Brrr! Winter is officially here and that means it's time to get cozy. I'm so excited to bring you another Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION project with my goal to inspire. I've always said that wool is one of my favorite textiles to work with. Here are two thrifted sweaters that I'm going to turn into a felted wool hat. Felted Wool Sweaters Before Upcycle by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces These beautiful pieces are already felted, so I they are ready to go. Don't know how to felt them? Well, first you want to find a sweater that is at least 70% wool (the more the better). Wash them in a hot water wash 3 times and dry them on high heat 3 times as well. You can see how I've used felted sweaters for other uses in the video below. DIY Felted Wool Footstools Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy home furniture homedecor

DIY TIME

Do you want to give this a try? Sure you do! Here's what you'll need: Larissa of Prodigal Pieces Wearing DIY Felted Wool Hat from Upcycled Sweaters | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces fashion handmade refashion diy
  • at least 70% wool sweaters already felted
  • sewing scissors
  • sewing pins
  • needle/thread or sewing machine or serger
  • fabric tape measure
  • wool yarn, optional
  • a pattern (see below)
First, we need to create our pattern. You can measure you head circumference following where your hat brim would lie. Then, measure to the top of your head. For instance, my diameter was approximately 19" and my brim to top is about 7 ½". However, you could also use a current hat you own to copy as well. Felted Wool Hat Pattern | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces We are looking to make a domed pattern piece. For example, my pattern measurements yielded a 5" wide x 8 ½" high rectangle. Remember, I measured my brim diameter which was 19". Add 1" to your diameter for seam allowance, and divide by 5. That means we need 5 wool pieces 5" wide each. Last, fold the pattern in half and cut a slight curve to the top edge.

NEXT STEPS

Next, use your pattern to cut the 5 pieces. I like to make the most of the sweater featuring decorative parts or patterns. You can also make sure to use the bottom of the sweater so it already has a finished edge for your brim. Cutting Felted Wool Hat with Pattern by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Then, we want to join our pieces. Beginning with two pieces, place them right sides facing, pin, and join. You can use needle and thread, a zig-zag stitch on a sewing machine, or serger. Serging Felted Wool Hat by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com Or, you could even use a blanket stitch to embroider the edges for a reverse seam effect. Continue joining until all 5 panels are attached. At this point, you can leave the brim if it's already finished. However, you can turn the edge under and stitch it down for a brim that way. Likewise, you can even add a complimentary or contrasting fabric and make a brim to fold up. Plus, feel free to add some fun. I wanted one of my hats to have a pom-pom. First, I want to keep with the natural fibers, so I use a wool yarn and my pom-pom maker. Wool Yarn & Pom-Pom Maker | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Then, wrap around the pom-pom maker and you've got a fun accessory. Next, I like to make it look like a more solid ball, so I use my seam ripper to fluff the yarn. Fluffing Wool Pom-Pom | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com Attach with a yarn needle and knot off. Attaching Wool Pom-Pom to Felted Wool Hat by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

HATS OFF TO FUN

I had two sweaters to share with you and I'm excited that both are super cozy and easy to make. DIY Felted Wool Hat from Upcycled Sweaters by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces handmade sewing fashion hat wool Handmade Embroidered Felted Wool Hat by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces hat fashion handmade wool upcycled And, here's my other felted sweater hat from the second sweater. Blue Felted Wool Hat for Winter by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces handmade sewing fashion diy Larissa of Prodigal Pieces in Felted Wool Hat Upcycled from Sweaters | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces fashion style wool upcycled Which one is your favorite? I love both for different reasons. That's the beauty of making your own fashion. You can style it to your liking and it won't be like anyone else's. woot! Handmade Felted Wool Sweater Hat made by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces sewing fashion handmade Also, do pin and share so that others will be inspired to try their hand at a felted wool hat. No need to toss those damaged wool sweaters. DIY Felted Wool Sweater Hat created from Upcycled Sweaters by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy fashion repurposed upcycled Up next, this sad little table is going to get a new lease on life. See the new life HERE. Tiered Side Table Before by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time! blog signature

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Also, more sewing fun like my DIY felted wool hat projects:

Grab those wool sweaters and give your footstool a cute and cozy update. These felted wool footstools are sure to be favorite. Full of Nordic farmhouse style and easy to do with the step-by-step video tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Head to prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy handmade furniture shopping vintage home homedecorideas homedecorUpcycle that old wool sweater! A super fun and easy video tutorial on how to make DIY Wool Dryer Balls from an old wool sweater. Full details at prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy home laundry handmade upcycle crafts farmhouse



Janette

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 06:11:50

Beautiful hats and do love a good pom pom, what a good idea as usual from you Larissa.xx

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 06:32:16

Thank you. They're fun to make and accessorize. :D

Sherri

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 08:15:35

You are so talented and creative Larissa! As always, your tutorials are great!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 09:06:41

What a sweetie you are, Sherri. Thank you!

Maria J. Howard

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 15:40:18

Love them both!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 15:47:58

Yay! Happy dance! Thank you, Maria.

Susan

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 20:06:49

So cozy! Stay safe and warm!!! Happy New Year

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 20:08:48

Thanks!! I had fun! :D

Shelley S

Shared publicly - 2020-12-29 20:30:46

Both hats are really nice Larissa, and as usual very easy to follow directions. But I must say, that 4th pic down of you, facing full-on and smiling, is just GORGEOUS. so pretty, and that dimple on your right cheek? Fabulous!

Alisa Bradshaw

Shared publicly - 2020-12-30 11:41:14

These are wonderful! What a great up upcycle! You are so creative and skilled at so many things. I wish I had half of your talent! ?

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-12-30 14:58:24

Thank you for saying so, Shelley. You are so sweet. :)

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-12-30 14:58:49

You're such a sweetie, Alisa. Thanks so much. You can do it!

Becky

Shared publicly - 2020-12-30 16:50:33

Cute hats! I never thought of frizzing a pom-pom to get rid of that "yarny" look- great tip! Aren't you loving this snow!?! ?

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-12-30 17:13:01

Woot! Thanks! Yes, it works with the wool yarns, but is tricky with acrylic. Yes, loving the snow too!

Lauri

Shared publicly - 2020-12-30 17:21:15

These are wonderful. Thanks for the share! And the pics of you are utterly adorable too!!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-12-30 19:25:54

How wonderful of you to say, Lauri. Thank you. I had fun!

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