I’ve had this sweater forEVER. It’s vintage. I found it a decade ago at a thrift shop and have only worn it once. Yet every time I try to get rid of it, I just can’t. But the thick knit {or crochet?} combined with the large waist band is just horribly unflattering. So, the other day, it dawned on me to just cut the sucker off. And now it’s 10 times cuter and much more wearable in these times of 90’s throw-back-girlie-grunge. And no, I’m not worried about it unraveling a bit. I almost cut the neckline as well but left it for now. I could also become cropped at some point… TBD.
Tip: lay your sweater flat and cut around the front, then the back, not both layers at the same time. And if your knit has a pattern, follow it for a more finished look.
David M. Thill, Esq.
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Sarah Jean
*Ugh, it keeps logging me in as my fiance*
Anyway, I have a knitted sweater like that, and I was thinking about modifying it. Looks great! Bravo!
Gawgus things...
What a clever idea! It looks sooo much prettier 🙂
Neris / Fashion Fractions
Totally agree, looks so much better now! Can’t wait to see how you style it 😉
xxx,
Fashion Fractions
jenn~the stylish housewife
now why didn’t i think of that? it really does look more flattering without the waistband. i love the expression on your face in the last pic…it looks like “hey…i kinda like the way this looks”! =) so cute.
~xo, jenn
the stylish housewife
Kez
Pretty!!!! 🙂
Nadine
Wow, I can’t believe what a difference it makes! Looks fantastic. (It’s definitely knit, not crochet.) Love that informal barefoot mirror shot – you look so cute! 🙂
Charlotte
That looks so much better with only doing that to it, hmm… I don’t think any of my jumpers (sweaters) will have waistbands by the end of the day…
Anonymous
You look adorable barefoot! I feel like we only see you in heels! So cute!
CessOviedo
It’s amazing what just a little cut here and there can do, as always I’m feeling inspired! Love the contrast of knit grey and coral ruffles, cute!
Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries
Lili
True, it’s much more likable this way 🙂 I can feel my waistbanded sweaters trembling in my closet ^^
Relatable Style
Shuffleboard Tables
Looking sizzling and prettier
ambra
love the DYI. u have so many fabulous ideas!!
lila.pixavue.com
K.M.
I love your DIY..think I’m gonna try to do it too and post it on my blog..
Your room came out so beautiful..♥
Evy
wow nice idea! looks really good on you like this. lovely blog
http://maffionista.blogspot.com/
.life is reediculous.
your office/dressing room is so divine! i think i need some confetti system in my life…
wdmk
That looks like a totally different sweater! So simple but worth it!
Della
Great tip! I’ll keep that in mind when I go sweater thrifting. I love how slouchy it looks! Rachel Zoe-esqe!
*Sparkles*
So cute maegan!! I love the loose cropped look but I always am nervous if I try to pull it off I’ll look un-polished, or not as ‘put together’ for work… do you have any tips/tricks on how to style these tops so that one looks more put together? I’m a little bit curvy if that makes a difference in the styling — thanks!!
Angela
Super cute! Did you have to seal the bottom in some way so that it won’t unravel?
loftyappetite
wow! such a simple change, but such stunning results. I am very inspired!
Taylere
Simply perfect! Why is it that I can never think of simple things like this to fix the things I never wear? Well, nevertheless- I have JUST the sweater to try this with- can’t wait.
p.s.- did your “refashion an old sweatshirt” diy the other day- looks awesome! Thanks for being awesome!
<3 Taylere
Ordinary Vixen
Jaclyn T
Nice…I love 90s grungie girlie looks!
If it does unravel, you could use a zig-zag stitch at the hem…
Shannon
Some advice: Check the fabric content. 100% wool will be less likely to fray. Cotton or any blend will almost certainly fray on a loose knit. As Jaclyn T said, hitting the edge with a zig-zag stitch in a matching color certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Craftmaker
That is a great idea! And so easy! Did you make sure it doesn’t unravel? It wouldn’t be much of a problem if you cut it carefully.
Sneza
It’s amazing how much better it looks! I wonder if it would look even better without the sleeve cuffs and the neckline ribbing.
Such a great color — I get why you don’t want to throw it away!
Tyra Davis
That actually DID come out really pretty. It has a relaxed but delicate, romantic feel. LOVE!
http://www.tyramadesimple.blogspot.com
Fash Boulevard
the perfect fix. i love this. thanks for another incredible post. Would love if you’d check out my brand new outfit post and newest accessory find. xoxo
http://www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com
Don’t forget to follow on twitter for all the latest fashion gossip from an LA stylist.
http://twitter.com/#!/FashBoulevard
Natalya's Closet
so pretty! XOXO, http://www.NatalyasCloset.com
modanista junkie
Oooh love what you did to the sweater!!!
xoxo,
Mel
Anonymous
Looks so much cuter with out the band! Love it! Where is the dress from that you have under it! Such a pretty color!!
Jackie Welling
This makes me want to go to Savers right now and find something to modify!!! So creative
Oh and I JUST posted a giveaway on my blog if anyone would like to check it out!
ClassyCleverChic Giveaway
Jah
Brilliant!!!!
Charles
what a huge difference, Maegan! It looks amazing. I also love the way you styled it and your shoes in the background 🙂
xx
http://charlesbgoode.blogspot.com
business cards online
Wow that sweater is absolutely nice! You’re really a genius when it comes to craftiness and DIY. It just went perfectly.
mauishopgirl
Great idea! I’m on the curvier side (not to mention super short) so this’ll really work for me. I could see the neck going and maybe even the sleeves too. Then layer over a cute tank. Would work for sweatshirts too.
Anonymous
I’ll bet you will do a DIY with the band, too. I’m thinking…..but can’t think of anything. Maybe an embellished cummerbund? Headband?? I’m sure you will figure out something. Anyway, I have a similar sweater (ivory/cream) with a slight V-neck. I keep running across it in the bottom of my linen closet!…..I, too, for many years, couldn’t manage to donate it. Well, now I will DIY it!! Have a great Thursday, Friday, and weekend, Sunshine!!
Susan
Nice…
Alela Sirah
Very cute! http://fashionablyspeakn.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-do-realize-summer-is-almost-over-but.html
Refashion Reuse Recycle
Did you save the waistband you cut off? When you said you were thinking of making it a cropped sweater I envisioned it with the waistband added back on and then worn with a tank. Your call 🙂
Matter Of Style
a little rework for a remarkable result! great job!