It’s All About Texture: A Crinkle Knit Blackwood Cardigan
When I first started sewing, I was all about making clothes out of the coolest prints I could find. Now that I’m trying to make a more cohesive wardrobe, I find I’m leaning toward solids. But I still crave that little bit of “cool” since most people (or just me) think solids = boring.
That’s when texture comes into play!
When the Blackwood Cardigan from Helen’s Closet came out, I knew I had to make it right away since it was the cardigan pattern I had been wanting for so long. It’s a slim-fit cardigan for light-to-medium weight knits and it comes in 2 lengths: hitting at your hip or mid-thigh. It’s perfect for layering at the office when it’s 90+ degrees outside but is 60 degrees inside.
But I wanted a cardigan with some oomph, so I thought this Karen Klein Stretch Ivory Crinkle Knit would be perfect to turn a “boring basic” into something more.
The fabric has 2 layers which are sewn together (you can see the stitch line on the wrong side of the fabric in the first picture) and it is easier than you think it would be to sew. The top layer is the crinkle fabric and the bottom is a smooth knit, which makes it easy to feed through a sewing machine or serger. And although you’re sewing 4 layers knit fabric at a time, it’s not very bulky and is a true medium weight knit.
Another great thing about this textured knit is the crinkles aren’t affected by ironing! So steam and iron away… those beautiful crinkles aren’t going anywhere!
Moving on to the pattern – I sewed a medium on top and graded to a large at the hips, using the sizing guide for my measurements. I would suggest just sticking to one size to make the waist-to-hip line smoother. As you can see above, I have little “saddle bags” at the hips which emerged after I attached the bottom band. It’s not enough of an issue to break my heart. I’m still going to wear the heck out of this cardigan!
Have you sewn anything with interesting texture? How was your experience? Please share in the comments! Meanwhile, I’ll be enjoying my new cardigan. 😉
-RED
You can follow more of Rachel’s adventures in sewing and cat wrangling at sewredy.wordpress.com!
Love your Blackwood! I’ve not sewn with a textured knit but I do like the way they look. This one you’re wearing looks like it has some nice body to it too which I really like. I need to make more cardigans!
Thank you! Yes, this cardigan has a good weight, not too light, not too heavy… like the Goldilocks of textured knits. 😉
Such a great cardigan! I’ve made the same transition from fun prints to solids and texture is such a fun way to mix it up. (You’re not alone – solids can get so boring!) Thanks for the sizing tip on the pattern. I’ll be making this one soon and was expecting to grade out at the hips. The “saddle bags” are definitely one of those things only you’ll notice though 🙂
Thanks! I’d like to try other textures – especially lace! I used to challenge myself with new sewing techniques per pattern but now I should probably do it with different fabrics and textures.
Yes, don’t grade out at the hips! Helen put a nice curve in there already, so go with what you have. I think I might size up to a straight L next time but just so I can wear sleeved shirts underneath more easily. Since it’s an open cardigan, I think the only thing you need to worry about is the fit at the shoulders and arms.
Very cool use of this fabric! I agree that an entire outfit in solid colors can be “flat”–texture is a great way to liven things up! I have never worked with onion skin before, but am currently working with a boucle (so it has color AND texture); the only issue presented by the texture is pressing, as the fabric tends to “bounce back” from pressing. (Fiber content exacerbates that issue: there is cellophane in the weave, so I need a lower temp and a press cloth, too! O_o )
Oh man, boucle scares me! It’s so cool looking but it looks like a beast to work with. Super awesome texture, though. I can’t wait to see what you make from it!
What an interesting fabric! It totally elevates the basic cardigan style to office chic. Heck yeah girl!
Thanks! I’ve definitely been wearing it lots in the office. 🙂
Love the texture of the fabric and the wide bottom band. I would totally wear the crap out of it!
Thanks! I definitely have been wearing the crap out of it. XD I’m wearing it now, actually!
Looking good! I just finished a swim suit coverup that was a textured fabric. It also helps me out in soaking up the water after a swim!
Thanks! A textured coverup sounds like a great idea!
Looks great! And I agree that I get easily bored with solids. So an interesting texture or embellishment or a pattern with interesting details is a must.
Thanks! 🙂