How to Sew a Cardigan: A Cozy Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own soft, cozy layer for everyday wear, a cardigan is the perfect place to start. It’s simple, stylish, and a great project for anyone learning to sew. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to sew a cardigan, step by step - even if you’re a complete beginner.

At Sewpronto.com, we love helping new sewists build confidence through simple, beautiful projects. And if you’re looking for an easy cardigan sewing pattern, we have several beginner-friendly designs to get you started.

Why Sew Your Own Cardigan

Sewing your own cardigan is more than just making clothes — it’s about slowing down, creating with your hands, and building something that feels like you. Cardigans are especially great for beginners because they’re forgiving in fit and don’t require tricky fastenings or darts.

When you make your own cardigan, you can:

• Choose your favorite fabric — from lightweight knits to warm fleece.

• Adjust the length and sleeve style to your taste.

• Learn essential techniques like seaming, hemming, and sewing stretch fabrics.

Every stitch adds to your skill, and when you put it on, you’ll have that quiet, satisfying moment: “I made this.”

What You’ll Need

Tools and Supplies

• A sewing machine with a stretch or zigzag stitch
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Measuring tape
• Pins or clips
• Iron and ironing board
• Matching thread

Fabric Suggestions
Choose something soft and slightly stretchy. Cotton jersey, rib knit, or French terry are all great beginner fabrics. For a lighter drape, try bamboo knit or modal.

Sewing Pattern
Select a beginner cardigan sewing pattern that’s clear, simple, and doesn’t require advanced fitting. You can find free sewing pattern in some platforms. Just need to search "Cardigan sewing pattern" and you will see a lot of results. Choose one of them and let's start your project now. 

A important note for you, if you a beginner and want to find some simple sewing patterns for beginners, you can visit Sewpronto's collection. 

Step-by-Step: How to Sew a Cardigan

Step 1: Prepare Your Sewing Pattern

Print your pattern (if it’s a digital download) and assemble it according to the guide. Cut out your chosen size or trace it onto tracing paper.

Before you start cutting fabric, read through all instructions once. Understanding the full process first helps prevent small mistakes later.

Step 2: Cut Your Fabric

Lay your fabric flat, right sides together. Pin your cardigan sewing pattern pieces to the fabric, aligning the grainlines. Cut carefully and mark notches or fold lines before removing the pins.

Typical pieces include:

• Two fronts
• One back (cut on the fold)
• Two sleeves
• Neckband or front band
• Optional cuffs or hem band

Step 3: Sew the Shoulder Seams

Place the front and back pieces right sides together and sew along the shoulders using a stretch or zigzag stitch. Press the seams toward the back.

This step sets the foundation for your cardigan’s shape, so take your time to line everything up neatly.

Step 4: Attach the Sleeves

With the cardigan body laid flat, match the sleeve curve to the armhole edge, right sides together. Pin carefully and sew around the curve, easing the fabric gently.

Sleeves can feel tricky at first, but once you’ve done this step, your cardigan will start looking like a real garment.

Step 5: Sew the Side Seams

Fold your cardigan right sides together, matching the sleeves and sides. Sew from the sleeve cuff all the way to the bottom hem in one continuous seam.

If you have a serger, you can finish your seams for a professional look, but a zigzag stitch works perfectly fine too.

Step 6: Add the Neckband

Cut the neckband according to your pattern instructions. Fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Pin the raw edge of the neckband along your cardigan’s neckline and front edges, stretching it slightly as you sew.

This creates a smooth, flexible finish that frames your cardigan beautifully.

Step 7: Hem and Finish

Fold up the hems on your sleeves and the bottom edge, press, and sew with a zigzag or twin needle. Press everything again — this makes the seams lie flat and helps your cardigan look polished and professional.

You can leave your cardigan open for a relaxed look or add buttons or snaps if your pattern includes them.

Tips for First-Time Sewists

• Use a ballpoint or stretch needle to protect your knit fabric.
• Always test your stitch on scrap fabric first.
• Press as you go — it makes every seam look better.
• Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Sewing is a learning process, and every project makes you better.

Conclusion

Learning how to sew a cardigan is a rewarding step in your sewing journey. It’s one of those projects that gives you both confidence and comfort — a perfect match for your handmade wardrobe.

So pick a fabric that makes you happy, download a sewing pattern from Sewpronto.com, and start stitching. With each seam, you’ll be building not just a cardigan, but your skills and your love for sewing.