Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I made a DIY cardigan coat in cotton woven herringbone fabric! And it’s absolutely cozy, and I love wearing it.
It was a nice change from making a long sweater. It’s not in knit material, but I happened to sew a big ol’ button to top it off!
Simplicity S8742 Cardigan Pattern
Although not labeled as such, you can use Simplicity S8742 sewing pattern to make a cardigan coat or coatigan.
It’s unlined, with a simple, straight design, relaxed fit, and length variations. There are lapel options to make a simple or cascading one.
I love the big front patch pockets, and it only has 7 sewing pattern pieces total.
Materials
Here are the fabric and notions used to make this garment. I didn’t need too many.
Fabric: I yearned to use this herringbone brushed cotton fabric in my stash. It’s a woven fabric from Joann that feels like wool.
The weight is between medium to heavy, so it’s on the thicker side. But the weave is not super tight, and the material is breathable.
The fabrics that would work are boiled wool, double knit, fleece, and pointe. For the variation I made, you could even use light denim, brocade, and poplin.
Notions: I added a big button to my garment. Depending on the lapel you make, you might need satin ribbon or elastic.
Sewing the Cardigan Coat
Making this coatigan was pretty straightforward. I followed the directions all the way through—surprise, surprise!
I decided to cut a size medium because I’m between sizes, and I typically wear this size. However, in the future, I’ll probably size down.
The collar and lapel are one piece. Then you have a front dart that is hidden under the lapel.
I must talk about the cuffs on this coatigan. They are nice and wide, and I love them.
I always tack my cuffs in place to keep them down, or in this case, up.
The other thing I love is the nice big patch pocketsin the front. They add to the cute factor of the design, and they sure come in handy.
I realized I had too much room around the middle. So, after wearing my coat, I added long, thin darts in the back.
The shape itself is a bit boxy, so next time I might sew a matching belt and add belt loops. Or maybe I could size down and add a little curve to the waist.
The sewing pattern does not call for a fastener in the front. But I added a buttonhole and a large button.
I had enough overlap to add a button or snap. I can close it in the front and wear it comfortably without any pulling.
Notes
There is a variation to use sweater knit fabric. I plan to make that version in the future.
This is such a cozy piece, and it reminds me of a friend in Chicago who always wore a similar style one back in the day.
It’d work well for the Windy City and anywhere else in the fall. Speaking of which, I’ve been adding more brown pieces to my wardrobe.
The rich brown complements my skin tone. Brown is my new black!
And I think I really like this look with a crop top and wide-leg pants. There are so many cute ways to wear it!
Read More
