Dressing in layers with an easy cardigan was what was on people's mind the day I took the survey on our Facebook chat group. With almost 22,000 members, it's sometimes hard to find a consensus, but this time, I happened to agree with what the group seemed to be saying.
There are a lot of things to like about cardigans. It can be a very functional garment and suitable for many situations. It's also very nice to wear when just hanging around the house. Wearing a cardigan to protect the lining of a coat is one of the best money saving tips on dry cleaning bills. Based on the feedback, I decided to design a pattern for a short, easy but transformable cardigan. I decided to call it Kalinda.
I haven't lived in a cold places for very longtime, but I still remember the feeling of nakedness after removing my coat when I enter a building. It is almost always too warm to keep the coat, but then I feel I am not dressed enough if I am not wearing a cardigan. This easy cardigan is transformable, and depending on what fabric you use, it can be casual or elegant.
This transformable easy cardigan can be worn medium-long or tied up short. The collar/lapel becomes a hoodie for an even more informal, yet exceedingly practical look. The sleeves are long with elegant thumb notches to keep the sleeves all the way to your wrists, or the sleeves can push up. This is an original design of mine and I think it covers a lot of ground which is why I say it is transformable. Please free to explore with different fabrics, it is truly an easy cardigan to make and wear.
We also have a few other options for cardigans if you are looking for a longer version. Here is one we originally published in 2014 called the Cuddle Me Cardy, or a long cardigan we published back in October this year called the Easy Long Cardigan.
Key Features:
- Front drape doubles as a hoodie
- You can tie at the front
- You can cross it over and tie at the back
- Elegant of casual depending on the fabric you use.
Materials:
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 yards of fabric
- stretchable fusible interfacing, shoulder stay tape
- thread to match
Tools:
- scissors
- sewing pins
- ball point needle # 9/65 or 11/75
- stretch machine twin sewing needle (optional)
- sewing machine
- serger or coverstitch machine
Recommended Fabrics:
I am using a bamboo knit in blue a super soft great drape fabric and a jersey knitted fabric in military green. The jersey knit will be a challenge because it unravels very easily. I don't recommend this type of fabric to a beginner but it is beautiful. This is not because I think beginners are not capable of making this cardigan. I say it because beginners are afraid to try diferent fabrics. So please try and with whatever fabric you choose. Just make sure it's a four-way stretch knit fabric. There are a couple of good fabric recommendations below.
See next page for free pattern download.
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Hi, I am confused on how to assemble this cardigan. Why is there only one Side Front and where do I sew it to? The pictures are too zoomed in for me to comprehend. 🙁 I am pretty sure I have the back done; the four pieces; however, I am completely suck after that. Please help! Thanks!
HI Rachel, there are two fronts. Please have a look at the tutorial with the pictures.
I cannot find a 4-way stretch knit fabric locally (I prefer to handle my fabrics rather than buying online). Can this be used with a 2-way stretch knit?
Sorry, Sara, this is a 4-way stretch knits only. It will not drape as well.
I love the idea of this cardigan but am struggling to following th instructions and am pretty much guessing as i go. Did anyone else have any problems instructions?
Yes, I am not finding any instructions for this pattern, as to, which pieces should I sew together first? Why am I only cutting one “side front”? What am I supposed to do with the “Back ribbing”? I am a beginner and though I got the patterns printed out, I see no directions. I would love some help too. Thank you!
Hi Sarah i just sent you an email, but the instructions start on page 2.
Oh yeah, and also, where do the two strips go that we are supposed to cut out that do not have a pattern? I would appreciate your instruction. Thanks so much!
Hi Sarah they they become the binding for the front and neckline, please see the picture.
Hi there, I couldn’t find the info whether I have to add seam allowances to the pattern or if it is already included?
Many thanks!
Hi Vera, the seam allowance on this cardigan is already added for you. The patterns that do not have any seam allowance is because we will be using them on a new series of tutorials soon to come out.
Just completed making up this pattern using some sweaterknit fabric I have had in my stash for a very long time (more than a decade). I did a full bust adjustment to make it fit better on me. I think for next version I’ll make it from a lighter knit with a bigger “hood” & an additional 3″ length.
Can you share a photo?
Hi there!
Just a couple of questions. What is ‘stretchable fusible interfacing’? We don’t seem to have that here in Australia but I thought it might be called something else?
And could you please explain about the ribbing on the back? Is it in place of hemming? Is it folded over and serged? It’s not very clear.
Thanks for your time and all your beautiful patterns ?
It will be listed as fusible tricot. If you have a Spotlight near you it is there. Here is the link: https://www.spotlightstores.com/by-the-metre/legacy-l-ek130-fusible-tricot/p/BP80303949
Thank you for that ? I had a wonderful time making this for my Mother in Law. And she absolutely loves it!!
Thanks so much for the amazing patterns and all the help!
Rachie, thank you for the feedback, it was a bad day until I read your comment 🙂
There is not an option to go to the second page, where the pattern is !
The page numbers are just above the comments section. Unfortunately, this is the default WordPress style but we need to make them bigger. I’ve got someone working on this but won’t get done until after the holidays. In any case, here’s a direct link:
https://so-sew-easy.com/easy-cardigan-pattern-transformable/2/
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It said to cut two pieces 4×22 inches that werent in the pattern. What are those for? I didnt see them mentioned in the directions for sewing.
Where in the instructions did you see this? Are you sure you are in the right tutorial?
After downloading the pattern, it’s at the end of the printing instructions. It’s been left from an old pattern. It confused me a few downloads ago. Now I ignore it.
HI Karen, finally I found what you meant, yes there is that line about the 2 straps. Please disregard. I thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Mayra,
this cardigan pattern is just amazing. So versatile, love the design. And just can’t believe you are giving it away for free! This one could easily become the new most popular pattern here at So Sew Easy. Thanks – and happy holidays!
Thank you Damjana, You are always so cheerful! Happy holidays and prosperous New Year!
Is this a free pattern? I do not see the link to get it. Thanks!
yes it is!
Hey Mayra, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
It’s my first time landing on your blog and I really like the pattern you shared. Going to try it soon.
Thank you Kristina, hope you stay for a while. All the best for the New Year!
Thanks so much for another excellent pattern. Just what I’ve been looking for with some great bonus features built in. I’m in Canada and always looking for good layering pieces when the cold weather hits. Not only will I make this in the suggested light bamboo knits, I’m thinking light/medium wool sweater knit and also light/medium stretch polar fleece. This is going to the top of my selfish sewing list!
Love it! Will be perfect with a dress that needs a jacket of some sort. And these are so stylish right now.
Yes Kathy, that is exactly how I wear it!
This pattern looks great. I think it would be great for mums with bubs who’d like to snuggle their babies in close when feeding or simply cuddling. The only problem is that I can’t find the link to download it. Can you help, please?
Thanks
Hi Donna, on the second page is the link. It is under the Pinterest button.
thanks for the lovely pattern, it’s perfect when you need to hide some extra pounds as I do !
where can we find the actual bust/waist measurements corresponding to the sizes ?
thank you,
Last week post (Camy sweater) has a table of body measurements, it is the same I use always, just follow that one.
I cannot find the cami sweater to get the size chart, how can I do this?
The download button is on the second page under the Pinterest button. The cardigan comes from S to XXL.
Never mind. I just found it. I guess I need larger numbers. Thank you.
Where is the next page for the pattsrn? I would love one of these! Thank you for sharing.
It is under the Pinterest button.
I love the pattern, but cannot get to the tutorial.I’ve tried Mozilla and Explorer and don’t see how to get to the next webpage.
Very current. I’ve seen similar styles online but don’t like the prices they charge! Thank you for sharing this great pattern!! I have a feeling my DiLs and DGDs are going to be asking for one!!
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year
Thank you Marlette! Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017.
Thank you for the pattern. So nice of you to give this away.
You are welcome Brenda.
I really like the versatie ways to wear this cardi. Thank you for such wonderful patterns.
Enjoy Bobbie!
What a great pattern, think the thumb link will make this perfect for my wheelchair.
Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing this and so many patterns for free.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Lucy, England
I can’t get to the 2nd page to get the pattern…
Looks like a great cardigan!
Love this cardi and thank you for the pattern. I will be giving it a try in the new year. So much you can do with it and so practical at the same time. Wonderful.