What to Do with Old Cashmere Sweaters

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Cashmere has been a luxury fiber for hundreds of years. In the past, it was only worn by royals and nobles who were able to afford it. Today, cashmere is available to just about anyone with enough money to buy it. While you might own many cashmere sweaters that are in pristine condition, at some point, they wear out. What you do with old cashmere sweaters is what this article will address.

What to Do with Old Cashmere Sweaters

Good Will 

There are places to donate your old cashmere, like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Still, you should be aware that cashmere quality often disqualifies them from their lists of acceptable clothing donations. These organizations often turn the lower grades of cashmere but can go to places that sell recycled clothing. If you have higher quality cashmere, they may not be accepted by the organizations you are trying to donate them. You might consider other options if your sweaters are of a high enough grade to qualify for donation.

Selling Cashmere 

There are a variety of ways to sell your quality cashmere sweaters. However, you likely will not find much luck selling them at yard sales or local thrift stores. One way to get a reasonable price for your sweaters is to connect with someone online. Many places deal in used clothing and accessories, so you can search for the best place to sell your cashmere. Searching online may better serve you because you can find someone specifically looking for items like yours and will pay more than they would for other vintage clothing that may be less desirable or in worse condition. You can also consider using eBay to sell old cashmere sweaters, where there are generally more buyers.

Upcycling 

Cashmere is one of the softest fabrics that can be made, but it is also very durable. Because of its construction, cashmere can easily survive several years of frequent use and still look good. This means that old cashmere often has a second life after they are no longer in fashion. If you want to get more use out of your cashmere, consider upcycling them into something new.

Things You Can Make With Your Old Cashmere Sweater

Upcycling old cashmere sweaters can make many items. Here are just a few examples of what you can do with your old cashmere sweater:

– A pillow cover: Once you’ve selected a cashmere sweater, cut off the arms and then sew them together with the rest of the shirt to make a pillow cover. You can use this in your bed or on your couch, and it will add softness and warmth.

– Throw Blanket: Cut off both arms of an old cashmere sweater, then sew them together with the shirt’s body to create a throw blanket. This is great for snuggling up on the couch or taking along on family picnics.

– Scarf: A scarf can be made out of any piece of cashmere, but it’s most effective if you use an arm sleeve or the torso. Cut off the arms of a sweater and then sew them together to create a long scarf that can be used for warmth or decoration.

– Hand Warmers: Cut off the torso of an old cashmere sweater, turn it inside out, then sew up three sides. Turn it right side out again before filling it with rice for warm, comforting hand warmers.

– Mittens: Turn an old cashmere sweater inside out and cut off the sleeves where they meet the torso to make it into a pair of mittens. These are great for keeping hands toasty in cold weather without using gloves that can interfere with dexterity.

Hat: Cut off the neck of an old cashmere sweater and sew it onto the top of another slightly too small sweater. Turn the hat right side out, then fold over the collar to give your new hat a finished look. This can be worn as is, or you can decorate it with buttons, beads, or other trinkets for added style.

Conclusion 

If you have thought that you should update your wardrobe, it might be time to get rid of some of the older pieces and make room in your closet for new items. Cashmere sweaters are good quality and can take a while to wear down, so you may find yourself holding onto them even if they do not fit. The good news is that you are likely to find new uses for your old cashmere sweaters, whether you use them upcycling or by selling them on the internet.