Tools and materials:
- Fabric (medium to heavyweight)
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Paper
- Marker
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
This is the best tutorial for anyone looking to learn how to make a circle cardigan. It is so easy to do and doesn’t take much time at all. I love this cardigan. It’s so easy to style and super simple to make my own.
If you are making this garment into a vest (as opposed to a coat or cardigan) the only measurement you’re going to need is the length (and width) of the pattern. Simply place your measuring tape at the top of your neckline and drop it to the desired length. Your length and width will be equal (the pattern is a perfect circle).
That said, if you are making a cardigan and require extra material for the overlay, divide your measurement by two (so if the length is 30 inches, divide by two to get 15) and add that number back to your original length (so 30 plus 15 is 45).
For the pattern, you don’t need a full circle, but just a quarter of it. Cut your measurement in half (45 divided by two is 22.5) Measure 22.5 for the length and width and then cut your pattern into a quarter of a circle.
The next step is to measure the distance between your shoulders - this is to ensure you place the armholes in the right place. Doing this is super easy; simply measure the distance between your shoulders - front or back. Make sure to measure until the edge of your shoulder and not too far down your arm.
Mark this measurement about half-way down the left side of your pattern.
Fold your fabric over and place your pattern on top of it. Make sure the center of the circle is facing the fold of the fabric. Next, cut out the top part of your circle - remembering to leave an inch for the hem.
Next, fold the top part of the circle over onto the remaining fabric and use it as a guide to complete the cut.
Measure seven inches down and four across (adjust as needed) and fold your paper in half. Cut out your measurements and you will be left with an oval. Next, slip your arm through the oval you’ve cut and see that it fits on your arms comfortably.
Take your pattern and place it on top of your folded up fabric (both pattern and fabric should be a quarter circle). Then, using pins, mark the placement of the armholes. (This would be the perfect time to test your fit on a mock pattern to ensure your armholes are at the desired length from each other!). Next, unfold your fabric and cut out the armholes!
For the width of your sleeves, wrap a measuring tape around the top of your arm (make sure it isn’t too tight so that you can add layers beneath the cardigan). Half of that measurement will be traced onto your pattern. Next, measure the length of your sleeve by placing your measuring tape at the edge of your shoulder and drop it to the desired length (remember to add some length for the hem).
Trace your measurements onto a pattern - for long sleeves, measure your wrist width too. Keep in mind that half of your arm width needs to equal one side of the oval you cut out earlier.
Place your sleeve pattern on your folded fabric and cut it out. Remember to leave space for the hem.
Fold your sleeves over so that they are touching, right sides together. Pin to secure. Next, sew your sleeves together.
Lay your cardigan out and slip the sleeves through the armholes. Make sure the center bottom of the armhole matches the center bottom of the sleeve and pin. Once secure, sew the sleeves onto the cardigan in a single circle.
Fold your fabric over half an inch and then another half an inch. Then, using a blind hem stitch sew the hem of the cardigan and you are done!
If you did cut your shoulder line a little too wide, here’s how to fix it. Fold your cardigan in half, right sides together. (Make sure to determine how much needs to be taken in before sewing!) Make a vertical stitch, press the fold flat, and make a horizontal stitch. This pleat will take in your shoulder line.
Wear it with a belt, wear it with a scarf, wear it on its own! This basic circle cardigan is the perfect answer to any winter outfit. It’s cozy, warm, and just versatile enough to be unique.
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Join the conversation
I like these and they are easy to make. I have a couple of suggestions that might alleviate some confusion for people with less sewing experience. First, the "wiggle room" or extra room in the armhole/sleeve ought to be figured when determining the armhole size, not the sleeve circumference after you have already cut the armhole to a certain size. Second, the sleeve instructions do not show how you achieved the curve at the top where it fits into the armhole. The picture shows only a straight line there. I'm a ladies' tailor and know how to do this, but I can see where some people might get a little lost there. Nice Jacket!
Love 💘. Great job.