All of this winter weather has me in the mood to sew something new. Today, I’m going to show you How To Make A Cardigan With Free Pattern! When my sewing friend, Debbie, showed me this pattern, I knew I had to make it. I mean, you can never have too many cardigans right? Cardigans are great because they add a nice versatility to your wardrobe. You can use it to stay warm wearing a sleeveless dress or simply use it to dress up a t-shirt. I like to have cardigans in different colors so I can mix and match with my favorite outfits. As DIY clothing projects go, this one is fairly simple. The included free pattern makes it simple to cut out your fabric and size this just right. Once you have your pieces cut out, you only have to make a few simple passes with the sewing machine to put this together. Pick out some cute solid color or print fabric and make some of these so you are ready for cooler weather. I can’t wait to cozy up in this cute cardigan.
Keeping warm and looking cool is not optional in this beautiful woven cardigan. You will not be disappointed once you learn how easy it is to sew. You’ll only need some basic sewing supplies for this project. Gather them from the list below and let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
- 1.5 Yards Of 60″ Wide Fabric – linen, cotton, wool, something with a bit of structure to it.
- Matching Thread
- 1/2” double folded bias tape
- Free Cardigan Pattern
- Iron
- Pins
- Scissors
- Optional Rotary Cutter & Mat
- Measuring tape
- Thread nippers
- Sewing machine
- Fabric marker
Size Chart:
This pattern is drafted for a height of 5’ 4”- 5” 5”. Looking for a bigger or smaller size of this pattern? Then check out our post on Pattern Grading.
| Imperial (inches) | Small | Medium | Large |
| Chest | 34 | 36 | 38 |
| Waist | 28 | 30 | 32 |
| Hip | 38 | 40 | 42 |
Printing Instructions
This cardigan pattern has layers so that you can choose to print only the size you need. To achieve this Adobe Reader must be installed on your machine or device. Adobe Reader allows you to click on the layers icon which will show you each size with an eyeball beside it. Click on the eyeball beside the size you do not want to print.
Before printing check that your printer is set to No scaling or Actual size. Set the Page orientation to Auto or Portrait. And then print page 1. Measure the 2” test square to see if it measures exactly 2”. If it does, print the remaining pages.
Trimming Pages
Cut off the right and top margins of each printed page before assembling the pattern. You can use tape or school glue to adhere your paper pattern together.
Pattern Assembly
After the pages have been printed and trimmed as instructed above, use the quarter circles located at the corner of each page for perfect alignment. When done your pattern should look like this:
Pattern Pieces Checklist
Once you have printed and assembled your pattern you will cut:
- Back – Cut one on fold
- Front – Cut 2 mirrored
- Sleeves – Cut 2 mirrored
Seam Allowance
Use a 3/8” seam allowance unless otherwise instructed.
How To Make A Cardigan With Free Pattern
Start this how to make a cardigan with free pattern sewing tutorial by washing, drying, and ironing your fabric. This acts a a preshrink for when you wash it later and pressed fabric is easier to cut precisely. Then, juse your free printable pattern to cut out your pieces. I cut the bodice pieces first.
Then I cut out the sleeves. I went with a solid color fabric but you could use a print fabric if you prefer.
Pin the front and the back of the cardigan at the shoulders with the fabric right sides together.
Now on this how to make a cardigan with free pattern sewing tutorial, it’s time to sew! Sew the shoulder seams your cardigan using a 3/8” seam allowance.
Next on this how to make a cardigan with free pattern sewing tutorial, open the jacket and pin the center mark of the sleeve to the shoulder seam. Pin the sleeve to the end of the armhole on both sides.
Now pin in between all three pins. It should look like the photo above.
Sew the sleeve to the armhole using the same 3/8″ seam allowance.
Next on this how to make a cardigan with free pattern sewing tutorial, fold the cardigan right sides together and pin sleeves and side seams.
Sew down the sleeve and the side seams.
Take your bias tape and open one of the folded edges. Pin it right sides together to the front straight edge of the cardigan. We are about halfway through this how to make a cardigan with free pattern sewing tutorial!
Follow the pressed line of the bias tape and sew the bias tape to the cardigan.
Fold the bias tape to the wrong side of the cardigan.
Sew down the bias tape 1/8” from the folded edge.
Now on this how to make a cardigan with free pattern sewing tutorial, we will work on the neckline. To sew the neckline, open the bias tape so that it has no folded edges towards the wrong side.
Fold the short end 1/2” towards the wrong side.
Pin the folded short end to align with the neckline. Continue pinning until you get to the opposite end of the neckline.
Trim the bias tape and fold the end under by 1/2” again. Sew the bias tape to the neckline. Fold the bias tape towards the wrong side of the cardigan and sew in place.
Now on this how to make a cardigan with free pattern sewing tutorial, we just need to finish hemming the cardigan. To hem the sleeves double fold by 1/2” and sew.
To hem the bottom of the cardigan, double fold by 1/2.”
Sew it in place and you are done!
Now you know how to make a cardigan with free pattern! This is a fun and simple sewing project perfect for when the weather starts to cool. Pick out some fabric to match your favorite outfit and sew the perfect companion sweater.
If you liked learning how to make a cardigan with free pattern, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make this simple project on your own, make certain that you take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices that people use!
How To Make A Cardigan With Free Pattern
Sew your own cute and cozy cardigan with this easy sewing tutorial and free sewing pattern. This simple project will keep you looking great when the weather cools.
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Print and assemble pattern. Use it to cut out your fabric.
- Pin the front and the back of the cardigan at the shoulders with the fabric right sides together. Sew the shoulder seams.
- Open the jacket and pin the centre mark of the sleeve to the shoulder seam. Pin the sleeve to the end of the armhole on both sides. Now pin in between all three pins .
- Sew the sleeve to the armhole.
- Fold the cardigan right sides together and sew down the sleeve and the side seams.
- Take your bias tape and open one of the folded edges. Pin it right sides together to the front straight edge of the cardigan. Follow the pressed line of the bias tape and sew the bias tape to the cardigan.
- Fold the bias tape to the wrong side of the cardigan and sew 1/8” from the folded edge.
- To sew the neckline, open the bias tape so that it has no folded edges towards the wrong side. Fold the short end 1/2” towards the wrong side. Pin the folded short end to align with the neckline. Continue pinning until you get to the opposite end of the neckline. Trim the bias tape and fold the end under by 1/2” again.
- Sew the bias tape to the neckline. Fold the bias tape towards the wrong side of the cardigan and sew in place .
- To hem the sleeves double fold by 1/2” and sew.
- To hem the bottom of the cardigan, double fold by 1/2” and sew.
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