Don't throw out those old sweaters...make a throw.

Recycle five or six of your worn or outgrown sweaters into a stylish patchwork lap warmer you'll reach for all winter long. No sweaters? Head for a thrift shop and take your pick.

SIZE: 42" x 47" or desired size

MATERIALS:

5 or 6 large wool and wool-blend thrift shop sweaters
Medium-weight decorator fabric for backing/border 47" x 52", or at least 6" longer and wider than assembled knits
Sewing machine and sewing thread, or  tapestry yarn and needle
Graph paper
Large straight pins; sewing needle
Steam iron; pressing cloth

PREWASH sweaters if necessary in mild soap and warm water. Rinse; roll in towels to blot; lay on sweater dryer or towels to dry. Dry-clean if required.

CUT sweaters apart at seams to see available pieces flat, including sleeves. Cut rectangles as large as possible to work with, following a row of knit stitches as cutting line. Ribbing and narrow cable sections can be cut as strips.

MEASURE available pieces and plan design on graph paper, or plot with paper rectangles. Small pieces can be joined to make larger rectangles. Be sure to add 1⁄2" seam allowance on all sides. 

CUT pieces to desired sizes including 1⁄2" seam allowance on all 4 sides, then join blocks to form throw. To sew seams: Pin 2 pieces right sides together. Baste with thread if desired. Stitch with 1⁄2" seam allowance using a wide, close zigzag stitch by machine or backstitch with tapestry yarn by hand. Take care not to stretch edges. From right side, steam-press seam lightly under pressing cloth, letting allowances fall to one side (do not slide iron; place, lift, reposition). 

BACKING AND BORDER: Right sides out, pin knit carefully centered over fabric. Stitch from knit side, 1⁄2" from knit edge, with long straight stitch by machine or backstitch with thread by hand. Press 1⁄2" edges of fabric to wrong side. Fold and pin the 2 long fabric sides over knit about 1⁄4" beyond seam for border about 11⁄4" wide. Slipstitch in place with thread. Repeat to bind top and bottom edges. Sew sides of corners closed.

CARE: Launder as for the most delicate fabric on the throw. Dry-clean if required.

Posted by: http://www.hummingbirdjewelry1.etsy.com

Courtesy of:  Make a Cozy Throw - Woman's Day