Life has been really busy recently, so I’m publishing my blog post for March’s #sewmystyle a little late. It happens. 🙂 But before we jump into the project details, I want to say that I’m excited about the pattern schedule for #sewmystyle this year. The patterns are functional, and I know I’ll be wearing a lot of my makes often and this month is no exception. There were two different pattern options for March:

• Blackwood Cardigan by Helen’s Closet
• Como Cardigan by Style Arc

The pattern I chose to make was the Blackwood cardigan by Helen’s Closet. This open and long sweater has a fitted shape so it can be worn open without adding much bulk to your overall look.

Blackwood Cardigan Details

• Size Made: 4
• View: A

Although I’ve been sewing for years, I’m new to the indie sewing community, and I’ve enjoyed learning about indie pattern makers and fabric companies! Even as a newbie, I knew there has been a lot of buzz about this cardigan pattern and was excited that it was a pattern in the #sewmystyle challenge.

Helen’s Closet’s Recommended Fabric for the Blackwood Cardigan

Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 40% stretch width-wise and 20% stretch lengthwise. Try a cozy sweater knit or french terry for a warm layer or make it in jersey for a lightweight cover-up.

What Fabric Did I use to Make my Blackwood Cardigan?

I used a beautiful speckled grey brushed sweater knit from Surge Fabrics. This fabric is a medium weight, has a nice 4-way stretch, is incredibly soft and textured.
The added texture helped me sew the patch pockets since the finished stitches aren’t as visible … so this ended up being the perfect fabric for my first Blackwood cardigan. 🙂

Blackwood Cardigan Pattern Instructions and Adjustments

The Blackwood Cardigan is the first pattern I’ve purchased from Helen’s Closet, and I have to say, I’m impressed. Even with the simple design, the pattern was detailed, straight forward, and easy to follow. There were tips on sizing, pattern adjustments and how to sew more complicated sections of the pattern (For example – how to sew patch pockets with a knit fabric).

I didn’t make any adjustments to the pattern for my make. My goal was to make a simple grey cardigan that I could wear with a variety of outfits and I think I achieved just that!

How to Sew with Knit Fabrics

Sewing with knits can be challenging. Unlike cotton blends, you cannot pull your fabric through the machine as you sew. If you do, your fabric will bunch and wave. Instead, use a stretch stitch (zig-zag) and allow the feed dogs to pull the fabric through the machine. This will help your material to lay flat. Sergers are also extremely helpful when sewing knits! I’ve only had mine for a few months and loved using it to sew this sweater!

I love how my Blackwood cardigan turned out, and I’m looking forward to making more in the future! My next one will probably be the shorter version.