How to Make Sweater Mittens (Free Pattern)

Learn how to sew beautiful mittens from your favorite sweater with this free pattern. These mittens will keep your fingers warm and cozy! Do you have an old sweater with holes or stains? Instead of throwing it away how about giving it a new purpose? This tutorial will show you step by step how to make mittens with your favorite old sweater.

Perhaps you have seen mittens made from sweaters before but you never thought about making them yourself! Well this winter one of my favorite sweaters finally said “enough!” And there was one too many holes to continue to wear this old sweater. So I decided to make sweater mittens!

Also be sure to check out the bottom of this post for a special Thrifty Thrusday blog link up. There’s nothing like transforming something old into a new creation! If you want more great ideas for up-cycling your old finds into new treasures. I link up with fellow bloggers at the bottom of this post.

It was one of those sweaters that was the perfect weight, length, color, and style. I can’t even remember all the times I wore it. Around the house, to the store, and everywhere in between. The holes made it a bad candidate for donating but I couldn’t quite stand throwing away this loyal piece of my wardrobe! So I gave it a new purpose. I turned this sweater into mittens!

When I started making the mittens I realized I was going to need a pattern. so I created one out of an old pair of mittens I had. You can download the pattern below. This will make it easier for you if you would like to make your own mittens out of an old sweater.

Here’s what you need to make Mittens out of an old Sweater

• Free mittens pattern
• 2 sweaters that compliment each other or 1 large sweater (I used one sweater with two different patterns on it).
• 1/4 yard fleece, flannel or other lining fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• seam ripper
• 2 large buttons

Here’s how to make mittens from an old sweater:

Step 1: Download Sweater Mitten Free Pattern & Cut Out

If you plan to make these mittens you will need first to get the free pattern. Save the pattern and print it. Then cut them out according to the size you will be using. I cut mine on a heavy weight paper so I could use it multiple times with each mitten.

Tip: Before you start cutting your sweaters, line up the pattern on top of your sweaters. To ensure you have enough of each fabric to make your pattern.

Once you have planned which fabric you will use on the front and back of your mitten. Cut out a left and right hand mitten with your sweater material. If you have multiple textures for the front and back of your mittens. Make sure when cutting you are using the correct hand (left or right) with the corresponding fabric.

Now repeat, and cut out a left and right mitten from the fleece. I went in at least 1/2″ from the pattern on the fleece. The fleece material will line your mittens. You will want the lining to be slightly smaller than the sweater material, which is the outside of your mitten.

When getting ready to sew your mittens. You will have a total of 2 pieces for each part of your mitten. 3 pieces for the outside sweater part of the mitten. 3 pieces for the fleece lining of your mitten. 6 total pieces for each hand (see below).

The last piece to cut is the cuff. Cut two cuffs from the sleeve portions of your sweater that are at least 4″ in length.I used the cuffs from a different sweater since the ones on my first sweater were pretty badly worn.

Step 2: Pin your Sweater Pieces to the Fleece Pieces

Pin the same parts of your sweater pieces to your fleece pieces. (With this mitten I sewed my mitten like this because my sweater was so thin. I actually cut an extra piece of sweater for each part of my mitten).

Take time while pinning to check your work. Make sure that you are making a right and left mitten. You don’t want to end up with two left mittens!

Tip: Also make sure you are pinning the right sides of the fabric together. Otherwise you will end up with the wrong fabric on the wrong side of the mitten.

Step 3: Sew the sweater pieces of the mitten to the fleece pieces

Sew a stitch around each part of your mitten to attach the sweater pieces of your mitten to the fleeces pieces.

Step 4: Sew Your Mitten Together

After your sweater pieces are sewn together with your fleece pieces. You will sew your mitten together. Start by pinning your pieces right side together.

When sewing, start with the pieces of the mitten around the thumb. Start with the bottom of the thumb and sew a seam to the opposite side of the bottom of the thumb. As pictured below.

Next sew a seam around the outside of the mitten. Of course leaving the bottom side of the mitten open.

Step 5: Place your cuff on mitten & Sew to mitten

With your mitten inside out. Place the cuff on the mitten and sew the unfinished edge to the bottom of your mitten. Trim any excess.

Turn the mitten right side up.

Fold the cuff over the mitten.

Step 6: Secure the cuff to the sweater mitten with a large button.

The last step is to take a needle and thread and secure the cuff in place. This will keep the unfinished edge from showing. You can use a button as a way to add something special to your cuff, and it helps to keep the cuff in place.

And that’s it! Now you have beautiful mittens and a new purpose for that old favorite sweater! These are very practical for cold winters and they make an excellent present for someone you know. Who doesn’t need a pair of warm mittens right now!

Also this could also be a way to create a keepsake from a loved one. Instead of just getting rid of them, you can help keep memories alive of a favorite sweater from a loved one. Or give some to other family members.

The options are endless! But this is such a fun project. I Would loooove to see your creations. If you make some please send a picture of them my way at: elizabeth@awellpurposedwoman.com.

Thrifty Thursday Link UPs

This week I am joining these two talented bloggers: Windmill & Protea who will show you how to up-cycle an unsightly end table. And The Inspired Decorator who will show you how to use an old wine jug in her home. So please take a minute and check out their posts!

No time to craft now? No worries just make sure to pin it!

Hope you are having a great week!!

P.S. If you missed our post on how to make DIY Valentine Gnomes you can still check it out and make adorable gnomes for somebody this Valentine’s Day!