As is per usual, The Princess (aka Petunia) has changed her mind. After the fact. After the legwarmers have been cut out and sewn into all of their fabulous-ness. I think that she’ll change her mind but, for now, she does not like “bunchy things”. That is the right of the 5 year old, I suppose. She now says that she would have preferred more “sweater pants”. Ah well, I have other sweaters that need “pantsing” so she will have her sweater pants after all. Just not the adorable ones that would have gone with the dress that is next on my list to refashion…

Let me start with the raw materials:
-One old sweater. It can have holes or not be fabulous in some areas but the sleeves must be intact and in good shape. I picked a sweater with interesting detail but you can use a plain one, too.
-A sewing machine, scissors, thread, pins and elastic. The width of elastic is up to you. I don’t even remember what I used but it wasn’t more than 1/2 inch.
That’s it.

Start by cutting off the sleeves at the desired length. I just cut below the armpit because I figured they would be “bunchy” like legwarmers are supposed to be (unless you are a 5 year old that does not like bunchy things…).

You will then have two tubes with one end the cut off end and the other the finished wrist end of the sleeve. Turn them inside out. Fold down a small hem at the cut off end (an inch?). How much you fold down depends on how wide your elastic is but an inch should cover you. Pin the hem in place.

Pick matching thread and get your machine ready. Set it on a basic zig-zag stitch and stitch around the hem, leaving a small opening to insert elastic.

Attach a small safety pin to your length of elastic, which you have measured around the wearer’s calf right under the knee (or whatever part of the leg they will be sporting them). Insert it into the small opening you have left and pull through to the other side.

This is where the picture for that step would be if I had not deleted it thinking I had already uploaded it to my computer. :0

Join your elastic ends by sewing them together either by hand or machine. Sew the opening closed with a zig zag stitch and you’re done!

I just know they’re going to look so cute on her! Once I can convince her to wear “bunchy things”. Ah, well…Enjoy!