Heart Sweatshirt with Elbow Patches Refashion

I bought this gigantic old sweatshirt at a thrift store for an 80's party.  I cut the neckline wider so I could wear it off the shoulder and wore it to the party.  Then it sat in my closet because it was much to huge and ugly to wear.  So, refashionista that I am, I decided to give it a makeover!

 

Here's what you'll need to try this for your self:

• 1 sweatshirt/hoodie/sweater that needs a facelift
• a 1/4 of a yard or so of a contrasting fabric
• sewing machine or needle and thread
• pins
• scissors

First, if your sweatshirt is too big, like mine, you'll want to size it down.  Put it on inside out and pin it to the size you want it.  Sew along where you pinned to take it in and trim.  I also cut off the bottom band of the sweatshirt, but this isn't necessary.  You could also cut off the cuffs of the sleeves if desired.

 

Once your sweatshirt fits the way you like it, cut a large heart or other shape out of your contrasting fabric.  This is a great way to use up scraps!

 

Pin the heart to the sweatshirt, making sure it is centered.  (Mine's a little off...)  Zig-zag around the heart to attach it to the sweatshirt.  You could also use that iron-on fusible web stuff if you didn't want to sew it. 

 

 

As you can see, I zig-zagged around the large heart twice, without bothering to hem the edges.  Another option for the heart would be to just paint one on with fabric paint.  In fact, that was my original plan, but I ran out of paint.  So I covered it up with fabric.  And I like it better this way anyway.  :)

 

For the elbow patches, try on your sweatshirt and bend your elbow.  Mark the center of your elbow with a pin or a pen.  Cut two smaller hearts from your fabric and pin them on.  Center the hearts on the marks on the elbows of the shirt and pin them on.  Attach them as desired.  I used my sewing machine, but it was a little tricky, so I might recommend hand-sewing the patches on.

 

That's it!  Another easy refashion!

 

 

 

 

I'm kind of in love with the elbow patches.  Definitely makes the whole thing.  I want to sew elbow patches on all of my shirts now.  :)

 

I turned this giganto 80's sweatshirt into something I'll actually wear this fall and winter.  I'd call that a success!  What do you think?  Would you try this refashion?

 

Niki