How to Recycle a Sweater into a Chair Cover

Erika Kern, contributor

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A cute, comfy sweater becomes a cozy chair cover with very little time and effort. Use the leftover bits of the sweater to make a matching pillow.

Erika Kern

I found this chair at a local secondhand shop for $10. It needed lots of love. The previous owner had left it out in the elements for who knows how long. Still, I love a challenge. Before I covered the seat, I sanded, primed, and painted the chair a glossy black.

Erika Kern

This sweater was a thrift store find marred by a big, ugly hole. I might not be able to wear it, but that doesn't mean I can't craft with it!

Erika Kern

A cute, comfy sweater becomes a cozy chair cover with very little time and effort. Use the leftover bits of the sweater to make a matching pillow.

Photo: Erika Kern

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So, if you couldn't tell from last week's post, I love sweaters! And this sweater fascination cannot be quenched with just one "turn sweaters into home décor" post. Oh no! If I had my way my whole house would be covered in the things; after all, the coziest house is a cozied one. This project adds a quirky twist to a simple chair redo.

Here's what you'll need:

• A chair
• A sweater
• Seam ripper
• Scissors
• Staple gun and staples
• Felt (large enough to cover the bottom of the seat of your chair) (optional)

For the matching pillow:

• A second sweater (for the pillow back)
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Pillow form or stuffing

First, you need to find a chair. Ideally you have one around the house that could use an update, but if you need to go out and buy one, worry not! The world is full of fun secondhand furniture. Check out Craigslist or eBay or your local thrifts, yard sales, flea markets, or antique mall. Don't be afraid of something that might need a bit more love than just a new seat cover. . . the more DIY fun the better!

I found this chair at a local secondhand shop for $10. It needed lots of love. The previous owner had left it out in the elements for who knows how long. Still, I love a challenge. Before I covered the seat, I sanded, primed, and painted the chair a glossy black.

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Comments (6)

rainwolfe writes: I am loving all the great things I'm learning on this site to do with the sweaters I have hanging around that I love, but haven't worn in years.
Thanks!
Posted: 12:31 pm on February 2nd

margoly writes: Perfect timing for this wonderful idea! My son gave me 3 extra- large cashmere sweaters (yes, cashmere!) that he no longer wears. He wanted me to make some couch pillows out of them. I just hated the idea of cutting into them -- but now I can hardly wait! The idea for using the sleeves is also great. I will make a 'kidney' roll pillow out of mine. Thanks!


Posted: 10:04 pm on January 16th

gracie_girl writes: Good idea for a comfy chair...

Posted: 4:54 pm on January 16th

sherlo65 writes: This is a great idea! I will try it sometime.
Posted: 9:07 pm on January 14th

erika_kern writes: Thanks! It was much easier than I thought it would be when I first had the idea. Took me no time at all!
Posted: 12:58 pm on January 14th

Sister_Diane writes: This is AWESOME!!
Posted: 12:36 pm on January 14th

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