The Sewing Place
The Emporia => Official Sewalong Voting! => Sewalongs and Competitions => Previous sewalong entries => Topic started by: SewRuthieSews on October 19, 2020, 10:29:42 AM
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Please sew along if you would like to make a cardigan.
A number of us will be using the Coatigan/Cardigan pattern from the November 2020 Prima Magazine.
If you are in the UK it is available to buy from their website for £1.99.
If you want to use another pattern you are also welcome to join us.
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This is the pattern we are using.
Prima Coatigan Nov 2020 (https://www.hearstmagazines.co.uk/prima-pattern-november-2020?utm_source=prima-mag&utm_medium=offline&utm_term=pr&utm_content=space-ad&utm_campaign=november_2020)
(https://www.hearstmagazines.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/4b3dd8e88a79e13791f1732feed8a9d3/c/r/craft-pattern_-cardigans_coatigans-v2-400x530.jpg)
It is available in UK 10-20.
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Oh what a shame! I just finished my Sinclair Patterns "Harper" cardigan yesterday evening. Made it in the cable knit jersey that seems to be everywhere at the moment. :) I would've loved to have joined in with the sew-a-long.
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Oh what a shame! I just finished my Sinclair Patterns "Harper" cardigan yesterday evening. Made it in the cable knit jersey that seems to be everywhere at the moment. :) I would've loved to have joined in with the sew-a-long.
@Kenora and just who now says you need to stop at one? :devil: :laughing:
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Oh what a shame! I just finished my Sinclair Patterns "Harper" cardigan yesterday evening. Made it in the cable knit jersey that seems to be everywhere at the moment. :)
Will you post a picture please? I’d like to see it.
Also, where did you buy your jersey fabric from? I’m trying to find something suitable that won’t cost too much with the additional postage fees.
I saw a cable knit looking throw in Aldi today and I wondered whether that might be worth buying to cut up instead.... :thinking:
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You can absolutely cut up a knit throw to make a cardigan, it is easiest if you choose a pattern with a straight front edge so you can use the finished edge of the yardage. You do need to be careful as any cut areas unravel ferociously.
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Another (less challenging) option for a first try would be fleece. Buy a fleece blanket and cut it up (the furrier ones are messy). Lots available in the shops at the moment.
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Will you post a picture please? I’d like to see it.
Also, where did you buy your jersey fabric from? I’m trying to find something suitable that won’t cost too much with the additional postage fees.
@WildAtlanticWay - I'll try to take a photo when I get a minute. :)
I bought the cable knit jersey from a lady in Ireland that (I think) @wrenkins recommended for her vlogs on YouTube. She is (was until Covid) a maker of Irish Dancing dresses but obviously that work has dried up, so she's recently opened an online fabric shop. Her name is Andrea and her vlog is at Beyond the Pink Door. Her shop is Pink Door (https://www.pinkdoor.ie/) - not to be confused with another US site of the same name!
I was very pleased with the service to the UK, although I did have to pay conversion charges from £ to Euro, but her fabrics are lovely, and I watch all her vlogs. :)
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I bought the cable knit jersey from a lady in Ireland that (I think) @wrenkins recommended for her vlogs on YouTube.
Oh how perfect! I can pay in Euro’s and reasonable postage charges as I’m in Ireland too.
You’ve made my day!!!
:)
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Those cable knit jerseys look interesting.
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Those cable knit jerseys look interesting.
Higgs and Higgs have a lot
https://www.higgsandhiggs.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=cable+knit
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Ooh they look interesting @sewingj I’ve seen some somewhere else but not that many!
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I'm not being sucked in to buying any more fabric, even though it is very cool.
I will be exploring my existing resources!
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I've been watching this cos I'm contemplating a cardi - only contemplating mind you...
I bought some cable fabric last year (or was it two years ago?), no idea where from, but I'm not that keen on it, it was a bit like crimplene. But some may be nicer than others of course.
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As with other things, I think cable knit jersey varies in quality. :) Mine is quite heavy but beautifully soft. I've seen some more at Higgs & Higgs that I like so I may be joining in with the sewalong after all. :rolleyes:
Edited to add:
Oh well, that's that then! I spent ages working out whether I could get a cardigan out of 1.5 metres but when I went on the H&H website - all the colours I liked were either out of stock or only had tiny amounts left. :( They have grey but the whole world is grey at the moment - I want something with a little colour in. :)
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How much fabric does the longer version use?
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View A (long version) 2.7metres of 130cm wide jersey fabric
View B (Mid length) 2.2m of 130cm wide jersey fabric
View C (short) 2.0m of 130cm wide jersey fabric
:)
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@Kenora , Dragonfly fabrics have lots of colours of cable knit jersey.
https://www.dragonflyfabrics.co.uk/product-category/cable-knit-jersey/
They sell in small units of fabric so you don't have to buy in metres.
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Thanks @Starryfish - but it's not the "ordinary" cable knit jersey I was looking to buy. H&H have/had some lovely Angora Luxe Cable Jersey which looks gorgeous. A bit pricey at £18/m but I had convinced myself I needed a treat! :) It's all those which are out of stock/low stock, probably because Rachel from "Stitched Up!" showed one on her YouTube vlog last night. That's where I saw it first of all - I should've ordered it then but it was past 11 o'clock and I wasn't sure how much fabric I needed. Can't find anyone else stocking it, which is a pity. Never mind - I might find something else I like if I look hard enough. >:)
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I've been watching this cos I'm contemplating a cardi - only contemplating mind you...
You and me both, missus. I have earmarked the Cashermette Fuller cardigan (https://www.cashmerette.com/products/fuller-cardigan-pdf-pattern) (shortie version), but have not identified any suitable fabrics or the techniques needed to make it.
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As requested, photos of my Harper cardigan.
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The colour is not true - it is actually a muted teal colour, not blue. I changed the sleeves from set-in to raglan because I find them more comfortable. I also pattern matched the fronts and the neckband, but didn't have enough fabric to match the bottom band or the cuffs. However, it's only for home use so I don't really mind.
Second photo deleted.
It's very warm and snuggly but I'll probably just throw it round my shoulders most of the time. For a free pattern I'm quite pleased with it. :)
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@Kenora that is absolutely beautiful!
For anyone wanting to get fabric for the Prima pattern, according to the pattern the fabric amounts are as follows:
Short cardigan C (striped in the picture) 2 m of 130cm wide jersey fabric.
Mid-length cardigan B (looks sort of knee length) 2.2 m of 130cm wide jersey fabric.
Long length Cardigan A 2.7 m of 130cm wide fabric
Additionally you need
60cm of tape to stop the shoulder stretching out (I often use ribbon instead).
30cm of bias binding to cover the neck seam so it looks nice.
More bias binding if you want to use it on your hems and edges - 4.1m for short, 4.5 for mid and 5m for long
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And the fabric can be more or less anything stretchy?
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@Goth Gardiner
Fabric suggestions from the pattern.
Jersey fabrics, such as wool jersey, cotton jersey, cotton mix jersey, acrylic jersey.
Their samples are made from cotton mix jersey fabrics from myfabrics.co.uk
Given the simple style I think it could be made in something with not much stretch, but obviously need to watch the sizing, and the width of the upper arm area. For similar things I have used ponte, fine sweater knits, novelty jacquard knits, sofa throws (both knitted and woven). Also chunky lace, burn out knit can be fun as you'll definitely be wearing it over another layer.
I find the tee shirt weight knits a bit thin for a cardigan, so wear those ones in the summer when I just want a light cover up.
So it depends what you want from your cardigan - then that can lead you to the fabric and sizing you choose.
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@Goth Gardiner
Fabric suggestions from the pattern.
Jersey fabrics, such as wool jersey, cotton jersey, cotton mix jersey, acrylic jersey.
Their samples are made from cotton mix jersey fabrics from myfabrics.co.uk
Given the simple style I think it could be made in something with not much stretch, but obviously need to watch the sizing, and the width of the upper arm area. For similar things I have used ponte, fine sweater knits, novelty jacquard knits, sofa throws (both knitted and woven). Also chunky lace, burn out knit can be fun as you'll definitely be wearing it over another layer.
I find the tee shirt weight knits a bit thin for a cardigan, so wear those ones in the summer when I just want a light cover up.
So it depends what you want from your cardigan - then that can lead you to the fabric and sizing you choose.
Thank you!
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If it's any help, my cable knit was quite thick - there are 3 layers bonded together. It was fine, except where the bottom of the front neckband meets the lower band. There are so many layers that the whole thing wants to curl outwards. :S I handstitched it in place when it was finished.
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If it's any help, my cable knit was quite thick - there are 3 layers bonded together. It was fine, except where the bottom of the front neckband meets the lower band. There are so many layers that the whole thing wants to curl outwards. :S I handstitched it in place when it was finished.
I was thinking Iof crushed black velvet with a silver print. :laughing:. Not cable knit. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
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All different kinds of fabric can work for a cardigan, just needs a bit of give - I've even made some from woven fabric.
Velvet would be great fun, is it a stretch velvet?
I forgot I've used stretch faux suede fairly successfully too. That worked better if it had some body to it, the very thin one sticks a bit.
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GG now gets lost in the internet looking for the perfect stretch faux suede.
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I was thinking Iof crushed black velvet with a silver print. :laughing:. Not cable knit. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
I agree, cable knit is very "granny" and not very flattering, but I am a granny and over 70 so I will wear it. I didn't post the info expecting you to use cable knit - I just thought it might be helpful to know how a thicker knit behaved.
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Oh this is apposite! I've been without a sewing machine for 6 weeks (long story, don't ask) so this might be the ideal thing for me to get back in to the swing of things!
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Couldn't sleep, so went in the sewing room and rooted through the cupboard looking for sweater knits.
Finally settled on a soft variegated sweater knit, its 3m long and made up of taupe, white and burgundy threads.
A question to those in the know. If a sweater knit has obvious little V shapes when I look closely, which way is up?
Now to decide if I want the long cardigan since I have enough fabric, or whether that will look too much like wearing my dressing gown during the day. (My legs would be warm though)
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@SewRuthieSews the 'V' is pointing downwards on knitted garments, that is how stocking stitch looks to me :)
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Just realised this is for next month and we'll be in lockdown over here so really no excuse not to join in. All I've to do is pick likely contenders from my pattern and fabric stashes - what could possibly go wrong? :rolleyes:
I already have the Harper - French Terry would be nice except I doubt I have any. Only thing that puts me off for a winter cardi is that there's no fastening. (I was wearing my similar Blackwood cardi yesterday and kept wanting to pull it closed, although the Harper's looks more generous.)
@SewRuthieSews re your fabric quantities post, could be worth mentioning that a lot of jersey fabric is 150cm width rather than 130cm which means less fabric needed.
@Kenora - your Harper looks great - one of my favourite colours. And clever you changed the sleeves to raglan. I'd love to know how to do that - could you share your method please?
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I made the Harper but found the band too wide for me at the neck. I ran a row of gathering stitches at the middle of it and makes it much comfier for me.
Like you @Vezelay I like a cardigan that does up. Those without are usually just edge to edge measurements anyway.
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@SewRuthieSews re your fabric quantities post, could be worth mentioning that a lot of jersey fabric is 150cm width rather than 130cm which means less fabric needed.
I noticed that difference when I was looking at some of the links posted. It also occurred to me that if you were going for a cable knit, which I really like, then you would have to place your pattern pieces to fit the knit pattern rather than the most economical.
Mind you I have so many 'projects in waiting' that I have no idea why I am even thinking about this, far less contributing to the thread.
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@Sewingsue - most of the cable knits (not all of them) have the design running lengthways so it's quite easy to be economical with the fabric when placing the pattern pieces. :)
@Vezelay - I already had a raglan t-shirt pattern which I placed under the individual Harper pattern pieces - front, back and sleeves. I lined up the patterns just where the sleeve begins, under the arm on each piece. I then stuck extra paper onto the Harper pieces, placed my raglan pieces on top and drew around them. Hope that makes sense. ><
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@Kenora, that sounds manageable (until I try it), thank you! I've made a couple of raglan sweatshirts and a raglan bomber so I've enough patterns all right. The sleeves are so simple to insert and so comfortable that I'd love to have a go at altering one or two of my standard patterns to a raglan. I'm not a free style sewist, I like my instructions so now I have yours :).
@Ohsewsimple thanks, I'll watch that with the Harper when I do eventually make it. I like a high back collar though so it might just suit me.
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@Vezelay - glad to hear it made some sense! As long as you keep the straight of grain lined up on both patterns you should be fine, but if you get stuck I can always take photos of my altered patterns so you see what I've done. :)
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re the fabric quantities post, yes I just supplied what it says on the pattern, where they specify 130cm wide fabric.
The cutting layout shows the front cut twice on the folded 130cm fabric, and then the fabric refolded so the back is cut on the fold, but the two sleeves are single layer on the rest of the fabric.
The front piece is wider and longer than the back as the frontband/neckband is cut on to the front, and also at an angle to the grain.
So I wouldn't like to hazard a guess at whether you could make it with less than 2m of fabric if it was wider.
Given the shape of the front it might not be great for a cable as it is drafted.
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re the fabric quantities post, yes I just supplied what it says on the pattern, where they specify 130cm wide fabric.
The cutting layout shows the front cut twice on the folded 130cm fabric, and then the fabric refolded so the back is cut on the fold, but the two sleeves are single layer on the rest of the fabric.
The front piece is wider and longer than the back as the frontband/neckband is cut on to the front, and also at an angle to the grain.
So I wouldn't like to hazard a guess at whether you could make it with less than 2m of fabric if it was wider.
I'm guessing that I could order either 2 or 2.5 metres of 1.5m wide fabric, and "just" adjust the length of the front and back to fit onto the fabric to give me the longest length I can.
Bet you're regretting starting this!
Does anyone know how long it takes for the patterns to be delivered?
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Bet you're regretting starting this!
More happy that its something that is interesting to others too. I'm guessing the cosiness of a cardigan fits the weather and at home mood.
Does anyone know how long it takes for the patterns to be delivered?
No sorry! I have no idea, as I've never ordered one as have always got mine via being a subscriber.
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I have been playing with layouts for the Prima pattern. The fabric requirements given are overly generous for cutting out a smaller size as for sizes 10 or 12 it is possible to put the two main pattern pieces next to each other for 140cm wide fabric (it's possible for a size 14 but it is very tight). Also, for me, the sleeves are going to reach way over the ends of my fingers, so by putting two pieces side by side and reducing the length of the sleeves I can reduce considerably the amount of fabric needed.
I've bought fabric based on a side-by-side pattern layout for a size 14. But, please, don't base your fabric shopping on my opinion; try it yourself before buying!
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I’m still waiting for my pattern to arrive and the fabric so I hope I can get started next week sometime. :)
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November 1st tomorrow so in theory the start of the sewalong. I don't think we will be too strict about it though so join in when suits.
I'm still doing navy based things so might be a few days yet.
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I have the pattern, and two lots of fabric; one piece of fabric from stash and the other is the crushed velvet with silver overlay.
Neither of which are exactly "cardigan" material in the traditional sense, but it will be interesting to see how the pattern looks.
I am thinking that as we go into winter I'll be needing more layers as everywhere is supposed to have windows open. That's assuming that we don't all get locked in when Boris does his speech at 4pm. If we are, I am hoping that this time my sewing mojo remains.
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I was really hoping to join in with this but I seem to have developed a sinus-type headache over the last week or so which is stopping me from sewing. :S :angry: If it eases off, I'll order some fabric, but if not I'll be cheering everyone else on from the sidelines. :) Looking forward to seeing what everybody makes.
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It's a cardigan Jim, but not as we know it, not as we know it.
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This is made up of fabric stash left over from making a dress and a top! Bought the fabric back in the days when fabric came from shops and you bought when you were there and saw something you liked. I think I had intended to make a dress with a full skirt and a jacket. It's a fine fabric with a reasonable stretch.
Anyway. It's not really a cardigan, and it's only half done, but as no-one else has posted here I thought I'd start.
I didn't have enough fabric to make it even as long as the shortest length; but I did have lots of odd bits that have turned into the frills you see; no frill at the back as I cut enough for that to be the right length. The one cuff is hemmed with a narrow hem, and hopefully when I hem the bottom the cuff and the bottom will be at the same level when my arm is done.
Problems; this is too big, although it's a 12, the size they recommended, I'll cut a 10 next time, or smaller, unless I'm using a thicker fabric. It's a nice quick make (if you're not doing frills!) if in an easy fabric. I like it as a quick make; not sure I love it as the back is a bit baggy. It would be nice with a belt perhaps.
I've got other fabric that I was going to make this up in. I'll probably do so, as otherwise it will sit in stash for yonks and I could do with an easy cover-up.
No help I think with you folks using thicker, proper cardigan fabric.
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@Goth Gardiner well done for posting. Have you used the Prima Pattern as your starting place? If so useful to know about the sizing.
I'm unlikely to get to mine until mid/late next week due to work stuff.
However I do have the fabric ready. And might get to do something before then!
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Yes, this is the prima pattern. I can wear this version quite comfortably over both a long-sleeved t-shirt and a long-sleeved jumper.
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I'm still hoping to take part - my sinus headache has improved a little so I've ordered some fabric from Lamazi Fabrics, just waiting for it to arrive now. I'll be making the Sinclair Harper Cardigan which I made previously, but this time I want to lengthen it to probably about thigh length. I also want to make the sleeves a little wider as they're quite tight. And, lastly, I want to line the cardigan, so quite a lot to change about the pattern. Need to finish my BOM quilt first though. :)
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Some handy tips on here
https://paprikapatterns.com/12-tips-for-sewing-with-sweater-knits/ (https://paprikapatterns.com/12-tips-for-sewing-with-sweater-knits/)
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For those needing info have a look at this article. Scroll down to download the PDF.
https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2018/12/07/sew-luscious-sweater-knits
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Hoping to start on my cardigan soon
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12 days to the end of November, loads of time to sew a cardigan!
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I've got the pattern and fabric out, the machines are threaded ready, so just need to trace.... and cut out
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Ok pattern traced and fabric cut out.
I could not get any of the pieces side by side on my fabric in Size 18, so whilst it took loads I can probably get a top out of the leftovers.
I could have folded the fabric differently (as per the pattern layout) to use less fabric, but the cutting board was on the bed and its getting a bit late so just went with it folded in half.
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Well, my fabric has arrived but, whilst it's gorgeous quality, it's a lot thinner than I'd been expecting. It's a quilted jersey that (I think) @Ploshkin mentioned a while back. I'm happy with it but it was just me not reading the website description correctly. It will still make a nice coatigan but perhaps not of the weight I wanted. It's so hard when you have to order everything online.
The fabric's been in the washing machine and is just waiting to be ironed as it's gone all crinkly around the quilting lines. I also have the lining sorted out, so that's OK. Only problem is my sinus/head/shoulder pain is back with a vengeance so doing anything which requires me to bend over it is not an option. :S I want/need to alter the pattern too. So the whole project is on hold until my head decides to behave itself. This coatigan will get made but probably not in November. My mind is willing but my body is not co-operating. ><
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Prima November 2020 Cardigan
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEXqdKSdpcM/X7qud-HWwpI/AAAAAAAAOWg/xQxOAB_qR78J2GZ1dFj0t8jJZYH_6HoqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2551/Prima%2BNov%2B2020%2BCardigan.JPG)
Made up in a very soft sweater knit. It is very light but warm but perhaps not very exciting.
I made a size 18 in the middle length. The bottom hem is done on the coverstitch machine, the front edge is overlocked, rolled over twice and straight stitched. I added elastic in the wrists (which makes it very cosy) and elastic on the shoulder seams and back neck to try to avoid too much droop. The other seams are sewn with a straight stitch and overlocked to prevent fraying.
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That was quick @SewRuthieSews it looks comfy and a good idea with the elastic at the sleeve cuffs. I haven't cut the pattern yet (been waylaid with other matters) but hope to start mine soon. Thanks for the tips on elastic, I haven't sewn much in stretch so it's a new journey for me. Looks lovely on too :)
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You say it's not very interesting, but that fabric looks like a snakeskin up close - it's fascinating. :) Looks like a lovely, warm and snuggly cardi. I'd never thought of putting elastic in the back neck either - thanks for the info.
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This was made out of stretch velvet with a silver pattern.
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I reduced the length of the arms from the shoulders (in effect cutting a size six at the shoulder line) as that meant I could squeeze this out of 1.25m of quite narrow fabric (I have very short arms).
I like it, don't really love it. Its an easy make though as I did it all in the coverstirch and overlocker.
Sorry, but noone around to take a photo of me wearing it - and I've not washed my hair in days!
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That's lovely @Goth Gardiner looks classy. Nicely done :)
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Ooh like that fabric @Goth Gardiner
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Really pretty cardigan @Goth Gardiner
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Classy cardi @Goth Gardiner, very seasonal - perfect for all those festive outings and parties 0_0 (some day maybe...).
And yours looks very comfortable @SewRuthieSews with your practical modifications. Good to see that pattern in its full glory.
I'm making the Sinclair Harper in a teal green ribbed jersey from my stash (as is the pattern). Fabric's cut and overlocker threaded. I might get it finished over the weekend, we'll see.
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Sorry I'm late! It's been a crazy week, plumbers etc trampling all over the house :S - not finished yet but hopefully just exterior works now. Found a quiet moment today to finish my Harper. I'll post one of me in it to my member's diary in due course. Big thanks for the push to sew this @SewRuthieSews :)
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@Goth Gardiner you version really sings in that fabric!
I'm in agreement that I don't much like how dropped the shoulder is. Hmmm.
@Vezelay that looks fabulous. I've not made the Sinclair, but I think I do prefer ones which have a band round the edge rather than the no band approach of the Prima one.
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Lovely cardigan @Vezelay I do like the colour. Nicely sewn. :)
P.S. I haven't even cut the pattern for mine so am far too late, but, I will still make it at some point. :)