Upcycled Scarf and Sweater Wreath

I know, I know, I know…I said no Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving.

But I had a fabulous idea (if I do say so myself!) and wanted to enter it into a holiday decor contest, so I had to make it now.  I wanted to share it with you, because it’s so easy to make and festive.

It’s a wreath made from upcycled scarves and sweaters.  This project could not be easier, and it’s relatively inexpensive to make.

I got the idea when I saw a wreath made from upcycled fabric for close to $50!  I thought I could make something similar, but with my own style and color choices, for much less.  I was right.

Materials:
Three scarves from Goodwill @ $1.91 each = $5.73
One sweater from Goodwill: $3.00
One wreath form (Dollar Store): $1.00

Total Cost: $9.73

So, for less than $10, you can make this festive wreath.  Also, it takes very little time to make.  Once I had gathered all the materials, the entire project, including hanging it, took about 40 minutes.

Here’s how you make it.

First, you have to choose your materials.  I had a wreath form already from the dollar store (ignore the orange one – it was too small.  I went with the twig one).  I went to Goodwill and first chose some scarves.  I chose different textures – some nubby, some smooth, some knit, some crochet – and different colors.  I chose one dark pink (almost red) scarf with different colored flecks in it, one red nubby scarf, and one gray scarf.  I also decided to use a sweater, because I liked its texture and color – purple heathered knit.

Ignore the orange wreath form; it was too small.

Next, cut the scarves and sleeves of the sweater into whatever size pieces you want. I cut mine about 2 in. wide.  For the knits, if you pull them a little after you cut them, they make a bit of a “ruffle” along the edge.

Pulling the knit created a ruffle effect.

Then tie the pieces around the wreath form.  As my five-year-old informed me, I used a pattern of pink-red-gray-purple. (“It’s a pattern!”)

Depending on how long the cut piece was, I either wrapped it around the wreath once first and then tied it in a knot, or just tied it around once.  Obviously, with the sleeve of the sweater, they start small and get bigger, so adjust accordingly.