How To Make A Cozy Cardigan - Free Tutorial

Want to make this fun little cardigan?

All you need is some knit fabric, the Liberty Jane Tee shirt pattern, and some felt. I'm using a 'sweater' type knit, and the long sleeved version of the T shirt variations pack -- but if all you have is the free Trendy Tee pattern, you can just lengthen the sleeve it comes with. :)

Below is a step by step video, follow along or skip to the images and text below:

 

 

 

Cut out your pattern, and then cut out a strip of fabric 2" wide x 20" long. 

Design Note: If you love the look of our Summer Pj's look with the longer cardigan style robe, then you'll want to add 2-3 inches to the length of both the Front and Back pieces and then the same amount to the rectangular strip mentioned above.

Trim down the back pieces! Measure in about 1 1/2" from the long straight edge, and trim straight up, curving gently to meet the shoulder seam. These pieces will now become the front of the cardigan, and the original front piece will be the back.

Cut two little rectangles of felt, about 1" x 1 1/2", and round off the corners. Use your doll's arm as a guide to figure out where to put the elbow patches. Be sure to make a left and a right sleeve!

Sew the fronts and backs together at the shoulder seams.

Hem the lower edge of the sleeves, and then sew them into the body of the cardigan. (Make sure the elbow patches face the back.) Trim and finish the seam.

Sew up the side seams and down the underarms. Then, hem the bottom of the cardigan. 

Finish one end of the binding by folding it in half, right sides together, and sewing across one short end. Trim off the corner, flip it right side out, and press the whole binding in half lengthwise.

Start pinning the binding to the edge of the cardigan. Stretch the binding slightly when you get to the back of the neck, but don't stretch it down either front edge. 

When you get down to the other side, clip off the extra binding, flip it inside out, and sew across the short edge like you did for the other side. 

Zig zag over the raw edges, and topstitch the seam allowances down on the cardigan side. 

And that's it! You're ready to go style it into your doll's wardrobe!

Have fun with this tutorial!

For Pixie Faire,
Melinda


100 Comments

Jill Ward
Jill Ward

December 30, 2014

My favorite go to layer when I am chilly is my green “York Beach” sweatshirt that I bought on a trip to York Beach, Maine.

Bev
Bev

December 30, 2014

My favorite go to layer when I’m chilly is a neck scarf my granddaughter made for me when she got a loom several Christmases ago.

Lorretta
Lorretta

December 30, 2014

My favorite go to layer is a long sleeve denim shirt that I wear to do my painting crafts in. It’s so old and really soft.

Rebecca
Rebecca

December 30, 2014

My go to layer is a long sleeve shirt snagged out of my husband’s closet.

Kathie
Kathie

December 30, 2014

My sweatshirt!

Jo
Jo

December 30, 2014

I never leave without some some I can wrap across my shoulders or neck. I use a lace shawl!

Ellie
Ellie

December 30, 2014

My favourite go – to layer when I’m chilly is my old ( to small ) pink dressing gown that I’ve had nearly forever

Deb
Deb

December 30, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is my fur neck wrap. I rarely need a jacket in the fall when my neck is warm.

Melanie
Melanie

December 30, 2014

My go to is a sweater

Joan Thelen
Joan Thelen

December 30, 2014

Its the first layer “cuddle duds” Still looking for that kind of fabric at the store to make my own version.

Rachelle
Rachelle

December 30, 2014

My favorite go to layer when I am chilly is a rag quilt I bought at a thrift shop. It is just the right size to throw on when I sit in front of the fire and surf Pinterest.

Denise
Denise

December 30, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is my father-in-laws old beat up flannel shirt. He passed away many years ago, but I think I can still smell his cologne on it. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling every time I put it on.

Linda
Linda

December 30, 2014

My favorite go to layer when I’m chilly is an over sized fleece zip up that I have had for years.

Glenda
Glenda

December 30, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly are my slippers. Having warm feet make everything else cozy.

Olivia
Olivia

December 30, 2014

My favourite go-to layer is a cozy cardigan as it doesn’t get very chilly where I live. I do own an over coat but don’t get to wear it often.

lena juka
lena juka

December 29, 2014

My favorite go-to-layer is a quilt that was given to me oh so many years ago. It is so comfy and keeps me toasty warm.

Julie
Julie

December 29, 2014

One of the cardigan sweaters in my collection. They can be buttoned or not, depending on how chilled I am.

Sheba
Sheba

December 29, 2014

My favorite cozy layer is an old mustard colored sweater of my grandpas. It’s wool and so warm.

Samantha P.
Samantha P.

December 29, 2014

My favorite go to layer is one of my cardigans or if I am home my lap blanket.

Haneen
Haneen

December 29, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is a black soccer jacket with my name, number, and soccer team’s logo on it! I’ve had it for years, and its sssuuuppppppppper warm and comfy!!

Georga
Georga

December 29, 2014

My favorite go-to layer for when I’m chilly is a sweatshirt.

Julia
Julia

December 29, 2014

My favourite go-to layer when I’m chilly is an oversized knit cardigan.

Carol Fulton
Carol Fulton

December 29, 2014

My favorite go to sweater is a blue chenille warm and cozy.

Linda
Linda

December 29, 2014

My favorite go to layer is a lap blanket next to my chair and as soon as I sit down with it I have a puppy on top helping to warm me. :)

Kathy
Kathy

December 29, 2014

My favorite go to is a cotton knit sweater that I’ve had for years

Cecelia
Cecelia

December 29, 2014

My favourite go-to layer when I’m chilly is an oversized sweatshirt given to me by my oldest son years ago.I love the colour and although somewhat ragged,it still fits.

Jody
Jody

December 29, 2014

My favorite warm and cozy is an old flannel shirt that is worn and soft,and I can snuggle into.

Ruth
Ruth

December 29, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is a cardigan sweater I’ve received last century! LOL! Kind of out of style- but it still works!!

Danielle
Danielle

December 29, 2014

My go to layer when it’s chilly would have to be my North Face jacket. It’s really warm and goes with almost everything!

Winter
Winter

December 28, 2014

My favorite go to layer when I’m chilly is a oversized red sweatshirt with “Nevada” emblazoned across the front!

Delores
Delores

December 28, 2014

My Donald Duck sweat shirt

Rhonda
Rhonda

December 28, 2014

My favorite go to layer is the warmest base layer long underware, fuzzy and warm on the inside!

Linda Chamberlain
Linda Chamberlain

December 28, 2014

When I’m chilly, my favorite warm up go to is a cardigan…I have one in every color, tons of patterns, thin and thick! :-) I love them and never think I can have too many! :-)

joyce
joyce

December 28, 2014

My favorite go to layer when I am chilly is a sweater. Thanks for the giveaway!

Rosella Sadzewicz
Rosella Sadzewicz

December 28, 2014

My favorite go to layer is just a denim shirt over a T-shirt. Due to my age I am removing the denim shirt often, then putting back on due to “power surges”.

Mary Schreiber
Mary Schreiber

December 27, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is.my fleece sweatshirt. I like to layer it with a long sleeve shirt for added warmth.

Julieta
Julieta

December 27, 2014

My favorite thing to put on when I am chilly is my teal sweatshirt.

Andrée B.
Andrée B.

December 27, 2014

When I’m chilly at home, I put on my fleece shirt.

Lori Morton
Lori Morton

December 27, 2014

Fave go to when chilly, is my fleece tops…when colder…add the cuddleDuds under the fleece tops!!! (& stay close to the Woodburner! lol)

janet S
janet S

December 27, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is my Chili’s ski “underwear”. Keeps me warm and comfy!

Eliz
Eliz

December 27, 2014

OMG this is the cutest thing. I don’t even own a cardigan. Going to give it a try and give it to my daughter as a surprise for her AG when she gets back from her dad’s.

Marcy Mahle
Marcy Mahle

December 27, 2014

I love to wear my purple flannel shirt to keep warm and cozy.

Sarah
Sarah

December 27, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is my tan zip up cardigan from my mother-in-law.

Hannah
Hannah

December 27, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is my pink hooded packers sweatshirt.

Salllie
Salllie

December 27, 2014

Love this sweater

Mary
Mary

December 27, 2014

My favorite go-to when I’m chilly is a warm sweater and a blanky.

Darlene Bulford
Darlene Bulford

December 26, 2014

My favorite go to layer is a jogging fleece sweater. Thank you for the sweater tutorial.

Brandyn
Brandyn

December 26, 2014

….my Cocoon sweater & any COZY scarf!

Sara
Sara

December 26, 2014

Quinn would love this for her to.

Marilyn Vice
Marilyn Vice

December 26, 2014

One of the Infinity scarves my daughter made me.

Marion
Marion

December 26, 2014

Love this pattern. My favourite go to piece is a fleece jacket/sweatshirt so this is right on target. Quite a few of mine are “fancier” so I can wear them with a skirt just like she is doing. I have great respect for your patterns. Would like so much to be able to take your classes. Been sewing since 5; made my first outfit for myself at 7. Haven’t had a chance to sew in 2 years but plan to shortly. LOVE sewing for American Girls. Will be real soon I get back to it.
Thank you for this contest.

Kimber
Kimber

December 26, 2014

My fleece jacket from Old Navy, in a Tall! It is nice to be warm and have sleeves that go all the way to my wrists :)

judith martinez
judith martinez

December 26, 2014

My favorite go to layer is a light weight hooded jacket.

elaine
elaine

December 26, 2014

a sweatshirt with a tshirt under (I get hot when I sew!)

Cristy
Cristy

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when it’s chilly is a cozy, chunky sweater.
Thankfully.

Laura
Laura

December 26, 2014

My corduroy big shirt!

Sharon Howell
Sharon Howell

December 26, 2014

“My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is a cardigan sweater. I can button it up, or tie it closed, then when I warm up a little, I can open it up, and my back and arms are still wrapped up and warm. Sometimes, I use a sweatshirt instead.

Connie Lancaster
Connie Lancaster

December 26, 2014

John Deere hoodie!

Michelle
Michelle

December 26, 2014

My favorite is my I love Quilting sweatshirt!

Janis Garrison
Janis Garrison

December 26, 2014

Fleece jacket?

Marnie
Marnie

December 26, 2014

My BR sweater over a t shirt or a vest and long sleeved tshirt

Loralye
Loralye

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is my fleece hoodie

Diane
Diane

December 26, 2014

My favorite go to layer when I’m chilly is an oversize chunky sweater.

Elaine
Elaine

December 26, 2014

My favorite go to when I’m cold is my over sized flannel shirt.

Vera
Vera

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is….an oversized cream color sweater and one dog on my left side and one on might side!

Martha
Martha

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is a cozy flannel shirt.

Pat
Pat

December 26, 2014

I love my husbands Mr. Rogers sweater, it’s so soft and cozy.

Gail Banks
Gail Banks

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I am chilly is a suede jacket with a fur collar my x boyfriend gave me!!

Mary Vernau
Mary Vernau

December 26, 2014

“My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is my hoodie sweatshirt.

Sara Cook
Sara Cook

December 26, 2014

My favorite go to when chilly is my zipper red hoodie.

mardi
mardi

December 26, 2014

Wish I had a favorite . I just never get cold. Just not my problem. But if I did I see alot a cardigan ands jackets I would love to be able to wear.

Donna
Donna

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is. . .a nice cozy sweater

lyndystitches
lyndystitches

December 26, 2014

a handknit cabled hoodie cardigan

Donna Ochs
Donna Ochs

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I am chilly is my navy hoodie!

Gayle S
Gayle S

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I am chilly is a fleece zip up jacket. I wear it around the house pretty much every day.

Nora
Nora

December 26, 2014

My daughters with their dolls snuggled up next to me!

Evelyn
Evelyn

December 26, 2014

My favourite layer is a t-shirt and a sweatshirt. We live in an old farm house and heat it with a wood stove, so our temperature can fluctuate quite a bit.

Tasha
Tasha

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is my black and white sweater with Aztec design and a wrap around front. It is cute and warm!

Rita
Rita

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is a denim shirt/jacket that I picked up at a garage sale for $1.00. It’s perfect! __

Sandy Mize
Sandy Mize

December 26, 2014

My white zipper hoodie I got when I was on vaca in Vero Beach Florida

Bee
Bee

December 26, 2014

Definitely a floral or argyle cardigan!

barbara
barbara

December 26, 2014

love all the fashions your designers are so clever. sweaters are my favorite.

terri silva
terri silva

December 26, 2014

a lightweight sweat shirt!

Karen
Karen

December 26, 2014

…..a comfortable, soft cardigan!

Virginia
Virginia

December 26, 2014

This is such a cute accessory for a dress or jeans. My granddaughter loves the clothes I’ve made for her doll and this is something she will definitely love. I’d love to use a red knit fabric that was left over from a top I made for her.

nanci
nanci

December 26, 2014

one of the quilts i’ve made, and the matching doll quilt keeps her warm, too.

Mary Jane
Mary Jane

December 26, 2014

I love to curl up in my favorite chair with my fleece blanket. If I feel chilly I put on a turtleneck and I quickly feel warm and toasty!!

Sue
Sue

December 26, 2014

My favorite go- to layer when I’m chilly is ……. a sweatshirt.

Kathy Wynne
Kathy Wynne

December 26, 2014

“My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is….” is to get wrapped up in a fleece blanket on the couch… very toasty !

Janice Smith
Janice Smith

December 26, 2014

A long flannel nightie and robe, and sit by the fire with handwork.

Deb Yoder
Deb Yoder

December 26, 2014

My favorite go to when I’m chilly is the double fleece blanket that my sister-in-law made for me. I cover up with it whenever I’m watching TV & invariably I fall asleep under my cozy blanket made for me with love. :)

Sue
Sue

December 26, 2014

this is so cute!

Marcia
Marcia

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I am chilly are the fleece socks I make each Christmas for all the females in the family. I pick a fun fleece pattern that all ages can enjoy! I even started a pair for Josephina, my AG doll.

Carol Fulton
Carol Fulton

December 26, 2014

How clever and simple. You guys are awesome. Can’t wait to try- even in many weight fabrics This is a truly year round sweater. Love it

Chritine
Chritine

December 26, 2014

My favorite go-to layer when I’m chilly is a warm blanket.

Pat Brands
Pat Brands

December 26, 2014

Silk underwear, of course!

Nel
Nel

December 26, 2014

My favorite go to layer is a warm cardigan

Michelle
Michelle

December 26, 2014

I’m a blanket girl. I’d rather snuggle in a blanket:) But If I have to choose something to wear, it would be a zip up hoodie.

Ardi
Ardi

December 26, 2014

I love my fleece jacket for warming up a bit when I get chilly.

Ellen B
Ellen B

December 26, 2014

I’m at the “hot/cold” stage so there is always something to grab when I get chilly. My favorite go-to is my swaetjacket(s)..I even have one hanging at our cabin just in case I don’t leave home with one! They are made of swaetshirt fleece and button up the front, wear like iron and wash well…LOVE them!
EllenB

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