How I Made a Recycled Wool Sweater Blanket

About 6 months back, I ran across a wool sweater blanket on Etsy and knew I had to have one. Only I couldn't shell out that kind of mulah. I started looking for 100% wool sweaters at Goodwill, Mountain Mission, Yard Sales, Giveaways, etc. I found several and my wonderful Sister-in-Law found several for me as well. I had around 10-12 sweaters and even after making this one, I still have enough to make another.

I washed 3-5 at a time in my top-load washer with HOT water and detergent. I've read it is a good idea to wash them inside a zipped up pillow case so your washer isn't fuzz central. I found that out after I washed them all. I just made sure to clean the washer out between loads.

After washing I loaded the sweaters into the dryer and dried them on high heat making sure to clear the lint trap every 5-10 minutes. 

Several went in a size 2X and came out about a size 2T.  That is ok though, as that is the result you want. I wanted my sweaters to be felted very well. It should shrink, thicken, and you shouldn't be able to see the stitches. Even though they all were 100% wool, some barely felted at all. I even did the wash/dry thing on them a few more times with no luck. I wasn't about to throw them out though. I cut them up and used them anyway. I was nervous about sewing the ones that didn't felt as well as the others.. but I had no issues what so ever.

After I had sewn the top, I thought about backing it with a flannel sheet and doing a turn/topstitch deal. But in the end I opted out. I just left it as is and I don't regret it. It isn't itchy at all and is super soft. You don't even notice the seams on the back. Even Michael and the boys love it.

This one is approximately 64x64 inches. I used a 8.5 inch block and made the throw 8 blocks across and 8 blocks down.

If you are thinking about making one. I say go for it. It was super easy and much cheaper than buying one pre-made. Also, if you have any questions, I'm here to help you out. Just ask.