Whenever I start a new project lately, my first thought is always, “It needs to be cozy.” The Garnet Cardigan is the epitome of such a requirement. With pintucked cuffs and a simple silhouette, this easy cardigan can be made in a variety of fabrics without you having to worry about finding a matching rib knit or contrast for the details. Make the whole garment easily in a bamboo or merino wool, French terry, or even knit fleece!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 2 yards Light Gray Bamboo and Merino Wool Stretch Fleece
- MDF227 – The Garnet Cardigan Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
On your sleeve, front, and back pattern pieces, begin by marking the top notch of your hems using a water soluble or fabric marking tool. Beginning at the center of each piece, mark a line straight down to the bottom edge of the fabric and repeat outward every inch, like below. Sew a pintuck at each of these lines beginning at the top edge of the hem down to the bottom of your fabric.
Next, attach the front pieces to the back at the shoulders and side seams using a stretch stitch or overlock stitch. Similarly, create each of your sleeves by sewing up the inseam, like below.
Set each sleeve into an armscye, like below.
Next, there are two ways you can go about hemming your cardigan and sleeves. Either way you choose, begin by folding the bottom edge inward 1/2″ and bring the fold up to the top mark on your hem. Pin into place, aligning your pintucks.
The first option is to top-stitch along the top fold with a long straight-stitch, which you can see in the left image below. This is a secure option, but it does make the stitching very visible on the outside of your garment.
The second option is to handstitch the top edge of your hem at each pintuck so the thread isn’t visible. I chose to go with this option and the result is stunning!
Lastly, create your neckband/placket by attaching them at one short edge to create the center back seam. With faces together, fold the band in half along the length and sew up the two remaining short edges before turning the band right side out. Pin and sew the final raw edge along the neckline and center front of your cardigan to finish.
34 comments
Beatiful! No need eleastic band!
Is there a specific width for the pintucks?
Hi! I sewed each about 1/8″ from the folded edge. 🙂
Beautiful design! I can’t wait to make this.
I love how wrist and waist are finished !
I have been looking for a pattern like this. I will be trying this even though I don’t like printing out patterns. Wish me luck as I am very slowly getting back into garment sewing.
Very cute and very unique! I’m excited to try this one.
Thanks for offering this to your fans!
Wow, Gorgeous! Can’t wait to make this! I LOVE your patterns!
Would stretch velvet work for this?
Yes, that would be stunning! 🙂
Thanks, Courtney!
This is lovely!! It would be so nice to see it on a person to see the fit and drape.
What size is the “model” wearing? For reference, thank you!
Good afternoon! The sample was made in a size 8/10. 🙂
Thank you for the information. I did make this up out of some Mood “stash” I had been hoarding for just the right garment and I love it! Can I send a photo to you somehow? I am happy to share my work and can’t wait to do another. I would change to a smaller size for myself, and lengthen the pin tucks so the waist was more pronounced, but overall this is so gorgeous …..thank you for a great pattern….so fun!! cakdesigns
Hi, Cindi – that’s wonderful feedback and I’m happy to hear it came out gorgeous! You can tag @moodfabrics on Instagram and I’ll see it, or you can send it to [email protected]. I’d love to see how it turned out! 🙂
Cute pattern, but be aware the sleeves are very long. I’m 5’8″ and had to take off 4.25″ and redo all the pintucks. If you like the pushed-up look then they’re good as is, but I found it to be much too bunchy.
Can I ask why you didn’t remove length at the shoulder and not the wrist? I’m planning to make this tomorrow and while the sleeves seem like they’ll work as is (I’m 5’10” and have long arms for my height) I was planning to make the cuffs then baste the shoulder to see if I like the length, and shorten at the shoulder if required.
curious about the finished length on this pattern? your measurement form seems to be standard on all patterns. I’d like to lengthen it so the finished back length would be helpful. Thxs
Hi, Tanya! The size 4 sample that I sewed was 22″ HPS-Hem, but the length increases slightly with each size. 🙂
Love the look of this pattern, can it be made in a soft viscose mix ponte Roma?
Yes, that should look lovely!
I wonder if this could be made in a neoprene/scuba fabric?
Yes, it certainly could! 🙂
I was wondering if this pattern would work with a thin mystery fabric that stretches in both directions. The material is see threw and lightweight, maybe tissue weight with a little texture to it. Would the pin tucks look wonky or miss matched? Thanks for your help.
Hi, Christine! It’s a little tricky to say without the fabric in front of me, but it could work well as a nice, lightweight cardigan. I’d be wary of the texture, but you could test out some pintucks on a swatch first and see how they turn out!
So I was making this for my mom, and I was wondering, would waffle knit fabric work? Thanks!
Yes, that should work well! 🙂
Can I print this pattern on A4 size paper, or is it letter size (8″x11″)?
Hi Kallie! Our patterns are ideal for US Letter size, but can be printed on A4 as well. 🙂
What’s the level of difficulty please? This is a lovely design, and I’d love to make this cardigan, but am worried that my skills are not up to the task. 🙂
Hi Athena! Due to the pintucks and heavier fabric, I’d say this is a beginner to intermediate pattern. 😀
Could the pattern be hacked to install a front zipper?
Absolutely! I love that idea. If you’re adding a zipper to the pattern as-is, I suggest having the top of the zipper stop mid bust. 🙂