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How to Upcycle Old Tights Into Fingerless Gloves

Looking for a creative way to repurpose old tights and reduce waste? Transforming worn-out wool tights into stylish and practical fingerless gloves is a quick, easy, and sustainable project. Not only will you give your old tights a new lease of life, but you’ll also create something cosy and fashionable to keep your hands warm during winter.

Upcycle Wool Tights Into Cool Fashionable Fingerless Gloves

Why Upcycle Old Tights?

Upcycling old clothing is an excellent way to minimise waste and get reuse out of items you might otherwise throw away. Woolly school tights are particularly great for upcycling because they’re stretchy, warm, and versatile.

I came up with this idea when my girls were young and incredibly active at school. They’d come home with holes in their tights after crawling around playing spy games or running wild during tag. Instead of tossing the tights, we spent an afternoon turning them into fingerless gloves, and they’ve been a winter staple ever since.

It’s a great up-cycling craft that’s a simple and fun way to repurpose clothing with kids while teaching them about sustainability.

If you’re looking for more ways to stay warm outdoors this winter, check out these Scandi tips for staying cosy outdoors — perfect for pairing with your handmade gloves!

More Upcycled Craft Projects

If you like this project you may like my Milk Carton Pen Pot Craft, Plastic Bottle Top Flowers, T-shirt Yarn Bracelets.

Upcycled Milk Carton Pen Pot
T-shirt Yarn Bracelets

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Materials You’ll Need:

  • Old wool mix tights (thick winter tights with Lycra work best)
  • Chalk
  • Sharp scissors
  • Needle and thread

How To Make Upcycle Wool Tights

  1. Prepare the Tights:
    Lay the tights flat on a table and cut off the feet. Then, decide the length you want for your gloves by laying your hand over the tights and marking the desired length with chalk. Add 2-3 cm for folding the edges later.
Cut wool tights to size

  1. Cut to Size:
    Cut straight across the tights where you marked them. Depending on the condition of the tights, you may be able to make two pairs of gloves from one pair of tights.
wool tights cut into 4 pieces
  1. Mark the Thumb Hole:
    Place your hand over the cut section of tights and mark where the thumb hole should go with chalk.
Mark Thumb Holes on Cut Tights
  1. Cut the Thumb Hole:
    Using sharp, pointy scissors, carefully cut a small slit along the natural fold in the tights, for the thumb. Start small and adjust as needed for a snug fit.
Cut Out Thumb Holes Using SHarp Scissors
  1. Size the Thumb Hole:
    Try the gloves on for fit and cut the thumb hole a bit longer if necessary.
Upcycle Wool Tights Into Cool Fashionable Fingerless Gloves
  1. Sew the Thumb Hole:
    Turn the cut piece inside out. Fold the edges of the thumb hole inward and sew a simple seam to prevent fraying. This creates a neat and durable finish.
Sew thumb area small
  1. Finish the Edges:
    Flip the gloves right side out, try them on, and adjust if necessary. Enjoy your cosy, upcycled gloves!
Upcycle old tights into warm toasty fingerless gloves

Tips for Personalizing Your Gloves:

  • Embellish your gloves with embroidery, beads, or small patches for a unique touch.
  • Use tights in different colors or patterns to create a fun and eclectic look.

Why These Gloves Are Perfect for Winter:

These fingerless gloves are not just stylish but also practical. They’re ideal for keeping your hands warm while still allowing full mobility for tasks like typing, crafting, or taking photos outdoors. Pair them with a cozy outfit for a complete winter look.

Looking for more creative ideas? Explore my Upcycled Crafts section for inspiration, including Plastic Bottle Top Flowers and DIY T-shirt Yarn projects.

The Benefits of Upcycling

Upcycling not only saves money but also helps reduce textile waste, which is one of the largest contributors to landfill. By repurposing items like old tights, you’re doing your part to create a more sustainable future while enjoying the satisfaction of crafting something useful and beautiful.

What are your favorite upcycling projects? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • BlueBearWood

      No. they fray a little, a bit like t-shirts with unfinished seams. The uncut ends are also protected because the they are rolled up. The worst area is the thumb which does need to be sewn up well with little stitches. I think it’s because they’re machine knitted.

      Reply

  26. Mel Brammer

    I love this! I’m now thinking of what decorative embellishments could be added so that I can do it with the grey school tights (which she grows out of SOOO fast) without them looking quite so…. grey!

    Reply

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