As the weather cools off, you have two choices for avoiding a style rut: buy a seriously large number of sweaters or learn to dress up the sweaters you have in new and different ways. Sweaters are expensive, so like most people you’ll probably choose option B. While you can always add a brooch for a unique look, nothing transforms your winter wear like a scarf. If you make your own scarves from used clothing you’ll truly be one of a kind.  

Sewn Scarves

  One way to create something new out of used clothing is sewing. With only basic skills, you can make a number of different scarves. For a style that really makes a statement, try this pattern from Instructables to make a scrunchy scarf out of wool pants.   If a compact scarf is more your style, whipup.net has step-by-step instructions for making one out of used clothing that can be as warm or light as you choose.  

[Image Source: whipup.net]

  You can also make an infinity scarf out of pants. Check out this tutorial from The Renegade Seamstress, who is also a great source of upcycling ideas.  

[Image Source: The Renegade Seamstress]

No-Sew Scarves

  When it comes to no-sew projects, old t-shirts are an incredible supply to have in your stash. The material is resistant to fraying, and can be layered for a thicker or thinner scarf. They also come in every color in the rainbow, and thrifting for them is cheap. The most important tools you can have for these projects are scissors and fabric.   If you live where fall and winter are mild, you can be fashionable without overheating. This no-sew scarf looks full and stylish, but will still leave you room to breathe.  

[Image Source: Instructables]

  For a look with more ruffles, try this tutorial for transforming a t-shirt into a scarf from Tidy Mom.   Braided scarves can help you look like you’ve just stepped out of a boutique, and you can use different color combinations to create different looks. No one will ever know that your scarf started out as used t-shirts and a pair of scissors. Life Ann Style has a full tutorial here.  

[Image Source: Life Ann Style]

 

Salvaging Yarn for Knitting and Crocheting

  Before we started making so many disposable things, our foremothers re-used everything. You’ll get major upcycling bragging rights if you learn to make scarves from used sweaters. While not every sweater can be salvaged for yarn (items that were made with a serger, for example, will unravel into small piles of string) a trip to your closet or a thrift store will give you plenty of used clothing supplies for experimentation. There are a number of tutorials for this online, but this is a great one.   Once you’ve got the yarn salvaged, you can make any kind of scarf you can imagine. These scarves will make great gifts for the holiday season, and upcycling sweaters with sentimental value can only add to the appeal.   When it comes to upcycling used clothing into scarves, there really are no limits. Be creative. Take risks. Have fun.