Make a Beaded Sweater (for under $5 dollars)

After a couple of very warm weeks here in GA (like 70 degrees and sunny) it's finally getting chilly again, which means I can break out my favorite new DIY project : this FABULOUS beaded sweater.

I've been way more committed to hunting through the racks at thrift stores to buy clothes I'm going to get dirty with DIY projects and woodworking, so when I found this yummy cowl neck sweater for only $2 dollars I snatched it up without hesitation!

In true crafter fashion I felt this sweater could benefit from a little color and texture, so I dug into my rhinestone, button and bead stash to bedazzle this thrifted find! The creamy and textured knit of this sweater serves as a perfect canvas for color and texture. Each bead placement was a calculated decision in color theory and balance! I spent several hours on this piece, but the finished results are well worth it.

This is a quick and inexpensive way to dress up a basic sweater or cardigan...how cute would it look on a toddler sized sweater?!

Assemble colorful beads and spare buttons along with a colorful spool of yarn and get sewing! 

What you'll need : 

Knit Sweater ( I got mine for $2.00 at Goodwill)

Assorted beads and buttons 

High gauge thread in a fun color

Skinny needle for beading

Scissors 

Place each bead in a random pattern about 1-2" apart. I re-arranged beads, rhinestones and buttons  to compliment each other by color and scale. Thread your needle with a double strand of thread and knot the ends. Secure each bead with several loops of threads onto a stitch in the sweater. Tie each bead and button off individually to avoid snags and pulls. Tie a double knot and trim the threads.

I only beaded the front of my sweater for comfort ... leaning and sitting would be uncomfortable if I had beaded the back and I didn't want my sleeves to get caught on things constantly.

Now here comes the question I know everyone will ask:
Can you wash it?

I plan to hand wash my adorable sweater in the sink and lay flat to dry. Machine washing this garment would surely be a disaster, and the solvents used in dry cleaning can often corrode acrylic beads.

I'm so tickled with how well this turned out--I love it paired with my favorite clogs and flared jeans. Let me know how you'd style it below!

xo Lindsey Crafter