Tuesday, February 21, 2012

diy: scarf-panel sweater

Here's the paneled sweater project I promised in my last post.  I feel like I'm always spewing some variant of "Omg guys, this project could not be simpler!!!" but really, it's true.



These days, I'm trying to focus more than ever on quality - not just when vetting new wardrobe additions, but also when making/updating garments myself.  I'm not interested in adding any poorly-constructed items to my closet, whether they were made by me or someone else - if something is crappy, I'm going to feel cheap and far from chic when wearing it.  So I'm devoting a little extra time and attention to my workmanship (e.g., slowing down while sewing, undoing mistakes and starting over when needed), rather than racing through projects and checking them off the list, as I tend to do.  This project certainly didn't turn out perfectly, but the result is vastly better than it would have been if I'd let my manic-DIYer self take over.

Process pics and steps after the jump...

Materials:

- Cardigan
- Fabric or scarf big enough to cover both front panels of the cardigan
- Pins
- Scissors
- Iron
- Sewing machine or needle/thread


1. Iron both the sweater and fabric.  Lay your fabric over one panel of the sweater and cut generously around the contours.  Give yourself as much extra fabric as you can afford while leaving yourself enough to cover the other panel in the same manner.  

If you can, cut the fabric on the bias, which will help with the folding and will allow the fabric to hang nicely.  The scarf I used was to small for me to do this, but all turned out OK.



2. Starting at the bottom edge of the fabric next to the button band, fold the fabric under.  Working in small increments, press the fold with the iron to get it nice and crisp, making sure that the fold is right next to the button band.  Pin the fabric in place as you go, all the way up to the shoulder.  

Repeat folding, pressing, and pinning along the side seam of the sweater, then along the shoulder seam.  Smooth the fabric out as you go to ensure that it lays nice and flat.  When in doubt, fold the fabric so it covers the seams with a little extra allowance - you don't want these seams to show in the final product.

I chose to fold the bottom edge of the fabric to the inside of the sweater and then hand-stitch it in place (pic 4 above), but you can also fold/press/pin this edge in the same way you did the others.  



3. Now that your fabric is in place, sew it down, stitching as close as possible to the edge.  Again, smooth out the fabric as you finish stitching each edge and adjust as needed.  


Donezo!  I'm thinking of doing a cropped, leather-paneled version with another of my moth-eaten cardigans...

47 comments:

  1. That's a great idea! Love it!

    Kisses from Hong Kong,
    Nicole

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  2. Looks great! The scarf you chose has a beautiful pattern.
    Erin @ www.thanksimadeitblog.com

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  3. This is a great refresh of your cardigan. Focusing on quality will probably ensure that your DIY projects will wear better in the long run :)

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  4. What a great DIY project! It looks amazing on you!

    www.absurdlypeculiar.blogspot.com

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  5. love ur diy amazing one!
    http://www.facebook.com/SweetieLifeByCristi
    xoxo

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  6. Great job on re-fashioning it. You made it look do-able for me :) And, I'm with you on quality. I'm trying to do a better job in my sewing too.
    By the way, a leather version sounds cool. I just saw these lovely coats with leather sleeves here http://lalexiane.blogspot.com/2012/02/taille-basse.html

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  7. this is such a great idea! can't wait to try it! xx.

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  8. Wow - great DIY! You look fab!

    XO
    www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

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  9. awesome! you're so talented! :D
    http://spliffedcookies.blogspot.com/

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  10. This looks SO great! you did a wonderful job :) Might give this a go myself!! OOoo maybe with sequins :)

    Love, Vanilla

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  11. So cool! Love this idea.... if only I could sew.

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  12. I'm not a huge DIY girl -but mostly as I'm too busy for it. But this seems like a really nice idea! Looks great anyhow!

    http://www.nightatvogue.com

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  13. Wow! Your cardi looks awesome and so well made. Great job!

    I totally know what you mean, I'm much more happy with the end result of my project when I know I took my time and really put effort in to making it. Even if it means undoing seams (I hate having to do that by the way...ughhhh).

    Have a good one and take care!

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  14. Love the outcome, you did a great job of putting it together!

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  15. great job on this!!!

    http://forallthatjas.blogspot.com/

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  16. love your DIY! super inspiring :)

    Leonor
    http://thesparklinglemon.blogspot.com/

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  17. awesome job :) i would not be able to do this :)

    sammie
    from
    fashionbarbecue.com

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  18. A beautiful DIY. And a beautiful sentiment as well. I hate when I rush through a project and end up with messy results, so much better to take the time to do it correctly.

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  19. Awesome cardigan!

    http://www.lazyheelsblog.com/

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  20. super fun idea! love the scarf you picked!

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  21. I'm seriously so impressed :) i wish i knew how to sew! i love what you said about not following trends -- its about personal style not keeping up with whats in. thanks for this perspective and i love the cardigan!

    xoxo,
    tiana of l'esthetique

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  22. So pretty! This is seriously amazing! Great job!

    ox from NYC!
    davie+erica

    LPFashionPhilosophy

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  23. i totally agree! i just emptied out my closet recently and i make sure when thrifting to only buy quality, not quantity no matter how cheap an item! great job! very lovely cardigan! thank you for the sweet comment and for following! i am following back :)))

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  24. What talent you have! I love this, such a wonderful idea!
    Happy that I stumbled on such a unique and creative blog :)
    xx

    Be Frassy

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  25. Very creative and chic. Your style is great.

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  26. I love things like this! it is creative and helps save the Earth :)


    thx for stopping by my blog and left me a comment! :)

    the STYLE Fringe BLOG
    http://the-stylefringe.blogspot.com

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  27. greatt blog
    would you like to follow each other?
    www.fashionfootprints.blogspot.com
    xxx

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  28. love this, looks amazing, good job!

    fashionableroad.blogspot.com

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  29. SUCH a great reminder... slow down while sewing and correct your mistakes! your sweater turned fabulous!! i'd love to follow each other if you enjoy my blog too. have a great day!

    xo's, Vanessa (the gal)

    http://fashiongalfireman.blogspot.com/

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  30. Wonderfull idea!!!! Thank you very much for sharing!
    ilovedoityourself.blogspot.com

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  31. That cardi is adorable - can't believe you made it! Love it :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  32. Great Blog +1 new Follower

    Love Meroda
    http://berlin-fashion-fou.blogspot.com/

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  33. I love this when I have the time I want to give it a go

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  34. absolutely brilliant! will give it a try one day!

    xo katrina
    theyoungbridgetjones.blogspot.com

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  35. I think your creations are beautiful. It is unique and it gives you that feeling of power in making something new out of nothing :) Followed you, I hope you follow back:)

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  36. online management courses
    I cherish this when I have room schedule-wise I need to give it a go

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