With our days suddenly so much shorter and the cooler months upon us, I think it’s time for another sweater refashion don’t you? Today, let’s make an elbow patch sweater ….. just because we can.
Granted, you can find hundreds (if not thousands) of DIY elbow patch tutorials on Pinterest. In today’s post, I wanted to teach you how to actually make a patch yourself and some tips on applying them to trickier fabrics like chunky knit sweaters. When you are done with this little project, not only will you have mastered a few new sewing skills, but you’ll also have the cutest little elbow patch sweater that is completely unique to you.
I chose to make my patches in a standard oval shape, but you can make your patches in whatever shape you want. I considered adding little hearts to the elbows of this sweater, but eventually decided not to. (Next time!)
Like most things, the little details often bring a whole new level of appreciation to a piece. Subtle embroidery, an asymmetrical hemline, an unexpected stitch detail… you get the idea. Lately, I’ve loved mixing textures and this little sweater is no exception. The suede and knit compliment each other in a perfect way don’t you think?
Supplies To Make An Elbow Patch Sweater:
In addition to the supplies pictured above, you will also need a sheet of paper and ruler to make your pattern. Also, in full disclosure, I got this sweater from a thrift store (see the post on how to score at thrift shops HERE) for just $2.50. I love a good deal. You can find all of the other supplies you’ll need to make this DIY via the shoppable material links below.
- A sweater to add patches to
- 1/4 yard Suede Fabric
- 1 Piece of White Cardstock
- A Pencil
- Cotton Woven Interfacing
- Basic Scissors
- Fabric Shears
- Hand Needle
- All Purpose Thread
How To Make An Elbow Patch Sweater:
First, fold your sheet of paper in half and draw a semi-circle. Make this shape exactly the size you want your patch to be. From there, use your ruler to make the edges even and precise on both sides. When you unfold it, you should have a pattern that looks similar to this:
Now take your scrap of suede fabric and fold it in half.
Lay your pattern on top of it and cut around the edges so you have 2 identical pieces.
Use another sheet of paper to slide inside the sleeve of your sweater. This will keep you from accidentally sewing your sleeve together. Before you begin sewing, double check and mark where your elbow hits on your sleeve and then begin hand-sewing your patch into place. Mark it with either a sewing pin or tailors chalk so you don’t get confused later.
Since we are working with a chunky knit fabric, interfacing is a must. I chose to use an iron-on interfacing and then trim the seam allowance off once it was totally fused to the fabric. This will help prevent it from fraying and gives the patch a level of durability it wouldn’t have otherwise. Since the knit fabric will be difficult to sew on a standard sewing machine (and I loved the extra detail of a decorative hand stitch) let’s go the easy route and hand sew you patch into place using the marks you made as a guide.
Continue all the way around until your patch is completely attached to the sleeve. Repeat on the other side.
Now slip on your new, comfy sweater and enjoy another cup of coffee. You deserve it!
I hope this little tutorial was easy and useful for you! If you have any questions while you are completing this (or any) projects on Creative Fashion Blog, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I absolutely love hearing from you!
Other Sweater Refashion Ideas You May Like:
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