With the holiday season in full swing, I know it can be overwhelming. If you’re anything like me, the holidays are a blur of plans, events and trying to get it all done. There’s barely time to think about a DIY project, let alone start something big. So I thought I’d share a quick and easy DIY to transform a plain sweater into something festive, flirty, and wearable….a trendy bow cutout top!
The real star of this upcycle is the bow cutout detail. This project started with a basic turtleneck sweater I wasn’t really wearing anymore. I created three bows on the back of the sweater, giving it a playful but elevated look. It’s perfect for parties, date nights or when you just want to feel a little more dressed up without trying too hard. Best part? No machine sewing required! This one’s all done by hand. It’s a simple project that’s sure to make a statement. I’ll walk you through all the steps in my latest YouTube tutorial (scroll down to watch!)
Choosing the Right Top
To get the best results, here’s what I recommend:
- Pick a sweater that’s close-fitting so the bows hold their shape and don’t sag.
- Avoid super bulky sweaters: they’ll make it harder to get crisp, cute bows.
- High necklines (turtlenecks, mock necks, or crew necks) are great because they give you enough fabric to work with and make it easier to cleanly finish the neckline.
- Practice on a t-shirt first if you’re unsure. Just keep in mind that thinner fabrics may curl at the edges so you won’t get the same results without finishing. Rib knits are ideal because they’re usually heavier, so the raw edges lay flat and resist fraying.
What You’ll Need:
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Matching thread
- A close-fitting stretch knit top (rib knits or french terry are great)
- Optional: Seam ripper (if you’re modifying the neckline or undoing the hem)
Watch the Full Tutorial Here
Check out the full DIY tutorial below to see exactly how I made this trendy sweater transformation. It’s a fast, beginner-friendly project you can knock out in under an hour!
👉 Watch in 4K for the best experience and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you want more fun upcycles like this one!
How to Style Your New Cutout Sweater
Once you’ve made your cutout bow sweater, here are a few styling ideas to try:
- Dress it up with a satin skirt, tailored pants (or even layer under a blazer) and some sparkly earrings for holiday vibes.
- Go casual cool with a pair of cargos (they’re having a moment right now!).
- Mix & match it with past DIYs. I love pairing mine with pieces I’ve made in previous tutorials.
Ready to try it?
If you have a plain sweater sitting in your closet, this is your sign to give it a makeover. A little cutout, a cute bow, and voilà…holiday-ready in no time. Want to show off your version? Drop a comment below or tag me! I’d love to see your take on this DIY!
Before You Go…
I had planned to do a few more holiday DIYs this year, but honestly… life has been life-ing. Between my daughter starting preschool, catching every cold imaginable and the holiday madness! This likely will be my last video of the year. But don’t worry! I’ve got more quick and easy upcycle ideas in the works! Stay tuned, and thank you so much for your patience and continued support! 💚
Until next time, stay stylish and keep creating ✂️
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through the links above. Your support helps me continue creating content like this, so thank you!
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