Thanks to Oanh for drawing my attention to this freebie the week before Sewaway. I quickly put the PDF together (32 pages including instructions) thinking it might be a nice easy make to take with me for a weekend away sewing. It was to be after I found this speckled beige t-shirt knit at spotlight on sale for $3/metre. The fabric has poor recovery so it's ideal for a loose fitting cardigan (compared to leggings or a wrap cardigan for example).
I cut a size medium based on my waist measurement thinking I'd like the cardy to be roomy. After finishing my round trip jacket I was keen to get into an easy make. Unfortunately, I only cut and packed one sleeve for the cardigan so it was left unfinished until I got home. Aside from this, the cardigan is a very easy make, especially if you have an overlocker. If you're like me then you might think your cardy looks more like a one armed poncho half way through sewing- I promise this is normal (well, not the one armed part). You just need attach the front collar to the back piece at the neckline. The front collar, hem and sleeves are all hemmed by simply turning over and stitching with a stretch stitch or zigzag.
The instructions are brief but include a couple of diagrams to help you out. For those who don't have an overlocker there are also instructions included on french seaming. I've never french seamed a knit before. If I didn't have an overlocker I'd probably just sew the cardigan using the 3/8"S/A with a stretch stitch. This project is totally beginner friendly, especially as the final product is a reasonably loose fitting garment so fitting and choosing an appropriate knit fabric are not that important.
I made no changes to the pattern, or during construction. The fit is spot on, I think. It is roomy, but I like to be able to layer up singlets, long sleeves and cardy's in winter. The smallest size is a small and I think an XS lady might find it a little too roomy. I will absolutely make more versions. A black merino version is most definitely on my 'to sew' list.
This is a cardigan that fits effortlessly into my wardrobe, particularly my weekend wardrobe. Tim took these photo's out in south Melbourne today where we stuffed ourselves silly with what Tim thinks (and I don't disagree) is the best burger in Melb. I'm looking a little disheveled from the cold breeze but I'm counting myself lucky that I wasn't covered in mustard or burger grease.
If you like this post, check out my Sew Cheap: Top Tips, Sew Cheap: Free Patterns and previous Sew Cheap posts.
What a great pattern....and I can't believe it's a freebie! I think I'm going to make this in a wool knit I have.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely give it a go Mel. It's very forgiving so you shouldn't have any fit issues :)
DeleteNice make! And I love that scarf. Perfect for the horrendous weather we've been having lately!
ReplyDeleteThanks Siobhan! It's really winter now!
DeleteHi Elisabeth! This cardigan looks really good on you I can’t belive it’s free.!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great freebie, isn't it! Definitely recommend it!
DeleteThanks for bringing this pattern to my attention - I'll be making this one for sure!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a good basic - look forward to seeing your version!
DeleteIt looks great, nice and warm for in the office without being restrictive.
ReplyDeleteIt would be a great work cardy, especially in darker shades and some lush wool knit.
DeleteAwesome cardi! I just finished making a Julia Cardigan last week and am keen for more cardis now the weather is cool. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nat, definitely recommend giving it a shot.
DeleteGreat cardi. I've never heard of this pattern but it looks like an absolute winner!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a winner! Wore it two days in a row and was snug as bug.
DeleteThis is great, if only I had a printer I'd already be printing this out. This really looks good on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Is it worth a quick trip to an officeworks/print shop?
DeleteI really like this cardi! I need some toppers in my wardrobe, so thanks for bringing it to my attention.
ReplyDeleteNo problem! Good luck making your version :)
Deletehello! I'm Valeria. I really like your blog and your style ..
ReplyDeleteI really liked this cardigan so I'm doing one for me but in black. thanks for showing it suits you very well ..
Kisses from Uruguay
Hi Valeria,
DeleteThank you for your kind words! I want one in black as well. Goodluck with your version :)