Yay! We made it to day 5 of the sew along. Today our cardigans will take shape regardless of the options chosen. First thing first, let’s sew the side seams. Match the front and back side seams at the armpit and pin in place. Add a pin to the sleeve end and one to the bottom of the side seam. If you are comfortable with just the 3 points pinned together go ahead and stitch with a stretch stitch or serger, remembering to use a 1/2 inch seam allowance. If not, add a few more pins or clips and proceed to stitching.

Mark the center back neckline and the center bottom back with a pin, clip or marking pen. Mark the center of the bottom band with a pin or a marking pen too. Set aside for now. Next step will be to create a big loop with your neckband pieces. You should have two long ones and a short one. Sew them right side together at the short ends to create a loop. Attach the neckband to the opening matching the center back bottom pins, the center back neckline to the seam that attached the two long strips and the bottom side seams to the other two seams. Stitch in place with a 1/2″ seam allowance and PRESS!!! Do not skip pressing and steaming! 

You can see how I added my band in the video below. When you finish today’s steps and your cardigan looks almost done (just missing finishing the sleeves), add a picture of it in the comments of day 5 photos of the Cocoon/Butterfly cardigan sew along album.

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

Day 3 is here! Let’s start sewing! Today we will add the pockets and sew the shoulder seam. The Butterfly and Cocoon patterns include inseam and patch pockets. They are optional but I would not skip them!

The key to the patch pocket, as you can see in my video is to press and steam after every step. This style pocket is perfect to add a pop of color to the cardigan or showcase a print you love. If you are skipping the pockets all together, all you have to do today is match the shoulder front and back right sides together and stitch with a 1/2 seam allowance.

Tip: Add clear elastic to the shoulder seams to strengthen them and make sure the shoulders don’t stretch throughout the day. 

You can see my progress below. Once you add your pockets and sew the shoulder seams post a picture of the cardigan in works in the comments of DAY 3 photo of the cardigan album in the SAL group.

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

Welcome to day 2 of our Butterfly and Cocoon Cardigan sew along! Today we will be deciding on the fabric(s) and cutting the pieces. You should have your pattern ready from yesterday.

But first let’s talk a little about the right fabric for this pattern. As you can see in the video below I am using a pretty pin dots mint French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. These two cardigans can be made with virtually any knit fabric with soft drape. Some favorites include Double Brushed poly, Rayon Spandex, Rayon French Terry, sweater knits or bamboo spandex. Raspberry Creek Fabrics is this SAL’s sponsor too, our two lucky winners will be getting gift cards to their shop so you can treat your to some gorgeous knits (and not only) too.

If you are unsure about which knit type will work best for your desired look, take a look over our P4P University Knit Types blog. Judy also included a cheat sheet that you can print. If you are like me and sometime are just keen on using a specific print for a specific pattern, read our Different fabric, different fit blog post before you cut your fabric.

The Day 2 video is posted below. Check it out and once you are done cutting your fabric post a picture of your pretty pile in the comments of the Day 2 photo of the Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL album in the M4M & P4P Sew Along group.

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

Welcome to the Cocoon and Butterfly Cardigan  Sew Along!

Day 1 is reserved for purchasing the patterns, printing and cutting the size(s) you need. If you plan on sewing for yourself you can get the Cocoon Cardigan here, if you’re sewing for your little one, the Butterfly Cardigan can be purchased here and if you’re sewing for both of you (just think of the mommy and me matching outfits!) you can get the bundle. Back in 2016, P4P did a Cardi week where the blog team showcased some easy hacks to our cardigan patterns. We included a ruffled edge Butterfly and a lace edge Cocoon. You can sew these styes for the sew along too!

This Sew Along will take place in the M4M & P4P Sew Along group so be sure to join the group not only for the exclusive discount code available for the Cocoon and Butterfly Cardigan patterns but also to post your progress this week. As always, we have a Cocoon/Butterfly cardigan SAL album and your daily check in will be in the comments of each day photo.

Now that you purchased the pattern(s), print the size needed. In order to do that it is very important that you take your most accurate measurements

You will need your waist, hips and chest measurements in order to choose the correct cardigan size. The cardigans are relaxed fit throughout the body and slim fit arms. P4P has an amazing blog that gives you tips for accurately taking your measurements. You can read all about it here. If your measurements put you in a different size for chest/waist/hips be sure to check out our P4P University blog and grade to achieve the perfect fit.

Check out the day 1 video below and then comment “done” on the Day 1 picture of the Cadigan SAL album in the sew along group. We don’t allow pictures of the pattern pieces so this will count as your day 1 check in.

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7