Revive Your Sweater: Creative Fabric Appliqué

Give an old sweater or hoodie a new life in this creative garment-altering workshop! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to add fabric appliqué designs to a pre-assembled garment using scrap fabrics, stencils, or your own freehand drawings. This is a great way to replace worn lettering, add custom shapes, or transform a plain piece into something personal and unique.

Working with a sewing machine, you’ll explore techniques for attaching layered fabric pieces to stretch garments while maintaining flexibility and durability. Decorative hand embroidery can also be added for extra texture and personality.

Bring a sweater you’d like to revive and a creative idea—whether it’s bold lettering, playful shapes, or a patchwork-inspired design. By the end of the class, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind garment well on its way to completion.

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Sewists. Participants should be comfortable using a sewing machine and have a basic understanding of sewing with stretch fabrics.

Project Outcome

Participants will complete—or nearly complete—one altered hoodie or sweater. Please note that depending on the complexity of your design, you may not leave with a fully finished item. The more decorative your design, the more time it may require.

Supply List

Required

• Old sweater or hoodie you would like to revive (for example, to replace worn lettering or add new designs)
  
  

• Letter or shape templates (optional; designs can also be freehanded)
  
  

• 10–20 fabric scraps that will fit your chosen letters or designs (scraps are also available from our curated scrap bins)
  
  

• Teflon machine foot
  
  

• Sewing scissors
  
  

• Pins
  
  

• Pencil or fabric marker
  
  

• Quilting ruler (studio supplies available if you do not have your own)
  
  

Optional (Available for use during class)

• Rotary cutter and small cutting mat
  
  

• Embroidery floss in a variety of colours (optional decorative element)
  
  

• Embroidery needle
  
  

• Embroidery hoop
  
  

Fabric Notes

Fabric will be available from our recirculated scrap bins, but please be prepared to prep and cut your materials during class.

Quilting cotton is the easiest fabric to work with, but you’re welcome to experiment with other materials. Consider bringing:

• Quilting cotton scraps
  
  

• Upholstery samples (not too heavy)
  
  

• Embroidered denim or garment scraps
  
  

• Linen fabrics
  
  

• Lace or doilies
  
  

• Personal or meaningful fabric motifs
  
  

You can mix multiple fabrics or stick to just one—it all depends on your creative vision.

Embroidery Thread

Standard 6-strand embroidery floss is recommended if you’d like to add decorative hand stitching. This is completely optional and not required for the project.