Houndstooth Wrap Cardigan : McCalls 7262

Houndstooth is hands down my favorite print, even more so than stripes (which is a close second). This fabric has been in my stash for years. I bought it from Hancock early in my sewing journey and put off using it because I didn’t want to mess it up or use it for the wrong project. I think I purchased it with the idea to sew M6844, but I had already sewn this polka dot one and it seemed to repetitive.

I’m now really trying to sew down my stash, including using those “special” pieces. So why not go ahead and cut into this houndstooth. I stuck with my original thought of a cardigan or sweater but opted for McCalls 7262. I’ve actually sewn this pattern twice previously, but both times for other people. Finally, this one is for me.

Unfortantely I purchased this fabric back when 2yds was my default yardage whenever I didn’t have a specific project in mind. I had to be really careful with the pattern placement because the pattern called for 2 -5/8 yard. Thankfully I had a generous cutter that day giving me about another 1/8 yard, but it was still a tight fit. My front bands are a little slimmer than designed but it works. I was determined to make it work even if I had to make the front bands out of solid black ponte, which I still think would have been a good look.

It was an easy sew once I got everything cut out. Sewing the back collar seam could be tricky for a first timer, but I’ve sewn enough of these waterfall collar cardis to skip the instructions. If you follow me you know I had buttonholes, but I got them to work for these and thankfully there were only three (don’t look too hard – I’m missing a button).

I do wish I had added pockets, because well…pockets make everything better. I certainly didn’t have enough of this fabric but I could’ve used black or white scraps, oh well. One thing I did add is a snap to the inside front band to attach it to the opposite shoulder. Without something to hold the inner piece up it just droops down. I just placed the snap at the highest button placement mirrored from the other side.

Thanks to my hubby, I have a new machine – a Janome 900cpx coverstitch – that I was able to use for my hemming. I love it! It’s so neat and clean. Finally hemming will no longer be a dreaded task. Let me have a little more time with it and I will definitely do a blog or vlog review.

Back to the cardigan, I absolutely love it and I’m hoping the temps stay above freezing so I can wear it out soon.

What’s your favorite print or pattern?

Pattern: McCalls 7262

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting sweater coats and poncho have shaped hemline, wrong side shows and narrow hem. A: Layered sleeves. B: Stitched hem on sleeves. A, B: Draped cowl front extends into back collar, and front button band and conceal snap closing. C: Cut on crosswise grain, asymmetrical, mock-band and snap closing.

Sizing: 8-16, 18W-24W I sewed a 14/16 View B

Difficulty: 2/easy

Fabric Used: B&W Houndstooth ponte knit from Hancock (similar here)

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very

Likes: Draped cowl front, asymmetrical hem

Dislikes: None

Pattern alterations or any design changes made: None, aside from adding the inside snap.

Would I sew it again? Probably. I think I could use a solid colored one, but I’ve realized I make quite a few of these knit wrap/cardigan/poncho things.

Would I recommend it to others? Definitely.

Conclusion: Easy knit wrap pattern.