Let’s face it, nearly all of us have some clothing sitting around that we don’t wear anymore. Sweaters are especially stubborn to get rid of because even when they start to unravel and pill we convince ourselves that we’ll still find some use for them (or wear them to warm up when no one’s watching).

But do you mean it?

Or are you willing to turn that sweater into something new?

Upcycling sweaters

If you’re like us (craft-challenged) you might cringe at the thought of working with a sweater. The idea of cutting into it and getting lots of loose seams to keep track of is daunting (but hey, if you don’t want to try, then you have an excuse to just donate it!)

If the 8.5 MILLION views a sweater upcycling video has received in the 1 month since it was posted are any indication, people at least want to watch the magic happen.

Here’s how it all started:

The channel of “신의손이선생 – DIY edigna” is run by Lee Young-Kyung who just joined YouTube this year but already has over 26 million views on her videos!

So it’s safe to say she’s a master at what she does.

But tell us you didn’t hold your breath a little when she made the first cut into this sweater:

Just keep cutting

This is going to be a complete sweater overhaul, so the cutting never ends! And we’re dying to see what she manages to turn this into (though we have to admit she started with a pretty nice sweater).

She really goes for it – we’re left with just a torso and sleeves as she goes in for the front cut, perhaps turning it into a cardigan (or a vest if she decides to take off the arms).

Now, if you’re feeling scissor-happy, here’s what you’ll need to complete this project like DIYedigna’s:

• One old sweater
• Fabric scissors
• A ruler
• About a yard of extra fabric of your choice
• An iron
• A sewing machine or thread and needle
• Two buttons

Trust us, if you think you know what’s coming, you’ll be surprised.

Taming the turtleneck

It turns out there’s a reason our crafter chose a turtleneck – she’s going to turn it into something entirely new!

But first, she’s going to take the scissors to the bottom of the sweater to create two rectangular pieces.

Now, she cuts the fabric into strips – they’re going to bind the edges of the sweater’s yarn so it doesn’t unravel.

The iron is mandatory for this part as you need to create both seams AND steam to get these fabric pieces the right size.

Now it’s time to grab that sweater and seal up the exposed threads in the front.

It looks like it will be some kind of cardigan after all.

You’ll do the same along the top until you’re left with a sweater that looks like this (but it’s not the end!):

The little things

Ok, NOW we’re working on the turtleneck. And much like the bottom of the sweater, it too will get cut into two pieces.

It will also be bound with the same fabric as the rest of the sweater – and turned into cute little pockets!

The bottom of the sweater is about to get a whole fabric backing as well – and wait until you see what it becomes!

Can you guess by looking at this photo? We bet you’re just a little bit off.

Before that final piece goes on, you should be left with a completely new sweater – a trimmed cardigan (with buttons at the top) instead of a turtleneck!

The final piece? A separate scarf!

Now you can decide if you really want a piece around your neck or not (although now it’s lined in fabric and might be less itchy).

Here’s a close-up of the final masterpiece.

Not your style? That’s ok. Keep your turtleneck then – it’s that simple!

But be sure to scroll down below to see more of the magic and a panned-out image of the whole design.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Facebook – DIYedigna, YouTube – 신의손이선생 – DIY edigna