How to Make a Crossbody Purse from an Old Sweater
Don’t toss that worn-out cashmere or chunky knit sweater! In my experience, it’s the perfect material for a cozy, unique crossbody bag. I remember making one from an old fair-isle sweater, and it’s still my go-to winter accessory.

You’ll Need: An old sweater (felted wool works best!), scissors, a sewing kit or machine, a bag of rice for weight, and an old long strap or belt.

The Simple Process:

Prep the Sweater: First, felt the wool to prevent fraying. Wash it in hot water and tumble dry on high. This shrinks the fibers together.

Cut Your Pieces: Lay the sweater flat. Cut one large rectangle for the front/back (double the size you want the bag) and a smaller rectangle for the flap.

Sew & Turn: Sew the large rectangle together inside out, leaving the top open. Use the rice bag trick: pin it to a bottom corner before sewing to create a weighted, structured base. Turn it right-side out.

Attach the Strap: Securely hand-sew your strap to the inside seams of the bag. For strength, I always sew a small square or an “X” pattern.

Add the Flap: Hand-sew the top of your flap piece to the back of the bag’s opening. Add a button or a snap for closure.

It’s an incredibly sustainable project that gives new life to a beloved garment.

How to make crossbody purse from old sweater

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