Happy Fall Ya’ll! One of my favorite things about Fall is the clothes – the jeans, the boots, and of course, cardigans! Did you know Ellie & Mac has five different adult cardigan patterns? Well, consider yourself in the know now. 😊 Today I’ll take you on a tour through all FIVE and share my versions with the hope of inspiring you to make a few yourself. These range in style from classic to trendy, with a variety of fits and, of course, each pattern is packed with options. So let’s check them out!
Of the five cardigan patterns offered, I myself have made four (so I clearly have the other one on my Fall sewing list now!) and so I’ll start with those. And of these I’ve made, I’ll start with my favorite….which is the Be Mine.
The Be Mine has a high-low bodice, gathered bottom section you attach to the upper bodice, three lengths, and multiple sleeve options including a fun ruffle sleeve. Here’s one of my versions in a lime green sweater knit. I love it paired with jeans or even a dress and boots.
And for this version, I hacked it to include a button closure – you can read one of my previous blog posts to learn how I did it.
Next up, and a close second favorite for me, is the Chapman Cardigan. I’ve only made the Curvy fit but this pattern comes in a straight fit pattern version too. I’ve made a few of these over the last few years but my favorite one was one that I made for a friend as a gift. I tried it on and snapped a pic before I sent it along, and it was hard to part with it!
This pattern has a traditional cardigan look and offers such a nice fit – not oversized but not close fitting either. You can size up for a looser fit, or give the Straight fit a try since it’s cut for a traditional male figure. This one comes in two lengths and has a clever pocket design where the pockets are finished with the neck and bottom bands. There is also a kid’s version available. Here is my newest Chapman I just sewed up for Fall 2023. It’s basic black and works with everything!
If you like that fun top I’m wearing with this one, I can tell you this is my woven hack of the Everyday Tee – you can check out one of my previous blogs posts for a step by step tutorial. I’ve made a ton of these to wear alone and under cardigans.
So on to cardigan pattern #3! Next we have the True Crush – which feels more like an outerwear-type cardigan to me although you can experiment with the fabric for different looks. However, the recommended outer fabric for this is one with more structure, like Liverpool, Ponte, or French Terry. Here’s my version which I made from a Liverpool outer and then used double brushed poly for the lining:
The fourth cardigan pattern and the final one I’ve personally sewn is the Cardigan Love. It features a waterfall neckline, two lengths, optional in-seam pockets and hood, and tank and long sleeve options (and you can easily do a short sleeve option which I did!)
Here is my version using a pointelle knit.
In the second photo, I’m wearing the Curved Hem tank pattern and I blogged about a fun hack to make this reversable.
The fifth and final cardigan pattern which I have not yet sewn is the Go Exploring cardigan. This one features a curved high low hem, lined pockets, and a hood. The pockets look HUGE and I think this design would be great for using scraps and color blocking. It’s on my Fall sewing list – and then I will be able to say I’ve made ALL (for now!) the Ellie & Mac cardigan patterns.
In case you can’t tell, I am SUCH a fan of all the cardigan patterns here at E&M. So many styles, great instructions, and really enjoyable sews. If you’ve only sewn one, or two, or even three, check out the full suite of options!
Please come visit me on Instagram at @happy.things.here where I sew and share LOTS of Ellie & Mac patterns and pattern hacks. And share your cardigan makes in the Facebook group or on IG!
(Written by: Andrea Mulford)
