Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases made through these links will help support the blog at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your amazing support and please see my disclosure policy for more information.
I don’t know why it took me so long to photograph and blog about this Grandpa Cardigan from Patterns for Pirates. I made it around March of this year and it is easily one of my most worn and most complimented on me-made pieces. The best part is, this DIY Cardigan pattern is quick and easy to put together and comes with a few different options for creating your own look. Read on to see my modifications and full pattern review.
Patterns for Pirates Grandpa Cardigan Review
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
This beginner friendly knit pattern has all the style you need in a soft comfortable cardigan! It is a classic look with trendy and modern options to choose from.
Includes sleeve options of short, 3/4, long hemmed or banded, so you can wear this year round. Has both shirt length (hits at mid-booty) and tunic length (hitting below booty–perfect to wear with leggings) to pair with all kinds of bottoms and shirts perfectly. Traditional neckband and shawl collar neckband. Patch pockets (both hemmed and banded) and elbow patches to add those special little touches!
The semi fitted design allows for almost every knit from lightweight to fleece!
PATTERN SIZING:
XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, Plus 1X, Plus 2X and Plus 3X
I cut the size straight size small and did no grading to this pattern. I did modify the sleeves which is talked about below.
Supplies Needed:
Pattern from Patterns for Pirates
Knit Fabric: This fabric was purchased at Hobby Lobby during last year’s fall (I think…maybe winter???) seasonal fabrics were displayed. Keep your eye out for fun seasonal finds at Hobby Lobby, while their overall fabric selection is not huge at my local stores, their seasonal items are always pretty great! Towards the end of the season they all go on sale for 50% off as well…but many have sold out by then.
This knit is a thicker sweater knit with more structure and warmth to it. and I love the way it feels in this cardigan.
I paired this cardigan with the newly updated SOS pants and wrote a full post on those pants HERE.
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes, but I tightened up the sleeves on mine quite a bit. I sewed up the tunic length, long sleeve, hemmed version with the shawl collar. I like a very fitted sleeve and ended up taking several inches off mine during construction. I just basted and tried it on until I got the fit I desired. Not technical at all…but I am happy with the sleeve now. I will say that by tightening it up this much I usually just pair it with tank tops, so if you want to be able to wear long sleeves under it, leave the sleeve as drafted.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Super easy to follow. This is a beginner friendly pattern and sews up very quickly if you choose to leave off details like buttons.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I love the length of the tunic version. This is my favorite length to wear personally so that drew me to the pattern. I also love cardigans as they are fabulous layering pieces. Having the band and shawl collar options as well as different lengths, sleeve variations, etc was also a draw for this pattern. Anytime I can have a pattern that can create several different styles easily I consider it a win.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
Absolutely. This pattern is quick to sew up and I plan on making several more…I have made one other version in stripes and one modified duster cardigan found here but why I haven’t made more than that, I am not sure. I guess I am too easily distracted…LOL but I would love a cream colored one and a solid black. Just need to find the right fabrics.
CONCLUSION:
Quick and easy DIY cardigan pattern that is perfect for beginners. Create several different looks and styles all in this one easy to make pattern.
Until next time,
Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I