We’ve been waiting for this one! Our new Everly Cardigan Top releases today in youth AND adult sizing. Everly is a knit dolman-style cardigan top, loaded up with options. Add a functioning placket with buttons/buttonholes and wear it as a layering piece, or stitch the placket closed and wear it as a top. There are two fits to choose from throughout the body – trim or oversized. Choose between two lengths (long crop or high hip) that can be finished with a band or by hemming and four sleeve options (basic, lantern, elastic bishop, or bell). The adult basic and lantern sleeves are finished with regular or oversized cuffs. Everly is PERFECT for wearing as loungewear, dressing up, or using as a layering piece.
Getting Started
Before you purchase your patterns, there is a ton of helpful beginner information between the M4M and P4P blogs, in case you are new to knits, or new to PDF patterns in general:
- New to PDF patterns? Check out our helpful tips here
- New to sewing with knits? Brittany has some great info here
- Not quite sure how to measure yourself accurately? Don’t worry; check out the post here!
- Having issues printing? Most issues can be resolved by using our FAQs/troubleshooting tips
- Join our Facebook group here.
- Looking for help with “tricky knits” like gorgeous sweater knits? Caitlin has tips for you here.
Choosing Your Options
We have lots of tester photos in our FB group and on the site if you want to see a variety of photos of each option before you decide! Here is a quick snapshot of the different options:
Fabric + Notions
Everly is drafted for medium-weight knits with at least 25% stretch and drape, such as sweater knits, chenille, brushed sweater knit, bamboo french terry, waffle knits, etc. Lighter weight knits with less recovery and/or a more open weave will give a more relaxed look, while thicker fabrics may look a bit boxier.
You may also need:
- 3-6 buttons (this will depend on button size, as well as length you choose) or snaps
- Interfacing for use with functional placket
Everly Hacks
We cannot stop hacking Everly!! Here are some of our favorite ways to modify:
Ruffle Cuff Hack
Hello, Loves!
It’s been a minute, but I am back with another sleeve hack. If you are new to hacks, or haven’t been ready to tackle them, this is the one to start with!
You will only need to modify the Elastic Bishop/Bell Sleeve pattern piece of the Everly, so let’s get that out in front of you.
If you are working with a PDF printed pattern, tape some extra paper to the bottom of the sleeve (the cuff). Take a ruler and extend the FOLD line down 3 inches past the original cut line. Go to the CURVED line and extend that down 3 inches as well.
The curve of the sleeve isn’t too drastic; I just followed the curve to make sure the hem would go all the way across when hemmed, but you can also make it straight with the ruler.
Connect the two extended lines with a new horizontal hem line. Your pattern piece is now all set! Go ahead and cut out your fabric.
Finish the cuff edge with your serger or an overlock stitch on your sewing machine.
To create the elastic casing, fold up the cuffs 1.75” and pin (or use my favorite…double sided hem tape) to secure the hem. Bring both sleeves over to your sewing machine and straight stitch 1/8th” away from the raw edge of the fabric. Then, sew another straight stitch 1/2” From the edge. Your elastic casing is done!
Take your elastic and measure your preferred length. I used the included elastic measuring guide and found it to be just how I like it! Thread your elastic through the casing making sure to not get it twisted. Pin the elastic on both sides of the sleeve and baste to secure. Cut off any excess fabric or elastic.
Continue to follow the Everly tutorial to finish construction. When you get to sewing the top together, you will match up the sleeves and the front and back bodice, right sides together. Basting the cuff before serging will ensure that they will match up and have a nice clean finish.
That’s it! How is that for not having to do a ton of pattern hacking for the cutest results?
Until next time!
Jennifer S.
Slouchy Pockets Hack
The Everly Cardigan is so on-trend for this season! I see this flattering silhouette everywhere.
There are so many options included with Everly, but if you’re looking for even more variety, why not add pockets?
I went for a slouchy look for this tutorial – and have included a pattern piece just for you!
Download the Everly Slouchy Pocket
Here’s the how-to…
Cut 2 pocket pieces from your fabric.
Fold the top of the pocket down 1 inch and edgestitch in place.
Press the side and bottom seam allowances in place. I used ¼” hem tape to secure my seam allowances.
Adjust the pocket placement to your preference and pin it to your cardigan. I placed mine about 1″ above the bottom hemline. You want the sides pinned at a right angle (90-degree angle) with the bottom of the pocket. That gives the top of the pocket the right amount of slouch.
Sew in place and you’re ready to go!
Fabric matters! The type of fabric you are using will affect the drape of your pocket. I used a heavy sweater knit for this cardigan. A stiffer fabric with less drape may not achieve the same look.
If you want to go bigger or smaller with your pockets, just adjust the scale when you print your pattern piece.
Have fun creating a look that is uniquely yours!
xxoo,
Rachel
Dress Hack
This one is really easy! You simply need to add length or mash the side seam with your favorite dress pattern; Kali would be perfect if you’re looking for something more fitted, Katy if you want something semi-fitted, and Aspen if you want something a little looser.
We hope you love your new Everly pattern, whether you’re dressing it up or down! Don’t forget to tag us in your makes on all of our social media; we love to see what you’re working on!
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