Revamp Your Hoodie: 3 Easy Hacks

how to revamp a hoodie

There are endless ways to revamp a hoodie, whether it's to make it look brand new, turn it into an entirely different garment, or simply add a bit of flair. If you're looking to get crafty, here are some ideas to get you started.

If you're working with a hoodie that's seen better days, you can restore it by washing it with fabric sanitizer and vinegar to make it softer and get rid of any odours. You can also remove fuzz with a sharp razor and, if the fabric is worn out, use fabric dye to give it a new look.

For those who are handy with a needle and thread, sewing is a great way to transform your hoodie. You can turn it into a dress, add a custom pocket, or mix and match with other garments—like using the sleeves of a hoodie with a denim jacket. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at embroidering the drawstrings or adding ruffles.

If you're not a fan of sewing, there are plenty of no-sew options as well. You can cut out the sleeves and neck of a hoodie to create a pencil skirt, or add elbow patches with some iron-on fabric. Get creative with it! The possibilities are endless when it comes to revamping a hoodie.

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Turn it into a dress

There are many ways to revamp a hoodie and turn it into a dress. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The Sweatshirt Dress

As the name suggests, this method involves turning an oversized hoodie into a comfortable dress. If you want a longer dress, you'll need two hoodies, but one will do if you prefer it short. A fun twist is to choose two contrasting colours and create a colour-blocked dress.

The Sweatshirt Pencil Skirt

This method works best with a hoodie that doesn't have a large graphic on it. Turn the hoodie upside down and cut off the sleeves and neck, so you're left with a rectangle. The band at the bottom will become your waistband. Sew the waistband, and use scissors to make holes for the drawstring.

The Lounge Set

If you can find an oversized hoodie, you can refashion it into a super cute lounge set. Clothing sizing will limit what you can do here, but if the hoodie is big enough, you can get creative and make a matching top and bottom.

The Basic Alteration

If you have sewing skills, you can alter the hoodie by taking in the sides to create a more fitted look. You can also experiment with decorative cuts, such as cutting out the back or shoulders and replacing the cut-out fabric with lace.

The Accessorised Look

If you're feeling creative, you can turn your hoodie into various accessories. For example, you can create a beanie by using the bottom waistband of the sweatshirt as the headband. You can also make arm warmers and leg warmers from the sleeves.

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Add a custom pocket

Adding a custom pocket to your hoodie is a great way to increase its functionality and give it a unique twist. Pockets can be a fun way to express your style and they are also practical, providing a place to warm your hands or store small items. Here is a guide to help you add a custom pocket to your hoodie and give it a new lease of life.

First, you need to decide on the type of pocket you want to add. Consider the purpose of the pocket and the overall style you are going for. Perhaps you want a large, boxy pocket to create a bold statement, or maybe a small, discreet pocket that blends seamlessly into the hoodie's design. You could even add multiple pockets for a quirky, unique look. Once you have decided on the style, it's time to source the fabric.

Choose a fabric that complements the color and texture of your hoodie. If you want the pocket to stand out, opt for a contrasting color or pattern. Alternatively, go for a subtle look by using a similar fabric to the hoodie itself. Consider the weight and stretch of the fabric to ensure it is suitable for your needs and comfortable to wear. Cut out a piece of this fabric in a rectangle, measuring approximately 15 by 18 inches. This will give you enough room to create a standard-sized pocket, but you can adjust the measurements to your preference.

Now, fold over the top edge of the rectangle by about two inches and stitch it down to create a neat hem. This will form the opening of your pocket and provide a finished edge. Next, you will need to attach the pocket to the hoodie. Pin the pocket in the desired position, usually on the front or side of the hoodie, and try it on to ensure it is placed correctly. When you are happy with the positioning, carefully stitch around the sides and bottom of the pocket to secure it in place, ensuring that you only stitch through the layers of the pocket and not through to the back of the hoodie.

For an extra touch of customization, you can add a zipper or a button to the pocket. This will give it a secure closure and add further detail to your design. Simply attach the zipper or button to the top hem of the pocket, following the manufacturer's instructions for the chosen fastening. Finally, try on your revamped hoodie and admire your handiwork! A custom pocket adds a unique, personalized touch and is a simple way to breathe new life into an old favorite.

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Mix and match with other garments

Mixing and matching is a great way to create new outfits from old garments. Here are some ideas to revamp a hoodie by mixing and matching with other clothing items:

Jacket-Hoodie Mashup

A creative way to mix and match a hoodie with another garment is to cut and replace the sleeves. For instance, you can use a denim jacket, cut off the sleeves, and replace them with the sleeves of a hoodie. This will result in a unique denim jacket with hoodie sleeves. Conversely, you can also sew the denim jacket sleeves onto the hoodie for a different look.

Collared Hoodie

Take a white shirt and remove the collar. Then, cut off the bottom part of the shirt and sew it onto your hoodie. Removing the elastic bands on the hoodie can enhance this look.

Mix Hoodie Colours and Patterns

You can mix and match different-coloured hoodies or hoodies with various patterns. For example, you could dye one hoodie and then mix the sleeves of the two hoodies. Alternatively, you could try the Shibori dyeing technique, which involves dyeing one hoodie and then swapping the sleeves.

Elbow Patches

Adding elbow patches to a hoodie is a simple way to give it a trendy twist. Cut out patches from a contrasting fabric, iron them onto fusible web to create iron-ons, and then iron them onto the elbows of the hoodie.

Hoodie Accessories

You can also create accessories from a hoodie. Cut off the ends of the sleeves and add a thumb hole to make arm warmers. Use the bottom waistband of the hoodie as a headband to create a beanie. Cut off parts of the sleeves so they're still in tube form and add a drawstring to the top to make leg warmers.

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Turn it into a cardigan

Turning a hoodie into a cardigan is a fun and easy project. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this transformation:

Step 1: Prepare the Hoodie

Start by choosing an oversized hoodie that you want to turn into a cardigan. It's best to pick one with ribbing at the collar and bottom. Turn the hoodie inside out and cut off the sleeves as close to the sleeve seams as possible. Remove any ribbing or cuffs from the wrists. Cut away and set aside the bottom ribbing of the hoodie as well.

Step 2: Cut and Mark the Cardigan Shape

Using a measuring tape and a straight edge, cut a straight line through the centre front of the hoodie, from the bottom to the top. Cut straight through the centre front of the collar and carefully snip it off, staying as close to the collar as possible. You will be reattaching the collar later, so set it aside.

Step 3: Resize for a Better Fit

To resize the armholes and side seams, you can use a well-fitting loose tee or an existing cardigan as a pattern. Lay the tee or cardigan over the hoodie, ensuring everything is even and wrinkle-free, and line up the collars. Mark the top of the shoulder seam and the bottom (underarm seam) with tailor's chalk.

Step 4: Draw and Cut the New Shape

Draw a straight line from the underarm mark to the bottom of the cardigan. Then, draw a curved line from the shoulder mark to the underarm mark. Cut along these lines carefully, through both the front and back of the hoodie. You may pin the front and back together first for more precise cutting.

Step 5: Sew the Sides and Hem

Sew along the straight line you drew in the previous step, with the right sides of the fabric together. Do not sew the armholes together. Fold in the front opening of the cardigan by about 1/2 inch, pin it in place, and sew to create a hem. If you prefer a raw edge, you can skip hemming as the sweatshirt fabric won't unravel. Fold and pin the bottom edge of the cardigan by 1 inch and sew a straight seam to hem it.

Step 6: Reattach the Sleeves

You can choose to reattach the sleeves as they are or narrow them first for a different look. With the sleeves right side out and the cardigan inside out, slide the larger end of the sleeve into the body of the cardigan until it lines up with the armhole. Line up any seams on the sleeve with the side seam you just sewed. Pin the sleeve in place, and if there is excess fabric at the top, you can create a "poofy" look by pleating or folding it. Sew the sleeve into the armhole carefully, starting from the underarm to hide any excess fabric.

Step 7: Reattach the Collar

Pin the collar you cut off earlier to the neckline of the cardigan, starting from one side of the centre opening and working your way around to the other side. At the centre back, place two small pleats pointing towards each other and pin securely. Ensure that you leave about 1/2 to 1 inch of the collar hanging over the neckline to prevent any raw edges from showing.

Step 8: Finalize the Cardigan

Try on your newly created cardigan. If you had removed ribbing from the bottom of the hoodie, you can use it as a belt to add shape to your cardigan. You can also add buttons and buttonholes to the front for a classic cardigan look.

With these steps, you can transform an old hoodie into a stylish and comfortable cardigan. Feel free to add your own creative touches along the way to make it truly unique!

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Decorate it with embroidery

Embroidering a hoodie is a fun and creative way to revamp this wardrobe staple. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Choosing the Right Hoodie

The type of hoodie you select will depend on your personal preference and the specific embroidery design you plan to use. Classic pullover hoodies offer an uninterrupted canvas for your creations, while zip-up hoodies provide more flexibility with their front opening. Quarter-zip hoodies are also an option, offering ample space for embroidery on the chest. When choosing a hoodie, avoid ribbed or heavily textured surfaces, as they can make it difficult to produce detailed designs. Look for quality hoodies made from durable materials that can provide a stable base for your embroidery.

Selecting the Right Embroidery Design

When selecting an embroidery design, consider the density of the pattern. High-density designs are not suitable for hoodies as they can cause distortion and puckering due to the stretchy nature of the fabric. Opt for medium or light-density designs with fewer and more spaced-out stitches. Choose a design that complements the colour of your hoodie, creating a visually striking combination. If you're feeling creative, you can design your own pattern or choose from a variety of designs available online.

Preparing the Hoodie and Embroidery Materials

Before you begin embroidering, wash and dry your hoodie to prevent any future shrinking or puckering. Then, iron out any wrinkles and plan the placement of your design. Consider the size and style of the hoodie, as well as any specific requirements or preferences you may have. Gather the necessary materials, such as an embroidery hoop, stabiliser, embroidery threads, needles, scissors, and marking tools. Choose a reputable source for your embroidery design and transfer it to your embroidery machine.

Stabilising the Fabric

Stabiliser is crucial to providing support to the fabric during embroidery and preventing it from stretching or distorting. There are different types of stabilisers available, such as cut-away, tear-away, wash-away, and adhesive stabilisers. Select the appropriate type of stabiliser based on the hoodie fabric and the complexity of your design. Cut-away stabilisers are ideal for medium to heavyweight knit fabrics, while tear-away stabilisers offer more flexibility and are easier to remove. Adhesive stabilisers hold the fabric firmly in place, and water-soluble stabilisers are useful for textured areas of the hoodie.

Embroidering the Hoodie

Once you have your design and stabiliser in place, it's time to start embroidering! Use a basting stitch around the design to keep the fabric taut and secure. Begin embroidering, regularly checking the progress to ensure the fabric remains taut and there are no thread breaks. Maintain a clean working environment and make any necessary adjustments to ensure smooth and accurate stitching. When you're finished, remove the stabiliser, gently iron your embroidery to remove any wrinkles, and admire your handiwork!

The Price Range of Blanket Hoodies

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Frequently asked questions

You can cut out the neckline of your hoodie to create an off-the-shoulder style at the top and crop the bottom to add a stylish fringe. You can also add lace to the cut-outs.

You can use fabric dye to refresh the colour of your hoodie. Alternatively, you can use fabric paint to add designs or stencils.

You can use fabric glue instead of sewing. You can also use fusible web to turn cut-out pieces of fabric into iron-ons.

You can add a strip of faux fur around the hood to make your hoodie even cozier.

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  • Byeon
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