felting a sweater to make a bag

[Nashville Crocheter]

I know I've seen directions about how to make a old wool sweater into a bag but now that I want to do it I can't find any directions.

 

I know you cut off the sleeves.

 

So I need to know which part of the sweater is the top of the bag? If you use the bottom of the sweater for the top do you sew part of it closed so it is not such a large opening?

Do you do anything else to it before felting it?

I would love to see some before and after pictures.

 

Thanks,

[MullersLaneFarm]

I haven't done my first bag from felted sweater but here is my plan. I was able to score 5 wool sweaters at Goodwill. I felted them first and will let the sweaters dictate how they will end up.

 

A beautiful plain black will make a small purse decorated with needle felting.

 

Another is grey with designs on the yoke. The yoke will probably be the purse flap.

 

A bright, multi-colored strip will probably be open on the top.

 

I also plan on making mittens from the left over sleeves

[Needle Arts]

Great idea!

[Nashville Crocheter]

So Cyndi, You are basically going to use the felted sweaters as fabric to be cut out and sewn together?

 

I plan to try to unravel the sleeves to make straps for the bag.