A Genius Upcycled Gift Wrap Idea To Try

Learn how to make upcycled gift wrap with this clever idea from Camille Wilkinson.

Today I have a genius upcycled gift wrap idea to try from Camille Wilkinson, author of the new book Gift Wrap Green, and photographed by Michael Wicks.

Camille’s beautiful book teaches you the tricks of beautiful gift wrapping using material that is recyclable, reusable, and sustainable. Whether it’s making simple bows and neat corners or mastering elaborate Japanese fabric techniques, Camille talks you through all the steps.

A Clever Upcycled Gift Wrap Idea

Today Camille is showing Moral Fibres readers how to transform a favourite sweater that has seen better days into a stylish wrap for a bottle of wine. Camille also has clever upcycled gift wrap variations for different-shaped gifts.

You Will Need

• A wine bottle
• An old sweater
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Ribbon (optional)

Instructions

1. For this upcycled gift wrap idea, first insert the bottle into the sleeve of the sweater to measure where to cut. The cuff should start just below the top of your bottle.

2. Mark the bottle length and remove the bottle. Cut the sweater sleeve off so it is at least 3cm (1¼ in) longer than your bottle. If you would prefer a nice snug fit, use a child’s jumper, but do make sure the sleeve is long enough.

3. Next, thread the needle with a double thickness of thread and run it through the loose loops at the cut end of the sweater sleeve. Pull gently to gather and tie off.

4. To finish, you can leave the cuff end as it is, fold or roll it, or tie it with a ribbon.

Upcycled Gift Wrap Variations

There are quite a few gift wrap variations using upcycled materials that you can make using a similar technique:

To make a woollen belly band

Looking for a clever way to wrap a gift box using upcycled fabrics? Neatly cut off the ribbed waist of a child’s jumper and slide it onto your wrapped box, just like the photo above. You are looking for a snug fit. If using an adult sweater, this could be achieved by using the cuff.

To make a gift bag

If your item is too awkwardly shaped to gift wrap, then an old jumper can also be upcycled into a gift bag. All you need to do is cut the sleeve to the desired length. Once cut, turn it inside out and sew straight across the raw end. Turn it through to the right side and finish off with a ribbon to close.

I love this idea. It’s such an easy and creative way to reuse something that could have otherwise ended up in the bin.

PS: Like this post on eco-friendly gift wrap? You may also enjoy this post on how to wrap gifts in fabric. And if you are looking for present inspiration try my posts on secondhand gift ideas and eco-friendly gift ideas. I also have a fantastic post on how to make a cushion cover from a jumper that I think you will love too.