For this project, I wanted to create a chic layering piece for fall. Something that would go with everything, and have the comfort of a sweater but with a bit more polish!
The fabric is Cali Fabric’s Heavyweight Black and Off-White Striped Stretch Jersey. It is exactly what the description says: a beefy jersey with 4-way stretch. It’s got quite a stiff hand with little drape, and it’s more stretchy than a ponte.
I’m calling it a jacket, but really, it’s a cardigan. The Jenna Cardigan by Muse Patterns, to be exact! To give it a more Chanel jacket sort of vibe, I got rid of the bands at neck, centre front and hem, and finished it with a lining on the front instead. The back neckline is just turned and stitched, and the back hem is finished with a facing. As a bonus, the silky polyester crepe knit that I used for the lining/facing means that the jacket sits more smoothly over clothes.
When you sew stripes, you have to decide how much of a perfectionist to be. I aimed for “good from a distance” but didn’t make myself crazy basting every seam for perfect alignment. I did make sure while cutting the fabric that the front, back and sleeve all lined up. I used my serger to sew it up and hemmed on my sewing machine instead of my coverstitch for a bit more control. It’s so easy to hide stitching in the dark stripes!
I think a wide stripe can sometimes be a bit intimidating to wear, but it also makes for a great neutral statement piece! I like outfits with mixed prints, so I can picture wearing this with floral dresses for work or with leggings and a tunic on the weekend. Here I’m wearing a ruffled rayon tank I made last summer and an ITY wiggle dress I made last winter.
Gillian is a teacher, cat lady, and colour-fanatic, and blogs at craftingarainbow.wordpress.com .
Nice job – I love the cut and the length
Thank you! I very nearly made it knee length, but I figured I should shake things up a bit!
So cute! I would never have thought to sew a cardi like that!
It took me SO LONG to figure out how to use this fabric! Dress? long cardigan? Crazy stripe-blocking? I finally just made something simple and I love it!
This is a simply genius combination of pattern and fabric, good job!
Thank you! It felt like a bit of a gamble when i cut it out, so I’m extra glad it worked out!
Love this, this bold stripes are great, I think the cropped length works so well and think it looks great with florals. I NEED one of these in my wardrobe and the fact it’s stretchy in a bonus.
I can attest, it’s so comfy! Have the front lined really helps it sit better than last time I made this pattern. You should make yourself one!
This is fantastic Gillian! I have this pattern but have yet to make it. I really like your version without the bands and may have to copy yours. Looking good!!!
I didn’t like my first version of this pattern, which had all the bands… got kinda fussy looking. I could see making a few of these, though!
It’s perfect!! Mission totally accomplished. It will go with so many things and I bet it’s super comfy!
I wore it to a meeting this week and felt comfortable but pulled together- success!
I like the stripes! They do work well to mix with prints. Nice job!
There can never be enough stripes in my wardrobe – like you say, perfect for mixing with florals or dots or any other pattern!
I love this! It makes a statement, but still looks versatile.