Make An Autumn Bunting With a Thrifted Wool Sweater
[Updated September 2021]
Last summer I bought a beautiful, vintage Abercrombie & Fitch wool sweater in a gorgeous shade of orange.
I stored it away with the idea of using it to create an amazing fall project. Today’s the day! I made a super simple autumn bunting and have a couple more ideas in mind. Come back to see Parts II and III!
Related: Sweater Tags & Sweater Pumpkins
This post contains affiliate links for products necessary to complete this project. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my blog, as I receive a small compensation whenever you click on such a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you.
Materials for Making a Sweater Autumn Bunting
- Vintage orange (or other fall color) 100% wool sweater that’s been felted
- Scissors
- Matching jute
- Hot glue
- Letter stamps (or stencils)
- Craft Paint (black or complimentary color)
- Foam brush
How to Felt a Sweater
To prevent the sweater from unraveling, you must “felt” it first. By washing and drying it in hot water you’ll cause the wool fibers to fuse together tightly.
Now when you cut into the sweater, you’ll have a nice clean edge that won’t unravel(!).
Cutting Out Pennants for the Bunting
I neglected to take photos of my sweater “pennants” but since I’ve made similar buntings in the past, I had some explanatory photos that I could steal from other projects, like my spring bunting. Thank goodness.
The top of the pennants measure 6″ while each side measures 6.5″. Those who have subscribed to my newsletter can access a pattern in the Member Library under “Project Tutorials”.
To write the word “AUTUMN,” you’ll need to cut out six pennants. I cut out two extra, which I stamped with pumpkins using a homemade stamp.
Stamp (or Stencil) the Pennants
Applying letters to your pennants is relatively easy. Apply paint to the stamp using a foam brush and press onto the fabric. I recommend trying out your stamps in advance to learn how much or little paint you need to get a good impression.
If you accidently brush on too little paint, it’s easy to fix by re-stamping the letter. However, this is only possible if your stamps are mounted on clear backing.
Attach the Pennants to Jute for Hanging the Bunting
Use a thin bead of hot glue to attach jute across the top of each pennant (one at a time). I like to apply the jute on top of each pennant, but you could also apply it behind. Leave some jute loose on each end for tying.
Hang the Bunting
I hung mine on the mantel, but it could also be hung over a wide doorway, a sliding door, a second floor railing.
Other seasons or events that warrant a fun bunting?
- Christmas: CHEERS, MERRY CHRISTMAS, or SILENT NIGHT
- Spring: Denim SPRING or Pink Quilt or Paper SPRING
- Valentines: BE MINE or Vintage Valentine’s Cards
- Fall: Flannel Shirt or Fall Leaf Quilt
- Easter: HE IS RISEN
- Wedding: MR. & MRS.
- Independence Day: AMERICA
The richness of the orange is just lovely against the white mantel. Don’t you think?
This project can add charm to your home or your antique booth and in addition it can be sold on multiple platforms, including Etsy and Facebook Marketplace.
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Love the banner!
love your ideas! I have tons of old sweaters like this. Hugs Maria
I love them all, Diana! Those antlers on the wreath, though, make a wonderful decoration, one that I’d like to duplicate. Out here on our property there is bound to be a set or two.
I’m a banner girl and I love this one! The orange sweater was perfect! How did you know to wash and dry it to keep it from unraveling? You are smart! Love the antler on the wreath as well:) xoKathleen
Thanks Kathleen! I figured that since repeated washing and drying of wool is what turns it into “felt,” then one wash/dry would probably make it easier to work with. It’s all trial and error for me! This time it just happened to work 🙂
I never go to buy clothes (usually at thrift store here) and think “Oh, I can make something out of this!” You have a unique vision.
Great idea Diana & love the banner!
Hi Diana! 🙂
I can’t wait to see projects 2 and 3…I love the color of that sweater and it made the perfect banner. Your mantel looks so pretty all decked out for fall! I love the wooden window too.
Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Kimberley
What a gorgeous sweater, and what a beautiful autumn banner it made! Wonderful project; thanks for sharing!
Such a fun Banner! What a great idea to use a sweater. Great project Diana! Thanks so much for sharing this @ Dream. Create. Inspire. Link. I hope you will join us again tonight! Take care, Tara
Great use of an old sweater Diana. I love the vibrant color! Your entire mantel is wonderful! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs
Jann
I love how you upcycled the sweater! What a great idea! It’s a perfect use for something you no longer want or need. The antlers are adorable used that way as well. Thank you for sharing on Your Home Decor & More Link Up Party! 🙂
I think 3 projects from 1 sweater is just FANTASTIC!. Makes me sad that the only tag maker I have is a hand punch good for price tags (and dollhouse projects like making clipboards for the little people!) My daughter is a Halloween junkie, especially pumpkins, and I love the idea of making some of these things for her. Add orange/beige/olive sweaters to my look-for list!