If you're searching for the perfect outer layer to carry you through chilly mornings, breezy evenings, or just a cozy day at home, a long cardigan is your answer. It's comfy, stylish, and incredibly beginner-friendly to sew. Whether you're lounging or layering up for errands, a handmade cardigan is always a win.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to sew a relaxed-fit long cardigan from start to finish. And for those looking for the perfect pattern to get started, we highly recommend the Nora Long Cardigan Pattern by Winslet’s.
Get the patternWhy Make a Long Cardigan?
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Perfect layering piece for all seasons
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Comfy and stylish with minimal effort
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Beginner-friendly project with no complex fasteners
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Works with cozy knits, fleece, and jersey
Includes pockets! (because yes, that matters)
Step 1: Choose the Right Fabric
The Nora Long Cardigan is designed for medium-weight stretch knits. Some great options include:
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Polycotton fleece (used in the sample)
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Ribbed knit
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French terry
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Interlock or brushed jersey
These fabrics are soft, warm, and easy to sew—even without a serger.
Step 2: Use a Simple, Thoughtful Pattern
The Nora Long Cardigan Pattern by Winslet’s includes:
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Long sleeves
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Functional front patch pockets
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Clean placket detailing
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Optional flatlock or twin-needle finishes
- Beginner-friendly instructions with diagrams
The Nora cardigan pattern is available for sizes US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64. Check the Nora Long Cardigan Size Chart and measure yourself to select the correct size (see the garment and body measurement tables).
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table.
Step 3: Printing Your Digital Sewing Pattern
Before cutting your fabric, print your digital pattern at 100% scale on the correct paper size (usually A0 or A4/US Letter). Once printed, trim and tape the pages together following the pattern guide. Now your pattern is ready to use!
If you want to learn more about how to Print Digital Sewing Patterns, click here.
Step 4: Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
For sewing the Nora Long Cardigan, cut all of these pieces:
A. Front - cut x2 fabric
B. Back - cut x1 fabric
C. Sleeve - cut x2 fabric
D. Placket - cut x2 fabric
E. Pocket - cut x2 fabric
Step 5: Pattern Marking
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Lay out all pattern pieces as shown in the guide’s cutting diagram. Line up grainline arrows perfectly with the fabric selvage.
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Transfer all markings: Notches, fold lines, center marks, pocket placement, circles, and any darts to the wrong side of the fabric using chalk, fabric pen, or tailor’s tacks.
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Cut notches in each spot—these ensure perfect alignment during construction.
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Mark the center front on all pieces cut on the fold to help with precise assembly.
Step 6: Cutting Layout
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Reference the correct layout diagram in the Nora Sewing Guide for your chosen size and fabric width (45” or 60”).
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Directional prints or naps require extra fabric so you can place each piece in the correct direction.
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Pin or use pattern weights to keep pieces from shifting while cutting.
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Cut all pieces with precision and transfer any additional pattern markings needed.
Step 7: Fabric Cutting and Preparation
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Cut out all pieces using fabric shears or a rotary cutter for best accuracy.
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Cut all notches as marked on the pattern edges.
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Verify that you have the full set of pieces in both fabrics before moving on.
Seam allowance: 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, 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) at the hem.
Step 8: Sewing Instructions
1. For attaching pockets to the front:
1a. Fold the top edge of the pocket from the seamline and press it down toward the wrong side.
1b. Use a flatlock stitch to sew along the edge of the top fold.
1c. Fold the other three sides of the pocket piece toward the wrong side and press them
down.
1d. Place the prepared pocket on the pocket marking of the front piece. Sew along the
three sides, leaving the top edge unstitched, using a lock stitch. Repeat the steps to prepare and attach the pocket on the other front piece as well.
2. Place the front pieces on top of the back piece, right sides together, and align the
shoulder seams (fig. 2a). Sew both shoulder seams using an overlock stitch to achieve the
figure 2.
3. For attaching the sleeves:
3a. Spread open the prepared cardigan from the shoulder seam. Place the sleeve piece onto the armhole, matching the center notch of the sleeve to the shoulder seamline.
3b. Sew it using an overlock stitch.
3c. Repeat the same process with the other sleeve on the prepared cardigan.
4. Align the side seams and begin sewing from the sleeve hem down to the bottom hem using an overlock stitch. Repeat to sew both side seams.
5. For preparing the placket:
5a. Place both plackets with right sides facing each other.
5b. Sew along the center back seamline using an overlock stitch.
5c. Spread open the seamline and press it down with an iron.
5d. Fold the placket lengthwise from the center with wrong sides together.
6. Place the open edge of the prepared placket on the right side of the prepared cardigan. Align the placket with the center front, extending from hem to hem.
Tip: Clip a notch at the center back of the prepared cardigan. Align the center back seam of the placket with this notch and align both side hems. Pin them in place.
Sew the placket and cardigan together using an overlock stitch.
7. Spread open the placket away from the seamline and press it with an iron. Use a lock stitch to sew along the edge of the placket, keeping the seam allowance underneath to hold it in place (understitch).
8. Fold the hem of the cardigan to the wrong side and press it. Flatlock the hem on the right side such that the neat double stitch line is on the front. Repeat the same process with the sleeve hems.
Winslet’s Sewing Guide for Nora Long Cardigan includes clear diagrams that walk you through each step, making it easy to follow and complete your project with confidence.
For an overview of Winslet’s Sewing Guides, click here.
Why We Love the Nora Long Cardigan Pattern
This is the ultimate beginner pattern for cozy layers. It’s relaxed, stylish, and thoughtfully designed.
✅ No zippers, buttons, or tricky fastenings
✅ Ideal for fleece and knits
✅ Optional twin-needle or flatlock finishing
✅ Includes pockets and placket for structure
✅ Size-inclusive and digital-friendly
👉 Download the Nora Long Cardigan Pattern here and create a stylish wardrobe staple you’ll wear again and again.
Show Off Your Make!
Show your creation on Instagram or Facebook with #MadeWithWinslets for a chance to be featured! For any questions or issues, email the Winslet’s support team at support@winslets.com.
