cocoon Archives - Patterns for Pirates

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 7

February 25, 2020

What an outstanding week! I am so proud of each an every one of you! We have seen so many gorgeous Cocoon and Butterfly cardigans being sewn last week…wow!! <3

So let’s not keep everyone in suspense any longer and announce our two winners!

Congratulations Erin Cooper! You won a $20 Gift Card from Patterns For Pirates and a $25 from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

Congratulations Rachel Wait Ferre! You won a $20 Gift Card from Made for Mermaids and a $25 from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

A big thank you to Raspberry Creek Fabrics who was the sew along sponsor and provided the fabric I used for my cardigan.

Stay tuned for the mermaids’ announcement for March Sew Along!

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

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 6

February 22, 2020

You did it!! We made it to the last day of the Cocoon and Butterfly Cardigan sew along. All we have left to do today is finish the sleeves. If you opted for the short sleeve or banded long sleeves style, you will be adding cuffs. Press each of the two cuffs wrong side together length wise. Open them up and stitch them in a loop; fold them again and mark the quarter points. Using pins, clips or a marking pen, find and mark the quarter point of the sleeve opening. Attach the cuffs to the sleeve opening matching the quarter points. You will stretch the cuffs to fit.

I opted for the hemmed long sleeve option so all I had to do is fold 1/2″ and stitch down. For this step you can use a coverstitch, a zig zag stitch or a triple stretch stitch. All done!

Once you finish your cardigans, post a picture in the day 6 photo comments of the SAL album. I do encourage you to share your creations in the main P4P group too but make sure you have added your last picture in the comments too. We will select the two winners from the day 6 photo comments entries.

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

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 5

February 21, 2020

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

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 4

February 20, 2020

Good morning and welcome to day 4 of our sew along. Today we add the elbow patches and the sleeves. The patches are great for an accent color or print. You can pretty much use any fabric for them. I went with a custom cotton spandex in a maps print because…why not? I can totally see the patches made with some cute sparkle or sequence fabric.

If you are using a thinner material for the elbow patches, I highly encourage you to add a lightweight interfacing to the outer fabric. This will ensure that the patch won’t lose its shape when sewn. For fabrics like thicker cotton spandex, french terry and the likes, interfacing is not a must.

All that is left to do today is sew the sleeves to the main bodice, making sure to match the center sleeve to the shoulder seam. If you added the patches triple check that they are towards the back of the cardigan!!! If you opted for the short sleeve style, today is pretty much a free day as you will not have any sleeves to add.

You can see my progress in the video below. As always, once you complete today’s steps, post a picture of the cardigan in the comments of day 4 photo of the Butterfly/Cocoon SAL 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

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 3

February 19, 2020

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

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 2

February 18, 2020

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

P4P Cocoon/Butterfly Cardigan SAL day 1

February 17, 2020

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

P4P Cardi Week :: Cocoon Lace Hems

January 22, 2017

I’m sure by now you’ve all browsed Pinterest for cardigan inspiration, I know I have. When I saw a dolman style cardigan with lace trim I knew right away I needed to make myself one so in today’s blog I’ll show you how easy it is to get the look and I’ll also give you some tip for working with lace.

Start by cutting the Cocoon Cardigan pattern pieces. You will not need to cut the the band, we will be replacing it with trim. I made a tunic length, 3/4 hemmed sleeves with no pockets but you can apply this technique to either one of the styles. The fabric and lace I used are both from Hobby Lobby.

Assemble your pattern pieces as per the instruction. I like to leave the band for the end so you now have your cardigan ready to add the lace trim. The pattern band is shorter than the edge circumference and since most lace trims have no stretch we will have to measure the opening. The trim you will need will be equal to this length.

TIP: If your trim comes in 2 yards or less increments you will need to attach two pieces together. To do that I like to use a zig zag stitch and just slightly overlap the ends. Stitch them together with a narrow zig zag stitch. Don’t forget to place a little piece of water soluble stabilizer under your lace when you stitch it.

Pin (or clip) your lace to the cardigan raw edge, right sides together. Yes, there is a right side to the lace trim too! 🙂 Pin all around the edge, making sure you do not stretch the cardigan. When you get to the curved edge pin even closer since that part is not only stretchy but also on the bias.

Once it’s all pinned in place sew the lace around the opening very slowly. I like to use my sewing machine for this step, instead of the serger. A stitch length of 3.5 with a 3.4-3.6 tension should be all you need. All you have to do now is top stitch around the opening, about 1/4-1/8 inch away from the trim and you are all set. See how easy that was?

Take a look at our jam-packed schedule of cardigan love!

Saturday, January 21: #P4PCardiWeek Announcement

Sunday, January 22: Cocoon Lace Hems and Butterfly Ruffle

Monday, January 23: Ribbon Tie Closure Hack

Tuesday, January 24: Carefree Cardigan Fringe Hack

Wednesday, January 25: Duster-Length Adjustment

Thursday, January 26: Kimono Ruffle Sleeves + Hem

Friday, January 27: Varsity Sweater Style Hack

Saturday, January 28: Carefree Cardigan Flannel + Vest Hack

Monday, January 30: #P4PCardiWeek Winner Announcement

You can follow along on the blog here, or in our Facebook group. Search #P4PCardiWeek to be able to find our posts all over social media. And please feel free to sew-along with us on one or all of the days. The more the merrier!

But wait, there’s more! We wanted to create a friendly pirate-y competition with our P4P Cardi Week!

Between tomorrow and Saturday, January 28, sew up a Patterns for Pirates cardigan using one of our hacks, or by keeping the pattern as-is. Share your photo with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group and use the tag#P4PCardiWeek We will pick our favorite and the winner will win a free P4P pattern of choice AND be featured on this blog. Fun right?

To make it even better we have put all the cardigan patterns in the shop on sale all week (no code needed)!

Now get out there and sew some cardigans, matey!

Tips for working with sweater knits

November 25, 2016

Have you seen the sneak peek Judy posted on Instagram? Check it out if you haven’t already. If you did you might have noticed that soon you will be sewing those pretty sweater knits you’ve been saving. In the blog today I will give you some of my tips and tricks to work with this kind of fabric.

1.Grab the lint roller! No, I have not lost my mind…believe me, you will want the lint roller close by when you cut sweater knit. Whether it’s a open weave or a dense one, sweater knits tend to leave a lot of residue when being cut.

TIP: Use the lint roller to not only clean your cutting mat but also the edges of the fabric pieces you just cut. That will help keep your sewing machine cleaner.

2. If cutting with a rotary cutter, use a new or very sharp blade. I find sweater knits to be more prone to getting a run in the fabric if the cutter or scissors is not very sharp.

3. Water soluble stabilizer is not just for embroidery! When working with sweater knits on your sewing machine I highly recommend placing a piece of WSS under your fabric. This will not only make sewing it easier but it will also prevent puckering and even more important it will stop your machine from “eating” your fabric. Sweater knits, especially open weave ones have a lot of “holes” so your machine is basically sewing through air.

Tear away the excess, the remaining water soluble stabilizer will disappear when you first wash the garment. I prefer transparent WSS but opaque ones work just as well.

4. You can sew sweater knit entirely with your sewing machine however a serger will make the process faster and easier. You might need to adjust your settings a bit to accommodate this type of fabric. My favorite serger stitch when sewing sweater knits is the FLATLOCK stitch. Check your serger user manual to make the proper settings for a flatlock stitch, they will vary from model to model. Here is an example of how a white thread flatlock stitch looks like on a black piece of fabric.

A narrower flat lock stitch

A wider flat lock stitch

I use this type of serger stitch when I make sweater knit bands and hems. Use a matching thread so the stitch will blend in with the fabric.

5. Just as with all knits, always use a ball point needle in your sewing machine and serger. You’ll also need to lower the pressure foot tension of your sewing machine.

6. The markings on open weave sweater knits will need to be added with chalk/ a tailor pen or by adding tailor tacks. Notches are impossible to see on sweater knits.

I hope you find these tips helpful when you will be sewing the new Cocoon pattern releases soon. I will leave you with another sneak peek of this amazing cardigan. Now get the sweater knits stash out and as always post your creations in the group so we can all ohh and ahhh over them.

Alex

Welcome to the Cocoon and Butterfly Cardigan Sew Along!

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