Fae (Women’s, Youth, and Baby) is one of my favorite cardi patterns EVER; I love the fun, color-blocked sleeves, and the cozy, loose fit. I have so much fun mixing and matching prints for the sleeves, but if that’s not your thing, there are more subdued fitted or lantern sleeve options, too. 🙂 Check out the line drawings below for more info on pattern options, as well as sizing.

• 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!
• Wondering if a pattern is “true to size”? Read more about sizing and intended fit here.
• Having issues printing? Most issues can be resolved by using our FAQs/troubleshooting tips
• Looking here for more extensive grading help!
• Not in our official SAL group yet? Join here 🙂

Our first day is all about prep! First, be sure to measure yourself (or the person/people that you are sewing for) accurately. The tutorial includes information about grading and mashing, but you can also check out the blog linked above! Fae is a more forgiving pattern, so it does make a great gift option if you *can’t* get measurements; one of the suggestions we typically make is to find out what brand the recipient wears a specific size in, so you can at least compare measurement charts.

I typically mash sizes for both of my kids, and have to grade a bit for myself as well most of the time! I always like to get fresh measurements before I sit down to sew anything, especially for the kids, because they change so often. Remember that you won’t necessarily use their/your ready-to-wear (store bought) sizing. For example, my daughter is currently a 3 width mashed with a 5 length.

After you’ve measured, you’ll want to decide on making the pattern as is, or sewing it up using a hack! Check out the Fae hacks here.

Then, you’ll want to choose your fabric and gather your supplies. Some of my favorite fabrics for this are waffle knits, sweater knits, French Terry, and lighter jersey knits for a light and casual cardi. I do like cotton lycra for for my daughter so I can use small pieces of my favorite prints on the sleeves, too.

Next, go ahead and print your pattern! Be sure to print a test page and measure your 1″ square before you print the whole pattern.  Once you’ve got your pattern pieces printed and assembled, go ahead and cut out your fabric so you are all ready for day 2. Remember that even if your pattern is only off by 1/16″, that’s 1/16″ PER INCH, not total. Definitely reprint if you notice your test square is off!

Don’t forget:

• Make sure you are taking an accurate and consistent seam allowance; seam allowance is included on all pattern pieces.
• Be sure that all of front bodice pieces are cut as mirror images. Front hem band is cut two, NOT on fold. The back hem band is cut on the fold.
• Use clips to ensure an even application of your bands!

Want to sew along with me? Check out today’s video!

If you have questions about measuring yourself, printing, putting your pattern together, or cutting your fabric, you are always welcome to post in our SAL group so we can help you! Be sure to check in each day during the SAL, and look for daily posts to enter our giveaways. We can’t wait to see what you create this week!

DAY 1: PREPPING AND CUTTING

DAY 2: SHOULDER SEAMS

DAY 3: SLEEVES

DAY 4: SIDE SEAMS & CUFFS

DAY 5:  HEM BAND & NECK BAND

DAY 6: OPTIONAL POCKETS & CATCHING UP