DIY Network

Arm and Leg Wraps Recycle sweaters and socks into cool knit accessories. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-122

Turn "toss pile" knits into terrific accessories.

Homemade accessories are great, but so are "nearly homemade" ones. In these quick and easy projects, Michele Beschen shows how to make cool knit accessories where someone's already done the knitting for you. The B. Original host shows how to cut up old sweaters and knee socks to create leg warmers and arm warmers that you embellish with patches, appliqués and general creativity.

In addition to giving you hip accessories virtually free, these projects make good use of some of that knitwear that's been laying in the back of the closet for ages. So pull out the sweater with the unfortunate stain, the knee socks with the giant hole in the toe and any other discard knits—they're about to come back to life.

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Everyone loves the colors and whimsy...

Of these hip accessories.

Leg Warmers

• Cut out the bodice of an old wool sweater and turn inside out.

• Lay flat and pin a line 5" in from each side seam (figure A).

• Sew along the pin lines, trim along the seam and turn right-side out (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

Now you're stepping out in style!

Figure C

Arm Warmers—Sweater

• Cut the sleeves from an old wool sweater and turn inside out.

• Pin a line 3" to 4" from the side of the sleeve and stitch along the line.

• Trim along the seam and turn right-side out.

• Cut a small thumb hole about 1" from the wrist end of the tube.

• Stitch around the edges of this hole with embroidery thread to finish (figure C).

• Finish off with patches or appliqués.

Figure D

Arm Warmers—Knee Socks

• Pick out a selection of knee socks you thing will look great on your arms.

• Cut a straight line above the heel to remove the foot part.

• Cut a small thumb hole 1" from the end of the remaining sock and stitch around the edges with embroidery thread. Also use embroidery threat to stitch around the cut edge of the sock to prevent fraying.

• Finish off with patches or appliqués (figure D).

There are lots of options for this project—for example, children's knee socks and sweaters make great arm and leg warmers for the kids. If you don't have enough discard sweaters and socks to try them all, hit the yard sales. You can turn someone else's trash into your own latest treasure!