate the new tie for the waist.
To accommodate the new hole for the waist tie at the front, I marked the centre of the bottom hem with chalk. I then cut a vertical hole.
To finish off the hole, I used the buttonhole stitch on my sewing machine. My sewing machine is very old and doesn’t make buttonholes easy so I usually avoid them at any cost. I must admit I did a lot of practicing on scrap fabric before attempting it on the real sweater.
To make the waist tie, I used the bottom ribbed section I cut off. This was then threaded through the new bottom hem.
I made sure to tie a knot in each end so, when I wash it, the tie doesn’t get lost inside the hem.
And finally, I cut off the ribbing from the bottom of each sleeve and added a new elasticated hem.
2. Upcycle a pair of old tracksuit pants
I picked up these trackpants at my local thrift store for $3. They were too big and not a style that I would really wear.
The first step in the upcycling of these trackpants was to take in the inside leg seam to remove the flare at the bottom and make the more straight legged. This made a big difference.
With my leisure wear, I like to be able to go from relaxing at home to popping down to the shops without having to change.
Next, I make them shorter. Using a pair of track pants that I liked the length of as a guide. You’ll see I took quite a lot off the bottom of these.
I then pinned and sewed a new hem. Fleecy fabric is easy to work with and, best of all, doesn’t frey so I only had to sew a simple hem.
I then threaded elastic through the new bottom leg seam. This nipped in the leg seam at the bottom, which I liked.
And finally, I found a new tie for the waist and I’m done!
All up this upcycling project took me about 40 minutes and I’ve got a new pair of comfy pants. I couldn’t be happier.
3. Upcycle another thrifted sweater
I picked up this sweater for $1 while on a recent country town thrift run. Clothes in Sydney op shops are quite expensive so it’s worthwhile getting out of the city every once and a while.
While this sweater isn’t the prettiest, the fabric is actually lightweight making it perfect for in between seasons.
The first step was to remove all the pilling. Pilling is those little balls that form on fabric after years of wear and washing. To do this, I simply use a razor. I would recommend checking first on a section of non-visible fabric just in case.
I didn’t like the neckline so decided to sew a new one by folding the neck ribbing in. Also, it was a bit stretched out of shape. I top sewed this in place on the machine. I was much happier with the v-neck.
Using a jumper that I liked the length of, I reduced the bottom hem length.
Often I’ll create an elastic waist band at the bottom but, to make the sweater more versatile, I decided to add a tie up waist band could be adjusted. This way I can make it as tight or lose as I want. I can also have it showing or tuck it under.
To make the waist band tie, I used a scrap of fabric I’d cut from the bottom of a dress that I rehemmed. I thought the pink would add a pop of colour.
I then threaded the new waist tie through the bottom seam so it tied at the side.
Next I reduced the length of the sleeves and sewed a new sleeve hem. I went with my favourite go-to sleeve by threading elastic through. I love this option because it means you can wear the sleeves down or push them up and they stay in place. It’s so easy to do and the finished result is super practical.
And finally, I removed the original blue buttons and replaced them with some hot pink ones that matched the new bottom hem tie.
And it’s finished. I'm so happy with how it turned out.