How to make Boot Cuffs from an old Sweater. A FiberArtsy.com Tutorial

The first project in this series is Boot Cuffs! My daughters love them but the selection at the store is somewhat lacking. The sweater selection at the local thrift shop, however, is not.

Really any kind of sweater works for this project. It just depends on the look you want to achieve. Just make sure the sleeve isn’t too tight and fits well. I used the bulky, red, knitted one.

Step 1: Supplies Needed:

Supplies Needed:
Two sweater sleeves
Ruler
Scissors
Pins & Needles
Thread
Sewing Machine (optional)

Start by measuring your sleeve. The length of the cuff is really up to you but obviously, the taller the boot, the longer the cuff should be. The part you fold over the top of the boot needs to be at least 3-4″. These are for tall boots so I made the whole thing about 12″ long.

Cut the sleeve about 2″ longer than the final cuff size. That way if the knitting ravels, you have plenty of excess.

Next, place pins next to where you will sew as a guide.

Step 2: Sewing

Using either a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the pinned guide, all the way around the sleeve. Make sure you only sew through one layer of the sweater, not both. If the sweater you’re using is thin, go ahead and hem it by folding over appr. 1/2″. This one is very bulky and I didn’t want a thick seam which might be annoying to wear.

To help prevent raveling, sew a second line next to the first.

All that’s left now is to cut away the excess sweater next to the seam. Don’t cut it too close… 1/2″ or so. Fold over so the cuff part is the outside (right) side of the sweater and you’ve got a boot cuff.

Repeat the whole shebang with the second sleeve and you’re good to go!

Find more tutorials at Fiberartsy.com!