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Pattern Hacks

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

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518 Comments

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.

Marion

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 :)

Kimber

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

judith martinez

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

elaine

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

Cristy

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