Paro Cardigan

The newest pattern from my favourite ever PDF pattern maker Itch to Stitch* is this beautiful pleated Paro Cardigan!* I didn't need to think twice before applying to test it, it's the perfect shape to emphasise my body shape whilst being pretty and comfortable too! Absolutely perfect for work, daytime or evening wear!

Pattern Details

The Paro* is a printable PDF pattern from Itch to Stitch* in US sizes 00-20 (25-40.5" waist). There are up to 28 pages to print, trim and tape together depending on size or you could get the included A0 copy printed for you by a copy shop or similar if you prefer. As always with Itch to Stitch* patterns, the Paro* has very detailed size & measurement charts, print & cutting layout guides and are fully illustrated throughout with very professional drafting and finishing options, including full details on blending between sizes to get your best fit. The pattern pieces themselves have layers and all sizes have a different line colour and style so however you're printing, it will be super easy to assemble and cut.  It requires between 170cm (1.9 yards) and 2m (2.5 yards) of medium weight knit fabric with little stretch (10-25% maximum and 2 way rather than 4 way stretch is preferable). You'll also need small scraps of suitable weight fusible interfacing and a button or other fastening if choosing to wear closed. 

​​My Versions

I made 2 Paro Cardigans during testing, both in size 0, a black one in a polyester blend ponte and a purple floral one in a cotton viscose mix ponte. The Black fabric had a little more stretch and also a tiny bit of vertical stretch so I had to take out a 1" sway back wedge from the back. The floral version is exactly per the pattern.  I constructed as per the pattern both times until it came to the hem on the floral for which I did by hand as I couldn't find any close enough matching thread to use in my coverstitch. They each took around 4 hours to complete from print to finished so a nice quick sew for such a pretty result!

How do they fit?

As with all previous Itch to Stitch* patterns, the fit has been spot on for me, with the only adjustment I needed to make to one of them being due to my fabric choice.  The sleeves are slightly on the long side for me but I like that from my cardigans anyway so have left them as is.  I love the length on me as well as the comfy yet flattering look when done up. 

​Tester Inspiration

There are lots more tester photos in various sizes and fabrics in the release post HERE* 

​Project Cost

​Full price pattern - (£8.08) $10  - I received the pattern for free in return for testing
Fabric Cost - £12 ($14.86)
Notions & Thread - £3.50 ($4.33) 

Total Cost for both - £23.58 ($29.19 USD) or approx £11.78 ($14.60) each.

Cost to make each additional around £8-£10 ($9.90-$12.38)
​
The Paro* is on release sale for $8 (£6.46) until midnight 23rd January (Central time) only!

AND there is now a permanent 'Buy More Save More' automatically applied discount for up to an additional 30% off your basket so perfect excuse to buy the Arenal Top pattern which I'm wearing with my Paro in the above photos!

​​The Verdict!

I just love them! They have already been worn most days since I made them and I have a couple more already lined up as well as hopefully hacking it a little to make a coat or even 'coatigan' from fleece or stretch wool like some of the other testers did! This is not the last you'll see of me and the Paro pattern!

​Related Blogposts

Marbella Dress by Itch to Stitch

Vientiane Skirt by Itch to Stitch

To buy the Paro Cardigan pattern, click HERE!*

Affiliate links included throughout this post marked with an asterisk '*' it costs you nothing extra but means I get a few cent's if you buy the pattern after clicking through.  I would love it if you could use them if this post has inspired you but feel free to navigate there yourself if you prefer! All opinions expressed on my blog are entirely my own. Thanks, Sarah