Recycled Sweater Totes by Leigh Radford

Recycled Sweater Totes

Knitting
September 2005
English

Pattern description from Alterknits: “These totes are made from old sweaters that are felted in the washing machine. You can create the handles by cutting the sweater strategically after you felt it or you can take the felted bag to a shoemaker or tailor and ask him or her to attach leather handles for you. Once you start making these bags, I warn you that you may become obsessed with finding ‘new’ sweaters to work with at thrift stores, even in the drawers of family members and friends.”

Finished Measurements: Sizes will vary. Totes shown are all approximately 16.5” wide and vary in height from 12” to 20”

Materials: One 100% wool sweater (NOT machine-washable). Totes shown made with adult Large sweaters.

Notions: Sewing needle and thread or sewing machine, dressmaker’s chalk or quilter’s pencil, ruler, scissors, at least 36” long recycled leather belt, strap, or dog leash for handle (if making bag with leather handles).

This pattern is also available for free.