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Now, I don't about you, but I could actually LIVE in a coatigan! Not only is it a super versatile and cosy piece in your wardrobe, it is also a fabulous and practical garment to make as a beginner sewist.
This was my first garment made using a sewing pattern and it was SO easy to follow. So much so, that I decided to challenge myself and pattern hack it in so many ways!
Click for the video above to watch how I made the Nora Cardigan with modifications!
Things you will need to for this pattern hack! (Click to open)
>The Nora Cardigan Sewing Pattern (Scroll to the bottom of this post to see where you can get hold of these from)
>Free Pocket Sewing Pattern
>Fabric (scraps/remnants could work for this) for the pocket lining (this could be simple lining fabric, or if you something more cosy a fleece of brushed cotton would look and feel fab!)
>Extra of your main fabric, to increase the length and add a waist belt (the meterage will depend on the length you want) plus seam allowance - the pattern recommends 1.8m x150cm for the longline version - add the extra length to this - I used 2.5m of fabric.
Modification One:
As soon as I saw this pattern, I KNEW I wanted to use this Jacquard Knit fabric, first because the loved the fabric pattern and it really spoke to my personal style, but it was also a perfect choice for the autumn period to keep warm. It also made for a perfect opportunity to challenge myself with a more complex fabric choice, with mild stretch.
The end result was even more perfect than in my imagination and I have worn it non-stop ever since! The one thing I would have done differently as a result of this heavier weight fabric, was use a medium weight interfacing around the neck area to keep more structure in this area.
Now this pattern has an intentional dropped shoulder design, however I think it could also look great with a more structured shoulder by adding a shoulder pad.
Modification Two:
I also decided to increase the length of this pattern as I find shorter lengths tend to cut off on me in a strange place. As a result of this, to keep the drape, I decided to put a side slit on both sides starting from just below the knee. This worked really well and it created some 'swing' to the garment. I would definitely recommend this if you decide to make this in a midi or maxi length.
Modification Three & Four:
POCKETS.
Ok, if you know me, you KNOW I love a pocket - on anything!
Not only for the phone, but I always have cold hands and love to shield them at every opportunity!
I used this Free In Seam Pocket Pattern which was so easy to implement. For this I just used a dark floral viscose scrap fabric I already had in my stash. My recommendation would be to choose a woven fabric, so from the inside the fabric doesn't show its white side. Just a detail - but worth noting!
While sewing up this seam, this is a good point at which to add in the belt loops if you are adding a belt too before sewing up the side seams!
Modification Five:
THE BELT!
So the dimensions of the belt is: 218cm x 15cm (including 1.5cm seam allowance)
I actually didn't have a full length of the original fabric for this, so I had sewn together multiple pieces of leftover fabric to get this length.
I then sewed all the way around, starting and ending from the middle of the length, leaving a 4 inch gap to turn it inside out.
The Nora Cardigan Pattern Review:
This sewing pattern is the actual DREAM for anyone starting out with garment pattern sewing.
It consists of minimal pieces, super easy instructions and really helps to get that beginner confidence going to get you onto your next project!
If you have tried this pattern, I would love to see your version of it and what you thought of it! Join our lovely community here by entering your email address down below to receive monthly emails or by joining myself and fellow sewists via the Member Area, where you can show the photos of your makes.
Until next time, Happy Sewing!
Lots of Love,
Shirin xo
This pattern can be purchased:
New from Tilly & the Buttons £17.50
New/Used from £4.00:
Ebay (Click this link for up to date listings)
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