Dear Readers,
The inspiration for the Christy Cardigan came from high-end ready-to-wear knitted cardigans—the kind that look effortlessly chic with their soft textures, deep V-necklines, and perfectly slouchy yet refined silhouettes.
Unfortunately, those RTW pieces are often fully fashioned knitwear, meaning they’re knitted into shape rather than cut and sewn like our handmade garments. Since I don't knit and I don't know how to operate a knitting machine, sweater knits with interesting textures are the best option for me to recreate the look and feel of those luxurious cardigans.
Sweater knits are a broad category of knitted fabrics made specifically for garments like sweaters and cardigans. Unlike regular jersey or rib knits, sweater knits are more structured and often have a looser knit that gives them their characteristic coziness. They can range from light and drapey to thick and chunky, and they often include fibers like wool, cotton, viscose, bamboo, or acrylic blends to enhance their stretch, warmth, and texture.
But choosing the right fabric is essential. Christy needs enough body to hold its shape—too drapey and it collapses, too stiff and it loses its relaxed elegance. In this post, I’ll guide you through the best fabric choices for Christy, plus some key tips for handling sweater knits successfully so you don’t end up with a cardigan that doesn’t fit or hold its shape.
1. Mid-Weight with structure
Christy’s distinctive shape—the patch pockets, V-shaped hem, and front bands—needs a fabric with enough body to keep everything looking crisp. A fabric that’s too soft will collapse, making the cardigan look shapeless. If it’s too stiff, it won’t drape properly. The key is finding a balance between softness and stability.
My picks:
👉 Mocha Speckle Italian Silk Wool Sweater Knit
👉 Black Viscose Blended Knit Fabric
👉 320gr Viscose Jersey Knit – Grey
2. Cozy and Warm
If you’re making a Christy Cardigan for colder weather, these cozy wool and fleece-backed knits will add warmth and structure while keeping the relaxed silhouette.
My picks:
👉 Bamboo Cotton Stretch Fleece – Forest Green
👉 Tencel Lyocell Organic Cotton French Terry – Wine
3. Casual & Athleisure
For a casual and elevated athleisure look, French terry and loopback knits provide stability and warmth while keeping things relaxed.
My picks:
👉 French Terry Sweatshirting – Black
👉 Vermillion Circular Organic Cotton Loopback Jersey
👉 Organic Cotton Sweatshirting - Ochre
Avoiding Stretching and Shrinkage
Sweater knits can be tricky to handle, so follow these tips to prevent distortion:
✔️ Pre-wash your fabric before cutting to avoid shrinkage later.
✔️ Check the size of key elements like pockets and bands after pressing. Steam can cause the fabric to contract, so re-measure before attaching them.
✔️ Cut in a single layer to avoid distortion—sweater knits can shift when doubled up.
✔️ Keep your cut pieces flat until you sew them. Hanging or stretching them before assembling can cause them to grow, leading to a misshapen final cardigan.
I’d love to see what you pick! Tag me on Instagram @Just_Patterns with #JPChristyCardigan so I can admire your creations. And don't forget to take advantage of the launch sale before it ends!
Happy sewing!