Fall Favorites: Cardigans
Even though summer is my favorite season, I do love fall. Mostly for the weather, you know that period when the air turns chilly, but the sun is still warm. So the days are just right, but the evenings are crisp. It's during this time layering is essential and cardigans are the perfect outwear choice. They add enough of a barrier to keep you warm when a coat is too heavy and they are often more cozy that a jacket.Without further adieu, here are my top three favorite cardigan patterns.
McCalls 7262
I think McCalls 7262 is my favorite cardigan pattern, though McCalls states it's a sweater coat. I love the wrap front and drape neck. It versatile as you could chose from almost any knit -ponte, sweater, wool knit, works great with prints and solidsI've made view B three times, though only one was for me. The first time was for a close friend out of a sparkle sweatshirt knit. Then the sister of that friend requested one for herself after my friend wouldn't give her hers. Finally I made the houndstooth ponte knit version above for myself. I still see more in my future because I need more than one. I don't have photos of the other two I made, but let me share a few more versions with you; Mimi of Mimi G Style whipped up a staple black version here (she also has a sewalong here), Vastla of Fashion Behind the Seams shows it works great with a baby bump here and Bianca of Thanks I Made Them has striped version of view A here.
McCalls 6844
[gallery ids="340,456" type="rectangular"]McCalls 6844 was a TNT of everyone I met in the sewing community when I began sewing in 2014. It won a best pattern award from Pattern Review in 2012. I think *literally* everyone made a version of this cardigan. Some even used woven fabric though it was drafted for knits with success (they had to size up of course). I never thought McCalls would retire it (much like M6886), but is currently OOP. Though it had no closure you could easily belt it with a RTW belt as I did above or by sewing a matching or contrast tie belt. The peplum added some interest to a otherwise simple cardigan. I could still see myself making another one even though I already have two (the one above plus a black one). It is a great cardigan to dress up a simple outfit.
McCalls 7441
[gallery ids="5895,5891" type="rectangular"]The draped back of M7441 is what makes this cardigan! Lighter weight knits, like jersey or the hacci I used, works best because of the draped back. The pattern also includes a non hooded view, a tie front view, a wrap around view and optional patch pockets. I opted for View B (the hood) minus the pockets and it works great for a casual layering piece. I still have plans to sew the more dramatic cocoon version.
More options
There are so many cardigan patterns to choose from and I still have so many more on my to-sew list. Here are three more I'd like to make soon:1. Madison Cardigan by Style Sew MeI just love the drape! While writing this post I noticed that all my cardigans are black and white and I definitely want to use this pattern to add some color to my collection. My mind is leaning towards a print, but I will try to use something from my stash.2. The Annie Cardigan by Mimi GThis looks so cozy! I love the length and pockets. This would work well with anything, but I'm leaning towards a bold print, maybe a leopard?3. New Look 6735 This one looks like the perfect go to work cardigan and I want it in all the staple colors; black, navy and gray.*some link contained in the post are affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made