This easy long cardigan is very minimalistic and streamlined –perfect for the busty girl. I have used tulle in the back to add a bit of drama but it is completely optional and you could use the same knit fabric to make the project even simpler. This is a super easy project. You'll see that there isn't a long tutorial because the design and construction are so simple.
The easy long cardigan is a design that has been around since the sixties. A favorite of women who have to step out in their pajamas to drop the kids at school. At least that is what we see in the movies, isn't it? The fact is that it is a staple in women's wardrobes. Worn with leggings and a tank top or shorts and heels, it is the perfect accessory to hide your bottom. Yes, you read right.
There's a little backstory to this design that I'd like to share with you. I was living in Sydney, Australia in 2001 when my mother came to visit. As far as I can recall, my mother never has never worn pants before that. In Sydney, winter weather is usually glorious except for a couple of weeks when it can get down to 10 degrees C or 50 degrees F and it's often windy. As you can imagine, coming from tropical Panama, my mom's wardrobe was not adequate, so we went in search of warmer clothes.
I had jeans in mind, but she refused to wear them. Her reasons shocked me. She said my father had told her 30 years back that she did not look good on pants. Determined to prove him wrong, I invited my mother to sit with me at a cafe and watch the people walking by. The women in Sydney were comfortable in jeans. That is what she saw and I was pleased. However, she was still hesitant to give it a try, so I made her an easy long cardigan. This would keep her warm and provide her somewhat I personally felt was unnecessary– modesty. It did the trick and she's literally worn that same easy long cardigan (and pants..) ever since. I wanted to share the concept with you. Let's call it Sydney.
Key Features of the Easy Long Cardigan:
Mid-calf but can be lengthened or shortened
No buttons or belt giving a slimming and very elegant look
Sizes 8 to 18
Adaptable to a printed or plain fabric
Super easy to sew
Materials
Thin cotton or rayon knit jersey (only). 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 yards depending on size. Please print the pattern to make sure you have enough fabric.
Soft tulle to match the color of the jersey. 1 yard.
Lay the fabric on a flat surface and let it rest overnight. The resting time allows the fabric to relax if it is overstretched. Apply fusible tricot to the armholes, shoulders, and neck.
Step Two: Sewing the back and shoulders
Place the back yoke print side down, pin the tulle and sew at 5/8″ using your serger. It is possible to make this long cardigan using only your sewing machine by using a stretchable stitch. Some machines have a stitch that resembles a serger. Check your manual for the best stitch possible.
For a bit more background on sewing stretchy knits, please check out our article on the topic linked below:
Step Three: Sewing the sleeves and sides
Before you cut the fabric, measure the sleeves and the shoulder to determine whether you are happy with the length of the sleeve. I have designed it so it is shorter on the sleeves because of housework and the fact I work with my hands all the time and do not what the sleeves on the way. Please make the necessary adjustments should you require a longer length.
Place the two notches of the sleeves to the back and align the middle notch of the sleeve to the shoulder seam.
Sew the sides of the cardigan and close the sleeve.
Step Four: The neck binding
Cut two 4″ wide strips of fabric the length of the cardigan from the middle of the neck to the hem. You can measure this off the pieces you have already sewn.
Sew both strips right sides together and end to end at 5/8″ to make one long binding. Serge the seam allowance to eliminate the bulk. Fold lengthwise and pin the center seam of the binding to the center of the neckline.
Start sewing from the center of the neckline to the hem.
Step Five: Hemming the long cardigan
Change your machine to a twin needle. Fold the hem 5/8″ and sew very slowly. Do not stretch the fabric at all. Let your machine do all the work. Or you can use of cover stitch machine if you have one.
If you need some more guidance about how to use a twin needle, please check out our tutorial linked below:
In five easy steps, it is possible to have a very stylish cardigan. Worn with leggings and a tank top, it has become my go-to outfit to rush out of the house to pick something or someone. It is the perfect car ride outfit or for a long haul overnight flight. As for my mother, she uses her easy long cardigan with straight pants or jeans but hiding her bum is no longer the reason. She is turning 70 in a couple of months and she's no longer concerned about what people think.
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Take a piece of paper and cover the part you are planing to cut away and see if you like the look. The cardigan has no buttons and is meant to be worn open.
Hi Mayra, just wondering how stretchy the fabric should be? I’m thinking of using some that stretches crosswise from 4″ to 6″. Is that too much? Thanks.
This can work, especially if you are using the bigger sizes.
Kathy Olson
So excited to make this cardigan for my daughters and myself! Have a question about the neck binding….is it cut in the direction of the stretch or parallel to the selvage?
[…] Anleitung und Schnittmuster bei So Sew Easy […]
Peg
Nw that I posted that, I found it. Sheesh.
Peg
I agree with those having difficulty finding the directions. I assume you sew front to back and insert sleeves, but I can’t find the actual directions.
They are on the website on Page 2, under the facebook button.
Rachael
Hello!
This looks like a wonderful pattern, thank you for making and posting it!
I’ve downloaded it and going through instructions. It says to apply fusible tricot to the armholes, shoulders and neck but I don’t see a pattern piece for the interfacing? I also don’t see it in the pictures posted, so I’m wondering if I should just skip this step?
Yes I try not to draw any pattern piece that you can do at home because otherwise it would take even more pages to print. Square, rectangles and even circles I skip both to give you a chance to build confidence on drafting a pattern, save paper and save me time. The fusible tricot to the armhole is too increase the life of your cardigan and make it a little easier to stitch in a normal sewing machine. You can make the entire cardigan just using your serger. Happy 2017! Kind Regards, Mayra
Hi Eva, the chart I have attached is Garment Measurements, the cardigan is close fitted (no ease) because you need to use the recommended fabrics I specify.
I am in a small town in Austrlia with a very slow speed connection, and can not access my drive. But here is an article to help you know how to download a PDF using an Ipad https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202075
Hi Nancy, I just tried the links and they are working fine, you need to try to download from the website. Send me an email if you are still having trouble and I will send you the pattern.
Regards,
Mayra
Jona
Hi. 🙂 Thank you so very much for this fantastic pattern. I’m a complete beginner, but I’m gonna give it a try. Just ‘have’ to. 😉 It’s the kind of cardigan I’m enamored with. Happy Holidays!
Mayra,
This would be a Most helpful tutorial. Please consider doing this tutorial. Also a specific tutorial on increasing the bust cup size. As a natural G/H Cup, finding a woven, at times even knit tops is a challenge to say the least. If the bust fits, I usually have to take in the armhole and waist area. If I could get a pattern to fit, I would make nearly every top I wear.
Thank you for considering this request. I am positive that I am not the only one with the issue. Probably the A Cups have the same issues at the other end of the spectrum.
Lenora
I cannot find the link to see how to make the cardigan
HI Sabina, If you use the same fabric as I did, I would use size 12, if you use a thicker fabric or planning to add buttons then I would go with 14. Hope that helps, let me know how you go with it.
Thanks I am about to cut the pattern pieces and sew it. I am going to wear it on a wedding, I also made the lace shrug for one of the bride mades. And pherhaps the other two (mades) wont it also. It was very easy to make and I am so happy with your patterns. Thanks again, greatings from Belgium
Lenora
I would love to make the long coat but can’t find the directions anywhere. I can see the suply list but can’t get to the directions. Please help
There’s a teeny little “pages 1 -2” link right below the Pinterest button, click to the second page and the directions are there!
Mary Phelan
I prefer a bit heavier knit for projects like this, like a mid-weight Ponte, which is a dream to work with! Also, I do like this way of adding sleeves (the open, as opposed to the in-the-round method), then sewing the side seams. Learned a good tip for this method, if the sleeve or the actual garment is a bit longer than the sleeve opening, place the longer side on the feed dogs and let the feed dogs do the work to get everything to fit nicely and smooth.
Amy Johnson
I downloaded from Craftsy. Not seeing the instructions?
Thank you for including larger sizes on the pattern. I am eager to make this in a variety of lengths, and perhaps as a vest as well. Time to check the fabric stash….
Zanap
Just what I needed. Hides thick thighs and a big booty
I received an email from Craftsy today noting that there has been an update to this pattern which I had downloaded last week. Can you please tell me what changes were made because I printed out the pdf already. Thanks so much! I’m eager to make this project.
Mayra,
First of all, thank you for the free pattern. I’m looking forward to sewing it up! Second, where can I find the sizing guide? I see your response about updating the article but I don’t see it.
Hi, I have added the sizing and finished garment measurements in the article as well as on the pattern itself.
Sadie Bauer
Somehow I have missed the sewing instructions containing the use of the “straps” mentioned, & finishing of the front. Is there a separate text file somewhere? Eagerly waiting to cut & wear this great piece! Thanks
Thank you Mayra, I was just about ask about this! I am assuming I am needing the biggest size but I had better check I suppose! Thanks so much for the free pattern.
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I think I can hardly wait to make it. I love the styling, especially the back. Thank you so much for sharing. Cheryl
I keep resting the button for the pattern where the arrow is but it won’t load
Can this be altered to make a cropped cardigan?
Take a piece of paper and cover the part you are planing to cut away and see if you like the look. The cardigan has no buttons and is meant to be worn open.
I can not find the pattern
Page 2 Bonny.
hi I’m Ratna from Indonesia. thanks for the pattern. your post give me an idea about long cardigan 🙂
Hi Ratna, best of luck with the project. Kind regards and happy sewing!
Printing off the pattern now, and have some knit fabric that will work. Can’t wait to start! Thank you.
You are welcome Marion. Let me know how you go.
Hi Mayra, just wondering how stretchy the fabric should be? I’m thinking of using some that stretches crosswise from 4″ to 6″. Is that too much? Thanks.
This can work, especially if you are using the bigger sizes.
So excited to make this cardigan for my daughters and myself! Have a question about the neck binding….is it cut in the direction of the stretch or parallel to the selvage?
H kathy, yes it is cut parallel to the selvage. Enjoy!
[…] Anleitung und Schnittmuster bei So Sew Easy […]
Nw that I posted that, I found it. Sheesh.
I agree with those having difficulty finding the directions. I assume you sew front to back and insert sleeves, but I can’t find the actual directions.
Hi Peg, I have added a picture of the location of page 2. Please check where to find the instructions heading.
I just need the instruct, can you email them to me? please?
They are on the website on Page 2, under the facebook button.
Hello!
This looks like a wonderful pattern, thank you for making and posting it!
I’ve downloaded it and going through instructions. It says to apply fusible tricot to the armholes, shoulders and neck but I don’t see a pattern piece for the interfacing? I also don’t see it in the pictures posted, so I’m wondering if I should just skip this step?
Yes I try not to draw any pattern piece that you can do at home because otherwise it would take even more pages to print. Square, rectangles and even circles I skip both to give you a chance to build confidence on drafting a pattern, save paper and save me time. The fusible tricot to the armhole is too increase the life of your cardigan and make it a little easier to stitch in a normal sewing machine. You can make the entire cardigan just using your serger. Happy 2017! Kind Regards, Mayra
Hi Eva, the chart I have attached is Garment Measurements, the cardigan is close fitted (no ease) because you need to use the recommended fabrics I specify.
Can’t download the pattern, very frustrated
I have checked the links and they are working. Are you using adobe reader to download?
Yes I am, using iPad, don’t have other computer
I am in a small town in Austrlia with a very slow speed connection, and can not access my drive. But here is an article to help you know how to download a PDF using an Ipad https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202075
Dying to try making this!!!!
I can only add this to my Craftsy favorites, will not let me download the pattern, there is nothing there. Can you help me please, thank you!
Hi Nancy, I just tried the links and they are working fine, you need to try to download from the website. Send me an email if you are still having trouble and I will send you the pattern.
Regards,
Mayra
Hi. 🙂 Thank you so very much for this fantastic pattern. I’m a complete beginner, but I’m gonna give it a try. Just ‘have’ to. 😉 It’s the kind of cardigan I’m enamored with. Happy Holidays!
Hi Jona, good luck with your project. Let us know how you go. Happy sewing!
i would like to shorten the cardigan, is there an appropriate spot to shorten/lengthen or do i just choose my desired length and cut?
I am writing up a tutorial on this same issue, please just be patient you will see it very soon.
So happy I found this. I would just like to know.. what is the sizing guide for the sleeve length per size? Thanks.
I am not sure I understand your question… The cardigan is 8 to 18.
Hi, how do I make the pattern larger please? A size 22 thanks ……..
That would have to be a whole tutorial.
Mayra,
This would be a Most helpful tutorial. Please consider doing this tutorial. Also a specific tutorial on increasing the bust cup size. As a natural G/H Cup, finding a woven, at times even knit tops is a challenge to say the least. If the bust fits, I usually have to take in the armhole and waist area. If I could get a pattern to fit, I would make nearly every top I wear.
Thank you for considering this request. I am positive that I am not the only one with the issue. Probably the A Cups have the same issues at the other end of the spectrum.
I cannot find the link to see how to make the cardigan
It is under the Pinterest button.
Where is the link to the pattern?
Oh dear! Found it and my face is red!!
Hey Mayra, I can’t dicide witch size I need. My sizes are buste 38, waist 32 and hipes 40. There is no matching size. Witch one should I take?
HI Sabina, If you use the same fabric as I did, I would use size 12, if you use a thicker fabric or planning to add buttons then I would go with 14. Hope that helps, let me know how you go with it.
Thanks I am about to cut the pattern pieces and sew it. I am going to wear it on a wedding, I also made the lace shrug for one of the bride mades. And pherhaps the other two (mades) wont it also. It was very easy to make and I am so happy with your patterns. Thanks again, greatings from Belgium
I would love to make the long coat but can’t find the directions anywhere. I can see the suply list but can’t get to the directions. Please help
There’s a teeny little “pages 1 -2” link right below the Pinterest button, click to the second page and the directions are there!
I prefer a bit heavier knit for projects like this, like a mid-weight Ponte, which is a dream to work with! Also, I do like this way of adding sleeves (the open, as opposed to the in-the-round method), then sewing the side seams. Learned a good tip for this method, if the sleeve or the actual garment is a bit longer than the sleeve opening, place the longer side on the feed dogs and let the feed dogs do the work to get everything to fit nicely and smooth.
I downloaded from Craftsy. Not seeing the instructions?
Hi Amy, The step by step instructions are on the website also for free.
Thank you for including larger sizes on the pattern. I am eager to make this in a variety of lengths, and perhaps as a vest as well. Time to check the fabric stash….
Just what I needed. Hides thick thighs and a big booty
[…] Find the super simple tutorial Here. […]
[…] long cardigan pattern at So Sew […]
I received an email from Craftsy today noting that there has been an update to this pattern which I had downloaded last week. Can you please tell me what changes were made because I printed out the pdf already. Thanks so much! I’m eager to make this project.
Hi Belinda, I added the sizing chart and the finished garment measurements to the pattern. No need to reprint if you’ve already done it.
Mayra,
First of all, thank you for the free pattern. I’m looking forward to sewing it up! Second, where can I find the sizing guide? I see your response about updating the article but I don’t see it.
Hi, I have added the sizing and finished garment measurements in the article as well as on the pattern itself.
Looks like exactly what I am desiring to sew with my new sweater knits from LA. Is there a sizing chart? I am unable to locate it.
Hi, I have added the sizing and finished garment measurements in the article as well as on the pattern itself.
Hi there! Did you add a sizing chart? Just downloaded, couldn’t find. Thanks so much for the great pattern!
Hi, I have added the sizing and finished garment measurements in the article as well as on the pattern itself.
Somehow I have missed the sewing instructions containing the use of the “straps” mentioned, & finishing of the front. Is there a separate text file somewhere? Eagerly waiting to cut & wear this great piece! Thanks
All the instructions are in the article, you need to draft them yourself according to the size you are making.
Looking for the sizing guide. Says posted here but don’t see it.
Hi, I have added the sizing and finished garment measurements in the article as well as on the pattern itself.
I can’t wait to make one for myself! Will be good Christmas gift for my daughters. Thanks!
Hi Mayra,
Have downloaded the instructions and pattern, but I cannot find a sizing guide … have I missed something?
Michele
No Michelle,it is I who missed it, I will amend the article so you can find it there. Give me 20 minutes please.
Hey Mayra,
I’m so excited to sew the cardigan! I wanted to know where to look for the update on the sizing chart.
Hi, I have added the sizing and finished garment measurements in the article as well as on the pattern itself.
Thank you Mayra, I was just about ask about this! I am assuming I am needing the biggest size but I had better check I suppose! Thanks so much for the free pattern.
Has the sizing guide been added? I can’t seem to find it
Hi, I have added the sizing and finished garment measurements in the article as well as on the pattern itself.
Does the pattern include a 5/8″ seam allowance, or do we add the seam allowance before cutting the fabric?
Hi Alana, all So-Sew-Easy patterns have the seam allowance included. Enjoy!
Thank You. Here in Paris, France the weather is changing so this long cardigan is very welcome.
Hi Delphine, yes, it would be getting to that time of year in Paris. Stay warm!