Turn a Thrifted Flannel Shirt Into a Pair of Cozy Mittens

Attention, mitten lovers — here is a mitten-making concept that is hard to beat. You can transform a flannel shirt picked up at a thrift store, or perhaps one that belonged to someone you love, into a pair of mittens. They will keep your hands comfortably warm, and they will look so charming that people may assume you bought them from a small boutique. The materials are simple: one shirt sleeve left over from making this flannel shirt tote bag, two sweater sleeves left over from making these holiday sweater trees, and a small amount of fleece. That is all you need. One caution, though — you may enjoy this project so much that no shirt or sweater in your home will feel safe anymore.

Step 1

Pin the pattern pieces onto the shirt and sweater sleeves. Line up the pattern with the flannel's lines so the pieces stay straight and run in the same direction. Keep at least 4 inches at the bottom of the sweater sleeve for a later step. Cut the pattern pieces out.

Step 2

With right sides facing each other, position the pieces as the photo below shows. This step matters because it prevents you from making two left thumbs. Sew from notch to notch around the thumb area.

Step 3

Unfold the thumb piece, then pin it with right sides together onto the mitten top piece. Sew along the outer edge, but leave the bottom open.

Step 4

Do the same with the fleece lining pieces. Once they are done, turn the lining pieces right side out.

Step 5

From the bottom of each sweater sleeve, cut a 4-inch section to serve as the mitten cuffs. Turn the cuffs inside out and slip them over the bottom of the lining pieces, matching the raw edges. Pin and sew.

Step 6

Turn the outer mitten shells right side out, and turn the lining pieces inside out. Put your hand into the lining, then slide the outer shell over the lining and fold the cuff upward.

Step 7

Sew the cuffs into place by hand.

Warm hands, warm heart!