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Converting a pullover top to a cardigan? Does this work well?
gramma b Advanced USA Member since 7/25/08 Posts: 2272	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/1/11 8:03 AM I want some cardigans for winter, as I need 2 layers for cold arms, mainly using knits. Most RTW are too short, I like hip-length. I have some basic long-sleeve T patterns but don't see many standard cardigan patterns around. If you cut down the pattern front and add a facing for buttons or just open, how much do you add? And any neckline variations? I have an older Kwik Sew pattern, but hate the huge Dolman sleeves on it, currently trying to copy a regular sleeve in a trial run.
Marie367   Intermediate OH USA Member since 5/28/11 Posts: 1379	Login to reply to this post In reply to gramma b Like this post Date: 12/1/11 8:42 AM I have done something similar before. I think you would want to drop the neckline a little in the front as most cardigan necklines are just a tad lower. Do you have a cardigan that you like? I would measure that for some ideas. I think 1 1/2 -2" would be a good front You would need to add some seam allowance to both the front when you cut it and your band down the front. I would interface the band as well to make it easier to do the buttonholes. Someone else may have a better idea. Please let us know how this works for you!
marec   Intermediate OR USA Member since 5/11/08 Posts: 3552	Login to reply to this post In reply to gramma b Like this post Date: 12/1/11 9:57 AM Hi gramma b, Here is a fantastic tutorial for doing what you describe above. her example is embellished quite a lot, but the basic method is there. HTH ------ my blog: http://kf-biblioblog.blogspot.com/ Sewing through my pattern stash-125 completed.
gramma b Advanced USA Member since 7/25/08 Posts: 2272	Login to reply to this post In reply to marec Like this post Date: 12/1/11 3:29 PM Thanks--she makes it look much quicker than I thought! Looks like no cutting into the neck for a standard crew-neck will work, I was thinking of having to go around the neckline too. I usually don't button them anyway, so a little embellishment would be cute. But I know ribbon will shred, so I assume you would interface under it for buttonholes?
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2474	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/1/11 5:10 PM That tutorial is great. Her sweater turned out really cute. Gramma, I assumed you were talking about converting a *pattern,* not a finished RTW garment...? Pattern-wise, I did a kinda-sorta-similar project last summer--converting a lace-front bodice (where the edges abut) to one that buttons (where they overlap)--and found it more challenging than I expected to figure out the overlap and placement for the buttons. I've mostly blocked it out due to the ongoing trauma LOL, but I *do* remember that determining the CF location was key (because that's where you want the center of the buttons to land). Good luck! ------ ~Gem in the prairie
simplystitches Intermediate NY USA Member since 2/12/06 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/1/11 9:33 PM I tried doing this once with a TNT t pattern. Was not as successful as I'd hoped. I fit my knit patterns so that I don't really rely on negative ease, IOW a close fit but not tight. I cut out the front adding about an inch on each CF for front finishing. I had it sewn up enough for a try on. My pattern that I thought didn't rely on that much stretch was about 2"-3" short fron CF on both sides! Needless to say it was a wadder. If I were to do it again I'd add about 3" to each CF and also more on the ss and sleeves. I can take it off but I can't add it after the it's cut out. I would also exrend the shoulders a bit so they go over top another layer easily. HTH Debbie
PattyGee   Intermediate MN USA Member since 11/12/03 Posts: 470	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/2/11 0:02 AM Peggy Sagers Silhouette Pattern #195 is a great cardigan. Peggy's patterns are by Cup size and finished measurements. Just an option. I really love the cardy from the recycled sweater and the grograin and frogs? Very cute. Thank you for posting the link. Hope your cardy turns out well. BTW: Peggy recommended on one of her webcast is to make the cardy one size larger then the shell. (example: Size 3 for shell, size 4 cardigan). HTH -- Edited on 12/2/11 0:06 AM -- -- Edited on 12/2/11 0:07 AM -- ------ Patty Bernina 530, Bernina 200e with upgrade 730, Elna Quilter's Dream, Elna 434 Coverstitch, BL Enlighten Serger and Juki TL-2010Q.

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