You can never have too many cardigans. I feel quite certain about that. That’s why, each Fall, I find myself yearning for a new one…or two. I’ve made several in the past (here and here) but today I want to talk about the two cardigan patterns I reach for time and again – – the Blackwood cardigan by Helen’s closet and McCall’s 6844 (OOP but available on-line). Both patterns are easy to sew and friendly to a variety of knit fabric options. It’s the neckline that is usually the deciding factor in why I choose to make one over the other.
This version of McCalls 6844 is a coatigan of sorts. I found this thick sweater knit at Joann’s. The weight is perfect for this time of year, and the stretch recovery is great for this pattern.
I made view B but lengthened it by six inches. I love long cardigans these days (my Pinterest page is proof of that). The wide shawl collar makes it so warm, and by cutting the front bodice pieces a bit wider than I normally need, I was able to make the closure have a bit of an overlap, which makes it appropriate for windy weather.
Next up is (no surprise) the Blackwood cardigan by Helen’s Closet. Who doesn’t love this pattern?
I’ve made this before, but this time, I really wanted a stripe along a solid front band for contrast, as I’ve seen that detail on RTW cardigans.
With this striped fabric, I got lucky! The selvege edge of my fabric was solid navy with a thin purple stripe, and I had enough fabric to manage to cut the entire neck band from it!! Such a perfect opportunity to add a fun easy detail to this cardigan. Again, I made this version very, very long. The advantage is that the longer look makes a shrimp like me feel tall. The bad news? It’s so long, none of my coats cover it. Such problems….
My new cardigans are so wardrobe friendly since they go with everything in my closet. I know they’ll get alot of mileage! What’s your favorite cardigan pattern these days?
The holidays are coming and I cannot let the season go by without a new velvet make so that’s on my sewing to do list. Oh, I guess I’ll have to go on Pinterest and start a new ‘velvet inspiration’ page, don’t you think?
Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for these reviews. I’ve seen a lot of reviews for both, but I was leaning toward the McCalls because the Helen’s Closet pattern is rather pricy.
Yes, McCall’s patterns are a great deal of you buy them on sale at Joann’s or on their website. The good news about spending money on a cardigan pattern is that you’ll likely use it more than once.
It is definitely the season for bundling up! I love the length of both of these!
Thanks, Linda! I never get tired of wearing them!
I agree with you. You can never have too many cardigans. Your cardigans are perfect. I’ve the pattern from Mc Call. I’ve used that patttern a lot. I’ve never heard of patterns from Helen’s closet.
Helens Closet is an indie pattern company, and I don’t think they’ve been around for more than a few years. But this cardigan pattern Helen designed is quite popular. If you search it on Instagram a zillion versions show up!
They are both beautiful version… I love so much the strepped one! Great reviews, thank you for sharing
The striped one is my favorite too, glad you like this post!
I have the McCall’s one although I haven’t tried that view yet (I should). I like how you cut it wider in front so it could wrap a little. I also love the stripe detail on the collar of the other one. These both look great!
Thanks, Lisa! Finding the selvage stripe was such a lucky moment..so glad it worked out.
Lovely post. I have a beautiful piece of red velvet from Marcy Tilton and no idea what to make. Look forward to see what you make.
Thank-you! Oh, your red velvet sounds inspiring! Yes, I’ve been looking at patterns, thinking about velvet:)
Love them both. Great fabric also. I agree, never too many (wink, wink). Thank you.
Thanks, Anne! It’s nice to know there are other cardigan enthusiasts out there!