Cardigan with Pockets – Sewing hack video

inside: Take the womens free cardigan pattern and add gathered oversized pockets in this fun sewing hack. Create a gorgeous womens cardigan with pockets with this video tutorial.

Several months ago I was on facebook looking at one of my favorite fabric groups {Raspberry Creek Fabrics} and I saw a photo of a gorgeous cardigan. I was inspired by Whitney Larson – You can find her sewing makes on Instagram @sewwhitdesigns The sweater looked a lot like like my Womens Cardigan but with different pockets.

Last week I decided to try and make one for myself and now I have a lovely new sweater cardigan with pockets – oversized pockets at that. LOVE them!

Cardigan with Pockets sewing hack

SO cute right? I’ve already worn this sweater a few times – it’s so cozy! Today I’m going to show you how to recreate this with my free sewing pattern. These gathered oversized pockets are actually easier to sew than the ones in the original pattern and I am super please with how they turned out.

So before we jump into the pattern hack I’ll just talk briefly about the modifications to the original pattern. The free womens cardigan pattern has pockets on the inside of sweater and loose 3/4 length sleeves.

This version has gathered – oversized pockets on the outside of the sweater AND I added tight – long cuffs to make full length sleeves.

Sewing Hack – Gathered Oversized Pockets

Let’s start with what you will need for this project –

• Cardigan Pattern
• Sweater knits { I used Sincerely Rylee – Gorgeous sweater knit, great prices!!}

Alright, take a look here at the modified pattern. {all this can also be seen in the video below} You can see here what the pattern looks like when taped together. The black is what the pocket looks like for this hack.

Finish all sweater seams with a serger or coverstitch to prevent freying.

Pocket Hack Video –

When laid on the pattern piece the fabric should be right side up {cut two pockets in mirror – opposite directions}

On the pattern piece the pocket is lined up with both sides and the bottom of the pattern piece. The top of the pocket is cut at an angle. My pocket is about 11″ high {on the center of cardigan} and about 15″ on the side seam side.

You can adjust the height of the pocket as desired. The top inch will be folded over for a hem, so be sure to think about that when you are creating your side. The side seam side is longer because we will gather it to create a cute look on this over-sized pocket.

After you have cut the two pockets you will gather the long side to be the same length as the shorter side. Need gathering help? See HERE. I didn’t gather the top inch of the pocket so I could fold over the top hem.

After the gathers are evened out, fold over the top inch for a hem. Stitch with a stretch stitch or coverstitch.

Pin the pocket to the sweater front right side with right side of the pocket fabric up. Pin or clip on the three sides to secure the pocket to the bottom sides of the cardigan front.

Sew up the cardigan as directed in the full cardigan pattern post. When you sew the side seams make sure to secure the pocket side. When you sew the front binding make sure to secure and catch that side of the pocket as well.

When the cardigan is almost complete you will fold up a 3/4″-1″ hem. On the front panels make sure to also fold up the bottom of the pocket so that can be finished with the hem.

A note on the cuffs – I cut mine 6.5″ tall and then measured my wrist for the width. See minutes 21-24 in the video for cuff description.

Other Sweater Patterns –

• Make your own sweaters
• Sweater patterns to sew
• Sweater with Snap Shoulders