These Cute Holiday Trees are Made From Upcycled Sweaters

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Ah, the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays: it's what fond memories are made of. But let's not leave out the importance of soft textures during this time of year, too — after all, feeling cozy is definitely a part of the celebration! If you've noticed that some of your cold-weather layers aren't fitting as well as they used to, then turn the most festive ones into "sweater trees" to place on your mantel this season. Whichever sweater you choose, these decorations will help transform your home into a winter wonderland with quirky and unexpected charm.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

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Things You'll Need

  • Pre-loved sweater

  • Scissors

  • Straight pins

  • Stuffing

  • 9 inch x 3/8 inch wooden dowel

  • Needle and thread

  • Wooden base (pre-made or cut from a birch branch)

  • Drill

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 1: Cut Two Triangles From a Sweater

Measure out a triangle that highlights the pattern you'd like to use onto the sweater. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out the triangle through both layers of the sweater.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 2: Pin Together

Flip the triangular sweater pieces so that the right-sides of the sweater are facing each other. Pin along the two long sides of the triangles and part of the bottom edges. Leave a 3-inch or 4-inch opening in the bottom.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 3: Sew the Pieces Together

Sew a 1/4-inch seam along your pin lines, removing the pins as you sew. Leave a 3-inch or 4-inch opening on the bottom edge.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 4: Turn the Tree Right-Side Out

Pull the fabric through the bottom opening to turn the sweater tree right-side out. Use the eraser end of a pencil to push out the corners.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 5: Fill With Stuffing

Fill the tree with stuffing through the opening in the bottom. Keep filling until the tree has your desired fullness.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 6: Insert the Dowel and Hand-Sew the Bottom Edge

Place the wooden dowel into the stuffing and situate it so that the dowel is in the center of the bottom edge. Fold the raw edges inside, and hand-stitch across the bottom of the tree.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 7: Drill a Hole Into the Base and Insert the Dowel

Now, use a drill to make a 3/8-inch hole in the wooden base.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Insert the dowel into the hole.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 8: Deck Your Halls

Make several trees from your old sweaters, and then deck your halls with handmade cheer.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

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