Sweatshirt-to-Jacket

The way I convert a sweatshirt into a jacket is to mark a line down the center front with chalk. Depending on whether you plan to simply open the front and use a zipper or attach a binding the next step many vary. To simply open the front and make a cardigan, this is what I do.

Buy a sweatshirt one size larger than you normally wear.   Buy some ribbon twice the length of the front of the sweatshirt plus 5 inches.   I bought some Suzy's Zoo ribbon at Walmart recently. But grosgrain or other washable ribbon will do.

Mark the center on the wrong side of the sweatshirt with chalk. Divide the ribbon in half, and pin to the sweatshirt leaving an inch or so at each end.   Stitch the ribbon down both sides of the chalk line on the inside of the sweatshirt.  Cut down the chalk line, fold the ribbon toward the front of the sweatshirt, turn in both ends, press and pin and stitch along the edges. (I have used a strip of steam-a-seam to hold it down prior to stitching)

Now you have finished the cut edges, and can apply some fasteners, either snaps, buttons or even a zipper.

The thing that is most important is to stitch the binding to the shirt before cutting. This way both sides will stay the same length. and you will not loose the shape of the fronts.