Dramatic Drape Back Cardigan – McCalls 7441

I kept my styling simple for this relaxed cardigan.

One of the many things I love about the online sewing community (whether it be Facebook, Instagram, Pattern Review or sewing blogs) is realizing I overlooked a great pattern. Sometimes I can look at a pattern and quickly dismiss it, but later a sewsister will whip it up and share it and I think “I was wrong, I love that“.  That is what happened with this pattern!

I believe McCalls 7441  came out in the fall release. I remember looking at it and not being impressed with the draped back. I assumed that it would have a generous amount of ease and just look like a sack of fabric. Then a sewsister shared her finished M7441 in a Facebook sewing group and I thought that’s really cute. I grabbed it at the next pattern sale.

Cardigan: McCalls 7441 | Top: Merona boatneck tee – target (old) | Pants: Memoi Black Skinny Ponte | Wedge Booties: Mad Love – target

Last week I was looking for a quick sew and this was a great one. I whipped this up in two evenings, around 3 hours including cutting. I selected View B, which has the most pieces at 5. I omitted the pockets so I only had 4 (front, back, hood, sleeve). I highly recommend this pattern for those times you need instant gratification!

I’m almost certain this black heathered sweater knit was a Hancock flat fold find, so that should tell you how long it has been in my stash. Having fabric readily on hand is purpose of having a stash (or that’s what I tell myself)! This lightweight knit with a fairly loose knit was perfect for this pattern and I’m glad I had it on hand. I also love that this black heathered colorway goes will pretty much everything. Surprisingly, given the back drape, the pattern is not a fabric hog. View B in a medium only took 2-1/4 yards and View C took the most with 3yds for an XXL.

For these blog photos I keep it simple, mostly because it was a gloomy Monday. However, this cardigan can be dressed up especially if sewn up in a metallic knit or in a stretch velvet(which I spotted on Instagram) . I could see it working with anything from athleisure wear to a cute dress.

I didn’t follow the instructions, if you’ve ever made a top you likely won’t either, but I did glance at them and they seemed straightforward. I started by sewing the back seam, attached at the shoulders (using clear elastic as a stabilizer), flat sewed the sleeves and then sewed the sides from the bottom side hem to the sleeve hem. I then sewed the hood together and sewed it to the cardigan. Lastly came a bit of hemming, which is not my favorite and especially on stretchy sweater knit, but it wasn’t too bad though.

Outtakes! LOL

All in all I am quite pleased with this pattern that I originally didn’t want to purchase. I wasn’t quite sure about View B, I though the hood and the drape might be a little much, but it turned out OK. I think I want to make another one but I need to find the right knit (preferably from my stash) and I had to decide which view.

Pattern: McCalls 7441 View B

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting unlined jackets and vest have front opening variations, shaped narrow hems, and draped back. Wrong side of fabric will show. B: Hood and pockets.

Sizing: XS-M, L-XXL

Difficulty: 1/beginner

Fabric Used: Black heathered sweater knit from Hancock flat fold sale

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very

Likes:  draped back, easy-quick sew, hood option, didn’t require much fabric

Dislikes: None

Pattern alterations or any design changes made: I added clear elastic to the shoulder for stabilization.

Would I sew it again? Yes, I’m debating which view.

Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, great beginners or instant gratification project.

Conclusion: Easy pattern that looks more difficult than it is.