Upcycle a Granny Square Afghan to a Shacket (Jacket)

There’s something special about an old granny square afghan—the colors, the history, the handmade charm. Instead of letting it sit folded away, or going to landfill, you can upcycle granny square afghans into something new and stylish, like a Shacket you’ll actually wear.

A shacket (shirt + jacket) is the perfect way to give that vintage crochet new life. It’s cozy, stylish, and completely unique. ‘Not to mention fashion trends! My unique method incorporates great finishing touches that are often a challenge with premade blankets.

Why This Works So Well

Granny square afghans are basically pre-made fabric—already structured, sturdy, and full of personality. The patchwork layout makes them ideal for cutting and reassembling into garments.

After I made this Granny Square Jacket I had a vision; combine some shirt elements and add some charm! Plus, the slightly chunky texture? Perfect for that relaxed, oversized shacket look.

What You’ll Need

• A granny square afghan (larger is easier to work with)
• Basic sewing machine (or hand sewing if you prefer)
• Sharp scissors or rotary cutter
• Pins or clips
• A simple jacket or shirt pattern (or use an existing shirt as a guide)
• Additional fabric, buttons, (optional interfacing)

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Before cutting anything, lay the afghan out flat and study it.

• Decide which squares you want centered (back panel is key)
• Try to keep rows aligned for a clean look, hide seams along square edges.
• Think about symmetry—or embrace a more eclectic mix
• Assess which finished edges will be used

Tip: Take a photo once you like the layout so you can recreate it later.

Step 2: Create Your Pattern

You can go two ways here:

Option 1: Trace a favorite shirt or jacket
My favourite way is to use what I know fits. Lay it over the afghan and trace around it (adding seam allowance). Collar and pockets simplify the finishes.

Option 2: Use a simple pattern
Look for an oversized shirt or jacket pattern—nothing too fitted works best. Shackets look great a bit loose, so don’t worry about perfect tailoring.

Step 3: Cut Carefully

Plan and cut your pieces, keeping the finished edges for bottom and sleeve ends:

• Back panel (often one large section)
• Two front panels
• Sleeves
• Cut collar, placket centre front and pockets from accent fabric. If you use a coarse fabric the fringe looks great and makes it easy sewing.

Try to cut along the joins between granny squares when possible. This keeps everything from unraveling and preserves the structure.

Step 4: Stabilize (Important!)

Crochet stretches more than woven fabric, so use some type of stabilization. Use stitches that are very close to catch all the yarn, adding multiple lines for extra strength. Test with a tug…

• Stay-stitch or zigzag edges to prevent stretching
• Add lightweight interfacing to edges (especially front opening and collar)
• Consider a lining if your afghan is very open or delicate

The front placket of contrast fabric can cover any ‘cut’ edge and allow for a clean professional finish. Cut on the straight grain so the fringe works well. Attach the collar, folding over at neck line.

Step 5: Sew It Together

Assemble like a basic shirt:

1. Join shoulder seams (try to keep straight with pattern of squares)
2. Attach sleeves
3. Sew side seams
4. Add collar (optional but gives that “shacket” look)
5. Finish front edges with contrast fabric

Take it slow—crochet can shift more than regular fabric.

Step 6: Add Closures & Details

Now the fun part:

• Add buttons (chunky wood buttons look amazing)
• Patch pockets using extra squares of contrast fabric

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Give your shacket a gentle steam (not too hot—wool or acrylic can react differently).

Check seams, trim loose ends, and try it on—you’ve just turned something nostalgic into something wearable.

Why You’ll Love It

• One-of-a-kind piece—no one else will have the same one
• Sustainable—no new materials needed
• Keeps handmade history alive in a new form

Imagine being able to wear Grandma’s lovingly made blanket!

A Little Creative Encouragement

Don’t overthink it. Part of the charm of a granny square shacket is that it’s not perfect. The mix of colors, slight irregularities, and handmade feel—that’s exactly what makes it special.

I’m thrilled with this upcycle granny square afghan project!

If you’ve got an old afghan tucked away, this might be its second life waiting to happen. If you want to stay on trend; make a jacket from a Vintage quilt, or a Hooded vest from a blanket.