Turn Old Sweaters Into an Adorable Advent Calendar

Print and Cut Out Numbers

Print the numbers 1 through 25 in a font that's approximately 2.5" high. Using a craft knife, cut the number out, creating a stencil of each number.

Draw and Cut Out Mitten Pattern

Using a marker, draw a basic mitten template and cut out. Our mittens are about 5" tall. You can do any shape you like here. We did a mix of mittens and hats.

Trace Mittens Onto Sweater

Using a marker, trace around your mitten pattern, leaving a 1/4" allowance along the edges. Be sure to flip the pattern over and trace again so you have a mirror image, too. Cut out two mittens for each day of the month. (You'll join them together later.) Cut the mittens away from the sweater, but keep plenty of fabric along the edges so it doesn't start to unravel as you work on it.

Stencil Numbers Onto Sweater

Once you've cut your stencil, center it on the front of the mitten and fill it in with a dark marker. This will guide your stitching in the next step.

Stitch Over Number

Using a tapestry needle and yarn or colorful thread, fill in the stenciled number, following the knit pattern of the sweater material. There's no hard and fast rule here – if it's a little messy, it only adds to the charm.

Cut Out Mittens

Once your numbers have been filled in with a colorful yarn or thread, cut each mitten out along your marker lines.

Add Interfacing to Interior

Using the mitten pattern as a guide, trace onto the interface fabric, then cut out to the exact size (Image 1). Do this for each side of the mitten's interior, as you did when you originally traced the mitten shapes onto the sweater. Use the heat of an iron to fuse the interfacing to the sweater material (Image 2).

Assemble Mitten

Once the interfacing is attached, place the two sides of the mitten together (Image 1). Using a blanket stitch, join the pieces together to create a pocket for treats, leaving the top of the mitten open for inserting treats (Image 2). Next, add a clip to the top for hanging (Image 3). You can apply this method to different shapes, so feel free to get creative as you brainstorm your own advent calendar!

Display

Display your mini mittens in an empty frame or across a chalkboard for a perfect seasonal display.