Teifi Cropped Cardigan from Itch to Stitch

Hello Snazzie People!

The Teifi Cardigan from Itch to Stitch is a jacket-style sweater made for structured knits. The pattern offers both a high hip length and a cropped length as well as short and long sleeves. It also has a full bust option if needed.

As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew I wanted to make it. There is just something about the collar and pockets that I really like. I thought it would be perfect with this Double Sweater Knit houndstooth fabric from Cali Fabrics.

I decided to make the cropped version with long sleeves, and boy is it cropped. I was surprised that it barely hits the top of my high waisted jeans. I was thinking it would hit just below the waistline. I guess I assumed that I have a shorter torso, and the sweater would be a little longer on me. That’s what I get for not measuring.

Don’t get me wrong I do still like it, but if I make it again, I will add around an inch to the length to ensure that there is no gap between the sweater waistline and the jeans waistline.

One adjustment I did make was to add a half inch to the sleeve length. Something I do to most sleeved patterns. Another common adjustment I make is to grade out the hemline of a top or jacket, but since it ends at the waist, I decided to stick with a straight size 8.

The pattern was easy to make, and the instructions were easy to follow. I find this to be the case for most Itch to Stitch Patterns.

One thing I found interesting was that the pattern instructions have you put the pockets on after you assemble the jacket. It wasn’t hard to do, but usually, patterns have you do this before sewing the bodice and sleeves together, I assume to make it easier. I wonder if this pattern waits until the end to ensure that you don’t get the pocket of flaps stuck in the sleeves.

Speaking of flaps. This is probably a mixture of design, fabric choice, and body shape, but I noticed that the pocket flaps are getting pushed by my arms, and the inside corners tend to stick out over time. This is not a game changer, and I could simply tack the flap corner down to keep this from happening. I don’t plan on using the pockets anyway.

The pattern calls for 1/2” buttons. I thought about using some bigger ones, but I decided on these simple gray ones from my thrifted and gifted button stash. I thought maybe anything bigger or more ornate might be too busy for the houndstooth print.I really like this cardigan and have already worn it to work a couple of times. I think I might consider making one in something pink for spring.