A cardigan is one of the most versatile garments you can add to your handmade wardrobe. Whether layered over everyday basics or worn as a lightweight jacket, a cardigan offers warmth, comfort, and effortless style. Sewing your own cardigan also gives you the freedom to choose fabrics that suit every season while creating a garment tailored to your preferred fit.
The Liza Cardigan Sewing Pattern is a great choice for beginners who want a simple yet polished sewing project. With its relaxed fit, button-front opening, long sleeves, and clean neckline finish, this pattern creates a timeless cardigan that's easy to wear and enjoyable to sew.
Why Sew a Cardigan?
- Create a comfortable layering piece that's ideal for cooler weather.
- Customize your cardigan with your favorite knit fabrics and colors.
- Learn essential knit garment construction techniques.
- Sew a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for casual everyday outfits.
- Make a timeless button-front cardigan you'll enjoy wearing season after season.
Why Choose the Winslet's Liza Cardigan Sewing Pattern?
The Liza Cardigan Sewing Pattern is designed for beginners who want to create a comfortable knit cardigan with professional-looking finishes.
Skill Level
Very Easy
Key Features
- Long sleeves
- Relaxed fit
- Buttoned open front
- Clean neck band finish
- Designed for polyester fleece and similar knit fabrics
Available Sizes
US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following supplies before you begin:
- Light to medium-weight knit fabric
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Tailor's chalk
- Thread cutter
- Sewing pins
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Serger (optional)
- Coverstitch machine (optional)
- Buttonhole presser foot
- Buttons
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends light to medium-weight knit fabrics (180–300 GSM) with little to minimal stretch, including:
- Fleece jersey
- Rib knit
- Terry knit
The sample garment is sewn using 280 GSM polyester fleece fabric, which is recommended because it:
- Is warm and ideal for winter wear
- Is water resistant
- Is easy to sew, making it perfect for beginners
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
- Front — Cut 2 Fabric
- Back — Cut 1 Fabric
- Sleeve — Cut 2 Fabric
Pattern Marking
The pattern includes markings for:
- Grainlines
- Neckline
- Center front
- Placket
- Button and buttonhole markings
- Shoulder
- Armhole
- Center armhole notch
- Back armhole notch
- Side seams
- Side seam notches
- Hemline
These markings help ensure every pattern piece is aligned accurately throughout construction.
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams before cutting.
When preparing your layout:
- Keep every grainline parallel to the fabric selvage.
- Pin the pattern pieces securely before cutting.
- Follow the layouts provided for both 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths.
- The layouts are intended for non-directional fabrics.
- Purchase extra fabric if using fabrics with a nap or directional prints.
- The illustrated layouts use a large size for demonstration.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring each grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage.
If using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces before cutting and trim away any marking lines after cutting.
Cut all notches shown on the pattern pieces, as they help align the garment during assembly.
Transfer all pattern markings, including circles, buttonholes, fold lines, and center front markings, onto the wrong side of the fabric using tailor's chalk, a fabric pencil, or a marking pen.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses a 1 cm (0.38 inch) seam allowance all around, with a 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) seam allowance at the hem.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Pro Tip: It is recommended to use an overlock stitch and a flat stitch for the hem. Alternatively, use a zigzag stitch for overlocking and a straight stitch for hemming. Pin the pieces before sewing and press after every step for the best sewing experience.
1. Join the Shoulder Seams
Place one Front piece and the Back piece with their right sides facing together.
Align the shoulder seams and overlock (or sew) them together.
Repeat the same process to attach the second Front piece to the opposite shoulder of the Back.
2. Attach the Sleeves
2a. Spread the prepared cardigan open and press the shoulder seams.
Align the center armhole notch of the Sleeve with the shoulder seam, ensuring the right sides are together. Match the back armhole notches as well.
2b. Pin the sleeve evenly around the armhole and overlock (or sew) the armhole seam.
2c. Repeat the same process to attach the second Sleeve to the opposite armhole.
3. Sew the Side Seams
Align both side seams of the prepared cardigan with the right sides facing together.
Overlock (or sew) continuously from the sleeve hem down to the cardigan hem.
4. Finish the Front Plackets
Fold the placket seam allowance of the Front piece toward the wrong side.
Then fold the entire placket from the center front toward the wrong side again.
Sew along the placket seamline using a lock stitch to secure it neatly.
Repeat the same process for the opposite front placket.
Tip: You can use interfacing to make the plackets stiffer. Cut the interfacing using the same pattern pieces before applying it.
5. Create the Buttonholes and Attach the Buttons
5a. Using a buttonhole presser foot, sew the buttonholes with zigzag stitches, spacing them evenly along the front placket.
5b. Sew the buttons onto the left front placket, positioning each button directly opposite its corresponding buttonhole.
Check that the buttons and buttonholes align properly so the cardigan closes neatly.
6. Finish the Hems
Fold the bottom hem of the cardigan toward the wrong side and press.
Coverstitch the hem from the right side so the neat double row of stitching is visible on the outside of the garment.
Repeat the same process for both sleeve hems.
7. Prepare the Neck Band
7a. Measure the finished neckline of the cardigan.
Cut a rectangular neck band crosswise (not on the bias) with:
- A length equal to the neckline measurement.
- A width of 6 cm, adding a 1 cm seam allowance all around.
7b. Fold the neck band lengthwise with right sides together and overlock (or sew) the short ends.
7c. Turn the neck band right side out.
Tip: If your fabric has stretch, reduce the neck band length to approximately 90–75% of the neckline measurement, depending on the amount of stretch. If you're unsure, test the measurement on a scrap piece first.
8. Attach the Neck Band
8a. Place the raw edge of the prepared neck band onto the right side of the cardigan neckline.
Pin the neck band evenly around the neckline and overlock (or sew) along the neckline seam.
8b. Press the neckline seam allowance open.
Understitch along the edge of the neck band to secure it neatly and help it lie flat inside the cardigan.
Your cardigan is now complete and ready to wear.
Ready to Sew Your Own Cardigan?
The Liza Cardigan Sewing Pattern is a rewarding project for sewists who want to create a cozy, versatile layering piece with clean, professional finishes. Featuring a relaxed fit, long sleeves, a button-front opening, and a neatly finished neck band, this pattern is designed to be approachable for beginners while producing a timeless cardigan you'll wear again and again.
Whether you choose warm polyester fleece for cooler months or another suitable knit fabric, the Liza cardigan is perfect for layering over everyday outfits. With straightforward construction and beginner-friendly techniques, it's an enjoyable project that results in a comfortable handmade wardrobe staple.
Ready to start your next sewing project? Download the Liza Cardigan Sewing Pattern and enjoy creating a classic cardigan you'll reach for throughout the seasons.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Cardigan Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade cardigans featuring comfortable fits, versatile designs, and timeless layering pieces perfect for every season.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Liza Cardigan Sewing Pattern on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
