Eliza Cardigan
In this sewing class, I’ll show you how to sew a long cardigan with buttons and pockets, plus a cropped variation with puff sleeves, so you can make it just the way you like it. Pattern included!
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
The Eliza is a long, button-front cardigan with a hem band and two patch pockets. The original version falls to approximately mid-thigh.
A second class shows how to adapt the pattern into a shorter cardigan with wider, softly gathered sleeves and elastic at the wrists.
What you’ll learn in these classes
- Match the sleeve and body notches correctly.
- Sew stretch fabric with an overlocker or suitable machine stitches.
- Attach the hem band and front band while managing gentle stretch.
- Finish and position patch pockets on a knit garment.
- Stabilize knit fabric before sewing buttonholes.
- Alter the body, front band, and sleeves for the shorter version.
The main cardigan uses straightforward construction, while the variation adds simple pattern changes and an elastic casing.
Fabric choices
Choose a fabric with some stretch, such as cable knit, sweater knit, wide rib knit, quilted knit, or sweatshirt knit.
A soft sweater knit creates a dressier look, while sweatshirt fabric gives the cardigan a sportier feel. Test decorative stitches and buttonholes on a scrap first.
Make it your own
Keep the mid-thigh length or shorten the cardigan toward the waist or hip. Shorten the front band by the same amount as the body.
Straighten the lower sleeve pattern to create a wider sleeve, then gather it with elastic at the wrist. You can also keep the regular sleeves and hem the cuffs.
Add buttons for the classic version, or use snaps with sweatshirt fabric for a more casual style.
Pattern sizes
The included PDF pattern covers sizes 36 through 50. For assembly help, see How to Use a PDF Sewing Pattern.
The videos cover the main cardigan and the shorter puff-sleeve variation. A downloadable multisize pattern is included.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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