Sometimes all you want is a fast and easy-to-sew project.
You might need to fill a “hole” in your wardrobe, or maybe you want to use up a fabric from your stash. You could even be sick of fiddling with a complicated project that just won’t sew itself!
Enter Jalie Cocoon cardigan. Just 4 pattern pieces; front, back, sleeve cuff, and circular band. A few instructions that you barely need to reference (sew front to back at shoulder/sleeve seam, sew sleeve/side seam; apply cuffs, sew band pieces into a circle and attach to sweater) and this baby is done and done! Not even 1 hour of sewing time!
Cocoon sweaters are “in” again this season, and for a good reason. They are comfy, can be made from a variety of knit fabrics, and the shape can be adjusted slightly to flatter most figures. Oh and yes, they are a very quick sew!
While I do definitely like cocoon sweaters, I am not a fan of the styles with wide, batwing-ish sleeves. Too.Much.Fabric. The slimmer silhouette of Jalie 3353 works just about perfectly for my design aesthetic.
One thing. I did find the sleeves on this pattern to be a bit short and wide for my taste. After shooting these pix, I removed at least 3 inches from the lower sleeve circumference, and added a longer cuff to get the overall sleeve length I wanted. The sleeves was just too floppy, IMHO.
It is an easy pattern change – just remove an equal amount from the upper sleeve seam and the lower sleeve seam. I determined the amount to remove by basting first, trying on for fit, and then serging off the excess width.
I plan to make this sweater again using a yummy, red bamboo sweater knit currently resting in my stash. This pattern is a great topper for pants and a tee, and provides just the right amount of warmth. I think it is a keeper!
What do you think of this silhouette? Have you ever tried wearing or making a cocoon-style sweater?
Happy sewing!
Maris
As usual – you nailed it – I definitely need this pattern. Have a fun trip – don’t know how you accomplish so much!
You are the sweetest Jan – thank you!
I love it. On you, and as a design for things I like to wear myself. Great fabric, too. I’d agree that I’d prefer the sleeves to be a bit longer. Beautiful!
Thanks Micki! I am wearing it right now!! 🙂
I love the style, and this one is really cute on you. Great fabric choice!
Thanks Sharan!!
I really like this on you, thanks for the heads up on the sleeves. Beautiful job and cannot wait to see the red sweater knit.
Thanks Lori! Easy peasy, and so comfy to wear!
I really like this! It’s mega cute!
WOW – high praise! Thanks Sonja!! 🙂
This looks super cute and comfy! Hooray for instant gratification projects!
I agree, Heather!!
I bought this pattern back in the Spring when I first saw your post, and I have similar fabric: heather grey knit with black daisies. I hope you don’t mind that I am totally going to copy you! They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. 😀
Have fun making and wearing this great sweater! And thanks much Lori, for the “flattery”! 🙂