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Sunday, March 04, 2012

Butterick 5760 - The Cardigan

I've made a lot of cardigan sweaters using Burda 8869.  However, the pattern only has a v-neckline version and I've always wanted to make my own crew neck cardigans.  I've tried a few other patterns but none of them worked as well as the Burda one.  Last night, I got the bright idea to use my Burda TNT pattern as the basis for the Butterick one...and it worked like a charm!


Some details:
Fabric:  
2 yards of Mohair poly sweater knit from Fabric Mart


Notions:
Baby interfacing from Farmhouse Fabrics
5 - 3/8" buttons from the collection


Construction Details:
I started with a size 22 - which to me is a slim 22 not a woman's size 22 especially since the finished pattern piece measurements are 45.5" at the hip line.  So I added several inches to the sides of the front and back pieces by layering the Burda TNT pattern, the actual pattern piece and a piece of tracing paper on top to make new pattern pieces. 


I also altered the armhole opening.  Because of this I used the sleeve pattern from Burda 8869 instead of the piece included in the pattern envelope.  That way I wouldn't have to worry about making alterations to the new sleeve's bicep area.


Some additional tidbits:
*I used stay tape in the shoulder seams to stabilize the knit.  
*Stitch witchery was used in the hemline, which was pressed together, before stitching it down. 
*Instead of cutting the back piece on the fold, I added a 5/8" seam allowance and sewed the two pieces together. 
*The pattern instructions tell you to slip stitch the neckband down but I carefully topstitched it instead.  
*I added an inch of baby interfacing to the sleeves hems and machine stitched them. 


After that it was an easy sew and would have been even easier if I had followed the instructions.  I kinda went my own way so my neckband and front band were improvised.  Really, I should have just followed the pattern instructions because I would have had a cleaner finish at the hemline.  Other than that it really was straightforward sewing...and I ended up with a new pattern for a crew neck cardigan so that's a good thing.


A few more pics:


the back and front views

close up of the crew neck buttoned

front button band

Finally, I know that yesterday I said that I was going to work on one of my three involved projects...but today I just wanted to sew something quick and easy...something that would let me feel the joy of sewing and bring a little settling to my creative soul...yet let me produce a completed garment.  Sometimes you just need a quickie...*LOL*


...as always, more later!









30 comments:

  1. Really pretty fabric! Love it made up this way.

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  2. How beautiful! I saw that fabric when I bought the lilac knit and I was tempted - but I am allergic to mohair. When I saw the fabric composition I breathed a little sigh of relief because I was about to go crazy with knits :-)

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  3. that turned out lovely. Will it go with your "Dreaming of Spring" dress from last year or the year before?

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  4. Your cardi has turned out lovely. I'm always amazed how many notions we need to stabilise a garment. However I get joy from a great result like your cardi.

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  5. Pretty - I should try a pattern like that _ i have a Fabric Mart sweater knit just begging for attention in my stash.

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  6. Very pretty, it is so nice to have a quick project sometimes.

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  7. Lovely cardi. Very spring! Thank goodness for a TNT. I'm working on my jacket TNT. I have one for pants and one for a Tshirt that I use over and over. Makes for less pulling of the hair!

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  8. Gorgeous cardigan and I love that you combine patterns - very innovative and it certainly makes sense! I was wondering why you sew a centre back seam as you did not mention making any alterations. Is it for stability?

    Thanks for sharing !

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  9. Fabulous cardigan and I love the print! You are "sew" ready for Spring.

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  10. Love your cardi. What a fantastic print.

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  11. Thanks for more inspiration. I plan on making some sweater sets, simply because you inspire me. They are such a nice accompaniment to skirts, nicer than blouses I think.

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  12. I wish I could find a TNT pattern but I haven't found one that fits or that I can make alterations to fit. So frustrating!! Do you have any ideas? Thank you. You are always so inspiring!!

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  13. Quick and easy??? LOL
    This is just gorgeous, I love the fabric, the style, and the beautiful construction.

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  14. Sometimes you just have to take a step to the side. I should be working on my Vogue dress but I want to make a pair of jeans. Your cardigan is Yummy. TFS

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  15. Carolyn your cardigan is beautiful - I cannot wait to see a picture of it on you! The construction is so inspiring - thank you for explaining how you layered and moved pattern pieces and tracing paper! As usual I am in awe!

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  16. I wish I could find some sweater knits locally. Lovely sweater. Why did you put a seam CB? Short on fabric or fit issues?

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  17. Your cardigan looks great! I love the fabric. How did I miss that one from Fabric Mart?

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  18. Gee this is lovely. I never think to make things like this and cardigans are such a favourite part of my wardrobe. I've been working on a jeans muslin for two days and I'm in desperate need of a quick fix, too. I'm going to hunt down a sweater knit. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  19. So pretty.. Love the fabric. I have never sewed sweater fabric,Is it difficult to sew?
    I too, sometimes, just want a quick project..Feels good and makes you ready for the time consuming projects.
    Happy sewing,and I so enjoy your blog.

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  20. This is beautiful. I love the button band in front. Just curious why you put a seam in the back. Was it for fitting reasons? Also, what is baby interfacing. I haven't heard that term before.

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  21. So nice! That looks like it might have some of the colors from your recent gray/lilac binge! :)

    Can I ask why you did a center back seam? Was it a design choice or a fabric placement necessity?

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  22. It's really lovely - and now you have 2 TNT cardigan patterns!

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  23. Love this cardigan! Somewhere buried I have a McCalls pattern twinset. I must try this. My question is also about the cb seam. Why?

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  24. Lovely cardi! Silly question perhaps, but does adding a CB seam give more stability at the back? Thanks!

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  25. I am always so impressed with your cardigans--they do not look homemade-y at all. I have been afraid to try them because I just don't think my button band and neck band will look right. But you are making me think I should at least give it a try...

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  26. Pretty cardigan and also always impressed with your cardigans. I have made a few, but after wearing it, I get the homemade vibes and have been buying them instead.

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  27. Glad my cardi inspired you, your version looks wonderful - I too am put off by the snaps but just bought some plyers to make a cardi with snaps. It is a great pattern

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  28. I love this with the snaps I have recent invested in some special plyers to do the same thing as you- flattered my cardi inspired you

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