Turn a Thrifted Sweater into a Cozy Bucket Bag

Imagine arriving at the ski lodge with your winter gear tucked inside a charming, handmade bucket bag that started as an old sweater. When people ask where you bought it, you can say you made it yourself. The project requires just a few things: a sweater you no longer wear or one from a thrift shop, curtain grommets available in the notion aisle of a fabric store, and a belt you don't mind repurposing. You can complete the bag in under an hour.

Step 1

Remove the bottom portion of the sweater by cutting it off.

Step 2

Flip the sweater's bottom section inside out, then pin the raw edges together.

Step 3

Stitch a 1/2-inch seam along the edge you just pinned.

Step 4

Bring the bottom seam and the side seam together so they form a right triangle. From the corner, measure 4 inches inward and pin straight down at that mark. This pinned line will be your stitching guide.

Step 5

Sew along the line you pinned, taking out the pins as you go.

Step 6

Cut away the excess fabric, leaving about 1/2 inch from the stitching.

Step 7

Using the tape measure, position the grommets evenly, roughly 2 to 3 inches below the top edge of the bag.

Step 8

Use the template included with the curtain grommets to mark where you'll cut the holes, using a marker.

Step 9

Cut out each grommet hole with sharp scissors.

Step 10

Put the bottom half of a grommet under the hole and the top half over it, then snap them together so the sweater fabric is caught between the two pieces. Do this for every grommet.

Step 11

Position one end of the belt on the side of the bag and sew it on slowly using a leather needle (110/18). You might need to turn the hand wheel of your sewing machine to attach the belt handle to the bag.

Step 12

Run some cord through the grommets to cinch the top of the bag closed.

Your bag is now ready to bring a touch of winter flair to any outfit.