Make a cardigan from a fleece blanket:
I do what I can to keep our gas and electric bills down. I turn off all the lights, unplug energy draining appliances, use the fans in summer, etc… In the winter, I am of the opinion that if you’re cold, instead of turning up the heater, go put on a sweater. (This is directed to my hubby who walks around in shorts, tees and bare feet, then complains about being cold!)
I have several sweaters and cardigans that I wear almost constantly during the winter months. (You might even catch me walking around the house with one of my kids throw blankets draped over my shoulders – they are so warm!)
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I was at Ikea last week and noticed they had large (51 x 67) fleece throw blankets for 2.99. As I passed by, I mentally added a trip to the fabric store for fleece so I could make a new cardigan using my draped shawl cardigan tutorial pattern. (Click the link for the tutorial.)
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While eating lunch with the kiddos, (It was Tuesday and kids eat free) it dawned on me that I didn’t need to go to the fabric store, I could just use their fleece blankets for my fabric. At 2.99 for almost 2 yards of fleece, the price was better than you could get at a fabric store.
When I got home, I whipped out another cardigan in less than an hour!
Doesn’t it look comfy and warm? I wish I had made this cardigan in December instead of February. It will get lots of use next year, for sure!
The blanket had a laser cut edge, so I lined up my measurements to keep the detail. This fleece does not stretch like a regular knit, so keep that in mind when cutting. You may want to add an extra 1/4 inch around the arm hole and upper arm measurement. When I tried on the first arm, it was a little snugger than I like, so I went back and re-sewed this area with a smaller seam allowance and that was all it needed.
I seriously recommend this project, even for a beginning sewer. (I consider myself an “advanced” beginner.) Once you have the pattern made, you will be able to whip these out in less than an hour. Wouldn’t this make a wonderful gift to a mom/sister/aunt/friend?
Draped cardigan tutorial ==>> here
If you are inspired to create something based on this tutorial, I would love to see it, come back and Share it on my Facebook page!
Pin this project here ==>>
Jen says
AWESOME! I have re-purposed SO MANY of those fleece blankets! And I think I have one of those red ones looking for a new home! I may have to whip something up soon! A couple of years ago, I had a bunch of ladies get the eggshell ones and embellish them with holly leaves and berries, wool and embroidery – AMAZING! Thanks for sharing such a cute idea!
Linda says
I love your idea of an eggshell throw with embellished holly leaves and berries! Any pictures, I'd love to see that!
LisaRae says
Did you submit this to ilea hackers yet? The jacket is awesome!
Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom says
Ha ha, I didn't think it was worthy, but maybe I will check it out. I tried to email you back, but your blogger settings are set to "no-reply". If you want to change the setting to allow emails, you can go here to learn more: Check you settings.
Brooke says
This looks better as a cardigan than a blanket! I love the details on the side, but I never purchased this blanket because it looked so chintzy and cheap to use on the couch. But I love love love it as a cardigan and it looks so lush and expensive 😉
Mari says
OMGosh YOur so talented! Great job!
Amanda Jones says
This turned out amazing! What talent you have – you said an hour right?! WOW!! I am stopping by from WhipperBerry and would love if you would visit me too!!
Amanda
everycreativeendeavor.com
MOMentum says
Holy cow, so cute. Love the lacey edge you get on the blankets. Wish IKEA was closer for us. I'm pinning this and sharing it with my crafty friend Maridith over at strictlyhomemade.blogspot.com. She will love this. She has a linky party on Tuesdays. Found you on Blissful & Domestic linky party.
Shasta @ intheoldroad says
I so need that cardigan! Time to break out the sewing machine. I'm pinning this for reference (great tutorial in the previous post). I saw your link in the Naptime Crafters' party. I'm following you now 🙂
Have a great weekend,
Shasta
Abby says
Super comfy and so cute looking! Great idea to repurpose a blanket! Love it!
Classy Clutter says
aw!! I love this one too! So cute!
xoxo, Mallory
Deana says
Thanks for linking up @CountryMommaCooks…Have a wonderful Sunday:)
Carrie says
It looks so comfortable. What a great idea. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!! Have a great week!
Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer says
It looks so much better as a cardigan. Love the color, and it looks like its really comfortable. Really like the lacy edge, really adds a lot. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best.
Life With Lucy says
SUCH a great idea! Those ikea blankets are perfect for this and most definitely cheaper than buying fleece at the fabric store. I love the embellished edge on that color too! Thanks so much for sharing!
Cranberry Morning says
That's a great idea, and who doesn't LOVE polar fleece in the chilly months. Living in NW Wisconsin, I have a whole wardrobe full of it. 🙂 Nice work!
4you-withlove says
This is awesome! I love the color and it looks so warm and comfy!
Designed by Dawn Nicole says
So pretty and creative! It looks super cozy too. I love the red and edge detail. 🙂
Ashley @ A Crafty House says
This is such a great idea… Love it!
Sass - aka - Kathy says
Oh, so nice! I want to give it a try! Will you, pretty please, consider sharing with my readers at http://sassafrassalvation.blogspot.com/2012/02/sasss-sunday-salvation-show-12.html ?
Hugs,
Kathy
Danielle says
First off I love the edge! so cool and I can't believe how fast you made this! So cute! I totally am a sweater wearer in the winter. I would rather through on a cardi then turn up the heat. Thanks so much for linking up and sharing on Blissful & Domestic.
http://blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com/
Danielle says
I am going to feature this tonight on Blissful and Domestic:> Stop by and grab a button:>
http://blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com/
[email protected] says
This is absolutely brilliant! Who would have ever thought to do this with an IKEA blanket? You are so genius! Thanks for sharing. Found you at It's Overflowing 🙂
freckled laundry says
Ooh. This does look comfy! Thanks for sharing with air your laundry Friday!
Sparkling says
Great idea. I love the color and it was smart to keep the fancy edge. Don't you love it when you can make something unexpected out of something else???? And it saved you not only the gas to drive to the fabric store but also the temptation of buying other stuff when you ran in to the fabric store!!
Blue Star Vermont says
Thanks so much for a great tutorial. As soon as I can take a break from making aprons, I will have fun making this for myself. Thanks again.
Kussy says
Many thanks for yet again another not only fantastic idea but fantastic tutorial. I wish that I was as cleaver as you but then again I found you so I just use your idea's!! So many thanks for sharing and helping so many like myself
God Bless
Meghan says
Love it! I hope to try one soon!
Anne says
Wonderful idea. I’m trying to figure out the layout on the fleece throw. To get the scallops on the front and cut sleeves, didn’t you have to make a seam up the back? Thanks, Anne
Jamie says
No, I laid out the pattern on the fabric so there was no seam. I don’t remember, but it may have taken more than one blanket. (made this a few years back.)
Joy says
I have been afraid to use the IKEA fleece although I bough one to make a tunic. I thought it might be a bargain too good to be true and might rub, bobble and pill quickly. You have really tempted me to try it now. Thank you.
Jamie says
It does pill, but for around the house, that’s not a huge deal for me – you might feel differently though.