One Can Never Have Too Many Boyfriends…..Cardigans That Is!!

I love the month of September. Where I live the crowds leave the beaches and it becomes what we call “local summer”. The days are warm enough to spend at the beach and in the ocean, but the nights turn cool and breezy. September is when I look forward to pulling out my cardigans! One of my most loved cardigans is the Boyfriend Cardigan from Love Notions.

What better way to celebrate the arrival of September than to grab the Boyfriend Cardigan pattern for just $5 today (9/02/2022)

Details

Why I love this pattern:

• It’s the only cardigan pattern you’ll need!
• Two Length options: A new duster length was added when it was updated!
• Plain banded, Hooded or Shawl collar options
• I LOVE the side vents and pockets on this pattern!
• Can get totally different look with different fabrics.
• It’s beginner friendly!
• Can be worn year round.
• Can be thrown over just about anything!!!

The Boyfriend Cardigan is an open front style. It is NOT supposed to close in the front. It has a slightly relaxed fit with a drop shoulder and slouchy pockets. The pattern is drafted with gentle shaping at the waist at the sides and center back~ thus avoiding that boxy look. The shorter version hits about mid thigh. I haven’t made the duster version~ mainly because I think I’m too short(and round) to wear a duster.

Sizing and Alterations

The Boyfriend Cardigan is available in sizes XS-5X. A full bust front is available if needed. Be sure to choose your size according to your high bust measurement. This is extremely important to get a good fit at the shoulder. If in-between sizes, size down.

When I made these cardigans, my measurements put me into the Large at the high bust and just out of the XL at the hip. Since my full bust is 4″ larger than my high bust, I used the Full bust front piece. Remember that using this front piece adds 2″ to the finished waist and hip measurements. Because of this I graded out to the XL at the hip and there was enough ease for my hips.

I had good intentions to make a new Boyfriend for this Feature Friday~ but life happens. I had a wonderful 10 day vacation up on the Maine Coast, but on the drive home wasn’t feeling well. Turns out COVID finally got me! It’s now been 2 weeks and I’m still recovering. My Fall plans include both a chunky sweater knit and a heavy rib knit Boyfriend! Be sure to keep a look out for them soon!!

When I do make my new one, I will have to size up a tad due to some weight fluctuations. I will be making an XL with the full bust graded out to a 2X at the hip. I will say that I am still wearing the ones pictured here, they are just a tad snug.

Alterations

I am only 5″ tall. I have shortened my Boyfriends by 2″. All Love Notions patterns are drafted for someone 5’5″. It is recommended to shorten a garment 1/2″ for every inch you are shorter. (or lengthen 1/2″ for each inch you are taller). Typically that would mean I should shorten my cardigan 2.5″, however I rarely shorten tops or dresses 2 1/2″ since my lack of height comes from my legs being short!

The most important thing to remember is that if you shorten or lengthen your pattern~ be sure to make the alteration to all the pieces! That means the front, back AND band/shawl collar/hooded band pieces!

I also shorten the sleeve by 2″. ( I do have short arms!). Sometimes, especially with lighter, drapier knits I choose to shorten the sleeve by 3″ and add a cuff. (I use the cuff from the Sloane Sweater, but you can create your own or use any cuff pattern)

The only other change I’ve made to my Boyfriends is the pocket. Depending on the fabric I’ve chosen, I change the drop/slouchy pocket to a regular pocket. To do this, I simply straighten out the sides of the pocket before cutting them. I find this gives a more classic look that I am looking for sometimes. That’s the beauty of sewing~ you can make whatever type pocket you like!

Fabrics and Notions

The Boyfriend Cardigan is designed for knits that have some drape and at least 20% stretch. The fabric you choose can drastically change the look of your cardigan. I suggest looking at my photos, looking through photos on the Facebook group and Instagram for examples of the Boyfriend Cardigan. Most posters will list the fabric that they used so you can get a good idea of what it will look like in different fabrics.

The Boyfriend works so well in so many different fabrics. Sweater knits, French Terry, fleece, double knits and other medium weight knits are perfect. Lighter weight knits such as some ribs and waffle knits can also work nicely. One thing to keep in mind is if you are curvier and you use a lightweight knit, it may be a tad too “clingy” for you. I find lighter weight knit cardigans sometimes “sit” on my curves and I don’t care for that. This is of course personal preference. If you have a piece of rayon spandex knit that you just love~ my suggestion would be to use it for the Canyon Cardigan instead! See that HERE.

My favorite Boyfriends are my more stable double knit ones. They create a more structured classic look that fit in more with my “coastal grandma” look. (Think French Terry, quilted knits and double knits). The only structured knit I wouldn’t use for the Boyfriend is Cotton Lycra. I find that it can look super boxy. Again, this is MY preference. Do your research~ I admit that I am always “researching” online. When I’m not sure of a pattern/fabric combo~ I search Facebook groups, Instagram and blogs to find examples before I cut into my fabric.

Notions

Required: Fabric and thread

Highly Suggested by SewMaryMac: Hem Tape and Clear Elastic

I HIGHLY recommend SoftStretch hem tape for sewing the hem. THE BEST way to prevent a ripply hem on knits and to create a professional looking hem is to use a hem tape. My favorite is Heat N Bond Soft Stretch Lite. I use this tape when I hem ALL my knit garments. It is extremely helpful, but especially on sweater knits! For details on using SoftStretch check out this blog post HERE.

Use clear elastic in the shoulder seam to stabilize the seam an drapier knits. It’s a good idea to use this on sweater and rib knits.

SewMaryMac Tip

To avoid wavy seams when sewing with knits, avoid stretching your fabric as you sew. NEVER pull fabric from the back of your machine.

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Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

Mary Anne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac

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You can grab the Boyfriend Cardigan pattern HERE.

 This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

The Girl’s Boyfriend Cardigan is also on sale for $5 today. You can grab that pattern HERE.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code MARYMAC10. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern. It never expires!!

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Fabric Resources

Raspberry Creek Fabrics: Great source for French Terry, Sweatshirt fleece, Hacci sweater and rib knits

Mily Mae Fabrics: Great selection of sweater and rib knits

Stylemaker Fabrics: Beautiful, high quality sweater knits

Surge Fabrics: My favorite source for sweater knits