Make a versatile layer to wrap up warm in with our free cardigan sewing pattern for beginners

Ready to take your first steps into sewing your own clothes? We’ll show you how to make a flattering, jersey knit cardigan with a draped effect that fits your shape perfectly – no paper pattern needed!

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The relaxed style of this cardigan sewing pattern by Portia Lawrie means it’s perfect for throwing over pretty much any outfit. It’s also super-easy to customise, if you’d prefer longer sleeves or a shorter length, simply adjust your fabric sizes when cutting out.

You can also mix up your fabric choice for different results – use a light knit for an elegant, loose fit, or try a heavier fabric for a more structured look. So many options!

Prefer sporty style over slouchy style? Then our free hoody sewing pattern might be more for you!

You will need

• Knit fabric: 2m (80in) x 150cm (60in) width
• Basic sewing kit

Choosing your fabric

Select a light to medium-weight sweater knit or jersey that hangs nicely. This stretch jersey knit is from www.minervacrafts.com and has a ‘slubby’ loose knit texture and subtle metallic sheen. The key here is the drape. If the fabric is heavier, then the folds will stand out more, rather than drape in a fluid way.

How to sew a cardigan

Step 1

Start by cutting a rectangle that is as wide as your back shoulder measurement, and as long as you want your finished cardigan to be. You can always refer to our guide on how to measure yourself for some top tips.

This one measures 82cm (32in) in length. This will be the back piece of your cardigan.

Step 2

Cut two front pieces to the same length as the back piece, but the width needs to be 18cm (7in) wider.

Step 3

With right sides (RS) together pin one of the front pieces to the back piece down the length.

Step 4

Measure 15cm (6in) down this edge and mark with a horizontal pin.

Looking for a top to sew that will go with your new cardigan? Try the Breton top sewing pattern from our shop.

Step 5

Measure 20cm (8in) down from that pin and mark with another pin. Remove any pins in between to create an armhole opening. Repeat on the other side.

Step 6

Overlock or sew together, leaving the armholes you marked open.

Step 7

The sleeves are two tubes cut from rectangles of fabric and sewn along the edge. When sewn they should be the same circumference as your armhole and your chosen sleeve length. Cut two to these measurements.

Step 8

Insert the sleeves RS together into the armholes and sew together.

Step 9

I used the fabric selvedge for the outer edge of the cardigan fronts and the sleeve hems, meaning I didn’t need to hem those. If you are using a fraying knit, then finish any raw edges.

Step 10

Wear loose or knot the front corners at hip level for a different draped effect!

You now have one handmade cardigan to show off to your friends!

Looking for more cosy makes? Try our free sweatpants sewing pattern – the ultimate in casual loungewear!

Sew some stylish sleepwear

If you’ve completed this free cardigan sewing pattern, you’ll have no problem making our free dressing gown sewing pattern – give it a try!

Portia Lawrie

Essex maker, blogger and creator of The Refashioners, Portia sews, knits and has been a regular contributor to Simply Sewing magazine since it launched in 2015. She’s been writing her blog Makery (formerly Miss P) since 2009 and founded The Refashioners challenge, calling on bloggers to refashion a garment to highlight how cool, creative and ecologically sound refashioning old garments actually is. Portia’s sewing super power is creating easy-to-sew, accessible-for-all garments for Simply Sewing magazine, often with no pattern needed so the maker can draft them to their own measurements. She lists family, hazelnut lattes, Indian food and singing into hairbrushes as her loves. Find her on Instagram @portialawrie.

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