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I subscribe to ThreadCrate, a sewing subscription box that sends you a pattern, fabric, and everything else you need to sew a women’s clothing item each month. It’s a lot of fun! (If you’re interested, you can get 10% off with code: Society10) The pattern in the box this month was the Women’s Fae Cardigan & Duster from Made for Mermaids. I made two versions of the garment and decided to create a sew along in case you want to make it, too.
I got a gorgeous, deep purple fabric and a pretty turquoise fabric from ThreadCrate. I made the tunic length with shawl collar and fitted sleeves out of the turquoise and the cardi length with regular collar and lantern sleeves out of the purple. I think both turned out really well. I like the fitted sleeves and shawl collar the best.
Here are a few pics of me wearing the Women’s Fae Cardigan:
I made the cardigan entirely with my serger. You can make it with a sewing machine, but I like the finished edge you get with a serger. ThreadCrate included a little spool of thread for the project and I used it as the fourth thread in my serger. That’s the one that creates most of the looping. I had just enough to finish the project.
To make the Fae cardigan, you’ll need 2-3 yards of knit fabric and coordinating thread. You’ll need closer to 3 yards if you want to make the duster length. I suggest you choose a fabric with 4-way stretch.
If you haven’t sewn many projects with knit, I suggest you read my post on How to Sew Stretchy Fabric Without Losing Your Mind.
I typically wear a women’s large or extra-large shirt and decided to make the yellow size cardigan. I feel like the pattern runs a bit big. If you’re in between sizes, choose the smaller one. This pattern is very flowy.
It takes a while to tape all your pattern pieces together and cut them out. That part might have taken longer than the actual sewing part! The Fae cardigan is easy to sew and is excellent for beginners. It’s also a great first project if you’ve never used a serger before.
Sewing Tip: I like to insert a pin at the top of each pattern piece on the right side of my fabric when I remove the pattern. This helps me know the right side from the wrong side. It helps a lot if your fabric looks similar on both the right and wrong side.
Sew-Along
This sew-along is meant to be used in conjunction with the instructions from Made for Mermaids. I hope it helps clarify some of the steps for you. Don’t fear. This pattern is not too difficult!
Step 1: With right sides together, line up both shoulder seams and sew them together using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. I did not stabilize my seams with clear elastic stay tape, but you can if you’re worried about your fabric getting stretched out over time.
Step 2: Unfold your shoulder seams and lay them flat with the finished side exposed. Then, pin your sleeve pieces (right sides together) to your garment at the armscye. Line up the center point on your sleeve piece with your shoulder seam. For the fitted sleeves, the larger end of your sleeve piece is what you line up. For the lantern sleeves, there is a notch in the center top that you line up. Sew both sleeves in using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
Step 2.5: If you’re making the color-blocked lantern sleeves, this is where you’ll attach the other half of the lantern sleeve with right sides together. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
Step 3: Line up the bodice front and back with right sides together. Also line up each sleeve with right sides together. Sew both together using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: (Optional) If you’re making lantern sleeves, sew gathers into the opening of your sleeve. Depending on your fabric, this will help you attach your cuff more easily. I skipped this step because my fabric has a 4-way stretch.
Step 5: Create your sleeve cuffs by folding your cuff pieces in half lengthwise with right sides together. Keep in mind that your cuffs for the lantern pieces are short and your cuffs for the fitted sleeves are long. Sew your cuffs along the long edge with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Then, turn your tubes so that your seam is hidden.
Step 6: Turn your sleeves right side out and slide your cuff onto your sleeve with raw edges exposed. Stretch your fabric to make your cuff fit and sew using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. I use pins to mark the halfway points to stretch the fabric equally.
Sewing the cuffs onto your sleeves is the trickiest part of this project. Take it slow and be extra careful if you’re using a serger because it’s easy for loose fabric to get caught under your presser foot.
Step 7: Create your hem band by laying out your back hem piece and pinning your two front hem pieces to the back at the short sides with right sides together. Sew both sides together using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Then. fold your band in half lengthwise with wrong sides together.
Step 8: Line your hem band up with the bottom of your cardigan, matching the side seams. Pin it in place and sew it on using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
Step 9: Create your neckband by sewing your two long neckband pieces together on the short end with right sides together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Step 10: Fold your neckband in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew both of the short ends closed using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Then turn your neckband right side out and push the corners out so they have a point.
Step 11: Fold your neckband in half with wrong sides together so that you have one long, skinny piece. Pin it to the entire opening of your cardigan with the seam in the center back. Sew it on using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
Step 12: (Optional) Attach pockets to the front of your cardigan. I skipped this step.
How did your Fae Cardigan turn out? If you used this sew-along, please leave pictures in the comments below.
I think my Fae cardigans turned out amazing. It isn’t a pattern I would normally pick to sew for myself because I didn’t find the slouchy shoulder seams appealing at first. However, I’ve been wearing my cardigan all day and it’s very comfortable. That’s why I love Threadcrate. They include new patterns every month that help me build my wardrobe and try new styles. If you’re interested in trying this monthly sewing subscription box, you can get 10% off with the code: Society10.
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