Thread Theory Designs – Carmanah Sweater Pattern (XS-4XL)

Difficulty: Confident Beginner to Intermediate

Sizes: XS-4XL
 

Description

Introducing the timeless Carmanah zippered sweater, a staple in any casual activewear wardrobe. This versatile pattern offers both style and functionality, with customisable features that allow you to create a unique look.

The large shoulder yoke on the front and back provides a creative canvas for contrasting textures or colours, adding a stylish touch to the sweater. Choose between a partial or full zipper and decide whether to include a collar or a lined three-piece hood, allowing for endless mix-and-match possibilities.

The pattern includes instructions for high-end construction techniques such as an attractive twill tape neckline seam finish and a lined hood, ensuring a professional and polished result. Additionally, it provides guidance on successfully applying a zipper to stretchy knit fabric without creating unwanted ripples.

Part of the Alpine Outdoors Collection, this pattern is designed to withstand the rigours of outdoor adventures while offering a classic fit. By creating a handmade wardrobe of these designs, you’ll always be comfortably and stylishly prepared for your next escapade.

Recommended fabric

Self-fabric: sweatshirt knits like hacci knits or French terry, sweatshirt/­jogging fleece (smooth on the face, brushed on the reverse), micro fleece, polar fleece, and boiled wool or boiled wool blends. It is advisable to choose fabrics with at least 10% stretch for comfortable arm movement. Keep in mind that knits with a significant amount of stretch or ribbed knits may pose more sewing challenges.

For a stylish colour block design, consider using a contrasting knit texture or colour for the yokes and hood or collar linings. It is best to select a knit that is similar in weight to the main fabric for balance and cohesion.

You have the option to sew the cuffs and hem band with the main material or use a coordinating 1×1 ribbing. If the main fabric is thick, it may be necessary to choose a thinner ribbing to reduce bulk. The fabric requirement chart includes cuffs, but if you decide to use a contrast ribbing, ensure you purchase the same amount of main fabric along with 0.4 m (0.4 yd) of ribbing that is at least 24″ (63.5 cm) wide.

Notions

Coordinating thread

Stretch or ball point needle

Medium weight knit fusible interfacing, 0.1 m/yd

Zipper, 29″ or longer for XS-L full zip variation, 30″ or longer for XL-4XL full zip variation, 8″ or longer for quarter zip variation

Dissolving basting tape (such as Wonder Tape) to aid with zipper installation

3/8″ – 1/2″ (9 – 15 mm) grommets (optional, in place of buttonholes on hooded version)

5/8″ (1.5 cm) wide twill tape (optional, for seam finishing and hood drawstring), 1 m/yd for hood drawstring, 1 m/yd for quarter zip seam finishing, 1.75 m/yd for full zip seam finishing