Sewing Your Own Cosy Knitwear for Winter: Stay Warm in Style with Pattern Emporium

As the crisp autumn breeze sets in and winter approaches, it's time to cosy up in fashionable and on-trend jumpers, sweaters and cardigans. Imagine wrapping yourself in warmth and comfort, tailored to your unique style and body. With Pattern Emporium's range of digital PDF sewing patterns, you can unleash your creativity and sew your very own winter wardrobe. 

From the trendy Sweet Cheeks Sweater to the versatile Grab A Cuppa Cardi and the elegant Reconnect Cardi, Pattern Emporium offers a variety of knitwear sewing patterns to keep you warm and stylish throughout the colder months. In this blog post, we'll explore why sewing your own jumpers and cardigans is worthwhile, highlight some popular patterns, share essential tips for sewing winter garments, and discuss the finishing touches that will make your creations truly special.

Why Sewing Your Own Jumpers and Cardigans is Worthwhile

When it comes to winter clothing, jumpers and cardigans are essential pieces that can transform any outfit into a cosy ensemble. Sewing your own garments brings numerous advantages:

Customisation 

By sewing your own jumpers and cardigans, you have complete control over the fit, length, and design details. You can tailor the patterns to suit your body shape and create unique knitwear pieces that reflect your personal style.

Quality and Durability

When you sew your own garments, you have the freedom to choose fabrics according to your budget — whether that be cheap & cheerful for right now or high-quality fabrics that will withstand the test of time. Winter fabrics such as polyester sweater knits & hacci (hachi) are available in a wide range of qualities & prices. And while merino wool jersey comes at a higher price, it offers both warmth and comfort, ensuring that your creations will be long-lasting.

Sustainability

Sewing your own clothing contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry. You can select eco-friendly fabrics and reduce waste by using leftover materials for other projects. Additionally, handmade garments can be passed down to loved ones. This makes them less likely to end up in landfills, promoting a more environmentally conscious approach to fashion.

Cost-Effective 

While sewing your own jumpers and cardigans requires an initial investment in materials and patterns, it can save you money in the long run. You'll be able to create high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost of store-bought alternatives.

Popular Jumper & Cardigan Sewing Patterns

Pattern Emporium offers a range of stylish and versatile jumper and cardigan sewing patterns that are perfect for the autumn and winter seasons. Here are a few popular options to inspire your winter sewing projects:

Sweet Cheeks Sweater

This pattern features dropped shoulders, full sleeves, and a banded step hem with side split detail. With a roomy and oversized fit, it's ideal for layering. Choose from four necklines, including a wide V-neck and a cosy funnel neck. The Sweet Cheeks Sweater offers four finished lengths, ranging from cropped to long, allowing you to stay on-trend, no matter what your preference.

   

Unwind Sweater & Hoodie 

For ultimate comfort, the Unwind Sweater and Hoodie is your go-to choice. Its easy-fit dolman shape eliminates the need for sewing separate sleeves, and it comes with four necklines, including a relaxed, turtle, and hood option. Whether you prefer cuffed long sleeves, short sleeves, or ½ sleeves, this pattern has you covered. The Unwind Sweater and Hoodie pattern is designed for stretch knit fabrics and offers a wide range of sewing pattern hack options. You can even add on pockets!

Grab A Cuppa Cardi

If you're looking for an oversized, dropped-shoulder cardigan, the Grab A Cuppa Cardi is perfect for lounging around in style. With three finished lengths, including a cropped option, this pattern offers generous sleeves, an easy-fit cuff, and a wide banded hem band. Whether you leave it open or add buttons, the Grab A Cuppa Cardi is a versatile choice for winter.

Essential Tips for Sewing Winter Garments and Knitwear

Sewing winter garments require a few extra considerations to ensure both warmth and style. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Fabric

Opt for winter fabrics that provide insulation, such as sweater knits, French terry, and wool blend knits. These knitwear materials offer both warmth and comfort, perfect for the colder months. Brushed fabrics like double brushed poly (DBP) & a cotton lycra sweat-jogging knit (smooth on top & brushed underneath) are also warm & cosy. 

Pre-Wash and Test

Before cutting into your chosen fabric, pre-wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions. This step ensures that any potential shrinkage occurs before sewing. Additionally, test the fabric's stretch and recovery to ensure it will work well with your chosen pattern.

Consider Layering

Winter garments often need to accommodate layers underneath. When selecting your size, keep in mind the extra space needed for thermal layers or long-sleeved tops.

Use Appropriate Needles 

Sewing stretch fabrics requires the right tools. Choose appropriate needles, such as ballpoint or stretch needles, to prevent snagging or damaging the fabric. Check out the Fabric, Trims, Tool & Supplies page in our tutorials for a full list of tools & machinery recommended. 

Finishing Touches

To elevate your handmade jumpers and cardigans and make them truly special, focus on the finishing touches. Here are a few ideas:

• Experiment with Embellishments: Add unique details to your creations, such as decorative buttons. These small touches can transform a simple garment into a statement piece.
• Consider Contrast Fabrics: Get creative and explore the possibilities of combining different fabrics to add that extra wow factor to your winter sewing projects. Mixing and matching different textures and colours can create striking and unique designs. For example, you can use a cosy sweater knit for the main body of your jumper or cardigan and add contrasting rib knit fabric for the cuffs, hem band, or neckline (remember to use one with elastane for good recovery). This combination not only adds a stylish touch but also allows you to play with different fabric properties to achieve the desired look and feel. Experimenting with contrasting fabrics gives your handmade garments a high-fashion edge and makes them truly one-of-a-kind. 
• Personalise with Labels: Add personalised fabric labels or tags to your garments. These small labels can showcase your brand or provide a personal touch, making your creations feel truly bespoke.

Sewing your own jumpers and cardigans for winter is a rewarding and practical endeavour. With Pattern Emporium's versatile digital PDF sewing patterns, you have the opportunity to create fashionable and cosy garments tailored to your unique style. Embrace the comfort and warmth of handmade clothing and knitwear while enjoying the benefits of customisation, quality, and sustainability. Remember to choose winter-appropriate fabrics, follow essential sewing tips, and add those special finishing touches that will make your creations truly stand out. Stay warm and stylish throughout the colder months with your own handmade jumpers and cardigans. 

Join an expanding community of sewing enthusiasts in our Facebook group and connect with like-minded people who love sewing. Open to both novices and experts, our Facebook group is a place to learn more about sewing and keep up-to-date with new patterns, sewing techniques, tips and more! Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions.

Happy sewing!