Sweater weather is here to stay. If last year's cardigans feel outdated, refresh them without shopping for new ones. Expert crafter Jennifer Perkins shares simple, mostly no-sew techniques to transform your favorites.
Jennifer Perkins
These embellishments suit kids' and adults' sweaters alike. Worn elbows? Cover them with patches. Missing buttons? Craft custom ones from any fabric. Stubborn stains? Paint right over them.
Watch this episode of DIY This With Jennifer Perkins for more sweater upgrades, including step-by-step demos with tools like button covers.
Jennifer Perkins
Vintage beaded sweaters are rare and pricey antiques. Recreate the look affordably with fabric paint: Use round sponge brushes for polka dots and fine-tip applicators for raised bead effects. Pick your perfect colors.
Jennifer Perkins
With covered button makers from craft stores—in various sizes—the options are endless. A bit of hand-sewing swaps out dull buttons, refreshing your sweater in under an hour.
Jennifer Perkins
Skip sewing elbow patches—paint them on. Mark elbow spots while wearing the sweater, then stretch over a cup or cardboard. Outline hearts, fill with soft fabric paint, and add faux stitches using a marker.
Need more wardrobe refreshers? Explore our DIY Pencil Shoes, Fruity Fun, and Blinged Out Sun Hats tutorials.
