I saw Jenny sharing this gorgeous Boucle fabric on her stories a few weeks ago and as the days got shorter and weather got colder, I started to think that it would make an excellent cosy, oversized cardigan for the changing season, and set about finding the perfect pattern for this. I settled on the Itch to Stitch Castillo cardigan, a pattern I hadn’t tried before but had both pockets and a hood with an open front - ticking a lot of boxes for the garment I had in mind. I purchased it as a PDF directly from the Itch to Stitch website.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to tell you about one of my pet hates - printing, cutting and sticking together A4 sheets of paper. I’ve spent many a long evening over the past few years that I’ve been sewing focused on getting all the lines in place, and squeezing myself around the edges of the room while trying to fit the whole pattern on the floor. This experience had really put me off using PDF patterns at all, which is a shame because there are so many lovely designs out there. Enter a brilliant solution - Jenny’s PDF printing services! It is very easy to upload your purchased pattern files onto her site, check out in the same basket as any fabric or notions you order and have it delivered nicely printed on good quality A0 paper, with a sturdy envelope for storage. The pattern comes with both colours and line markings for the different sizes which is really helpful. This is the first blog post that I have used the pattern printing service on and it was very straightforward and definitely got me over that issue with using PDF patterns.
This was a very speedy and satisfying sew for me, definitely doable in a day from start to finish. After measuring, I decided to go for a size 12 based on the finished measurements of the garment. I did not do a toile due to the relaxed fit with open front. The boucle fabric is very cosy and I must admit, I did use it as a blanket when it arrived before it went in for the pre-wash! I absolutely adore the colour of the Ocean version, it’s a lovely and deep teal which is one of my favourite colours.
The construction was very straight forward, with raglan sleeves and an open front. I decided that instead of pressing the seams, I would sew them down to the side, similar to a flat felled seam but with the edges exposed. Because the boucle is a knit fabric, it doesn’t fray so didn’t actually require this but I thought it would help to reduce bulk at the seams. The exposed seam at the hood was finished with a navy ribbon that covers everything up neatly. I really like the detail of the patch pockets on the front. They are a good size for storing a few items when popping out to the shops or for a walk.
This was a fun and simple project, great as a palate cleanser and I’m really chuffed with my cosy layering option to wear during autumn and winter (or all year round in Scotland, probably).
Jenny Says:
"I'm so excited to share the first of the blog team's boucle makes. As soon as the fabric arrived in the shop I knew we'd have some great examples to share and Caroline really hasn't disappointed! The cardigan is so cosy and simple, it's ideal for these chilly days, I could really use one in the shop!"
Inspired to make your own version? Here's what you'll need:
Fabric: Boucle - £14 per metre
Pattern: Itch to Stitch Castillo Cardigan (PDF Only)
Disclosure: