I am really excited to share this pattern review with you. It’s just something about making something that you absolutely fall in love with wearing. In this blog, I am sharing with you the details of my DIY from using the pattern Simplicity 9857. Before we get into the details, let me share with you about how I almost did not get this pattern.
I picked this pattern up when I went to Tulsa, Oklahoma for Thanksgiving in 2023. I made a trip to Joann’s to see what theirs had to offer. There just happened to be a Simplicity sale going on at the time and when I came across this pattern, I just wasn’t sure if I wanted it or if it was something I would sew up. I didn’t like the short cardigan, I didn’t care for the way that the pants we fitting, but because it called for knit fabric, I went ahead and got it. After all, it was only $1.99! So now, let’s move on to the details.
Fabrics
This is labeled as an “Easy” to sew pattern and all of the sizes are in one envelope. This makes it so much easier when you don’t have to figure out which envelope to pickup. I wanted to make something comfortable that I could lounge around my home in and also be able to wear it to run errands if I need to. The suggested fabrics for this pattern is “Stretch Knits Only”, such as Bamboo, Double Knit, Ponte, Sweater Knit, Sweatshirt Fleece, and Terry Knit. I did not make the bralette, but if I was going to, it calls for Activewear Knits. I had this tie dye thermal knit that I picked up in a bundle from Walmart for about $6 for 4 yards. I decided to match this set up with a tank top that I already had and it worked very well.
There is also lightweight fusible interfacing needed for the band on the cardigan.
Features
One of my most favorite features about this set is that it has pockets. Another feature that I love is that the cardigan only has 3 buttons. Because of that, I feel like this is a great pattern to try if a beginner sewist is learning how to make buttonholes. I also must mention the fact that the pants has an elasticated waist, making it easy to wear for long periods of time.
Sizing
I always use the “Finished Garment Measurements” for my sizing. For the cardigan, I cut a size small, due to the bust measurement. My bust measurements are between 39.5 inches and 40 inches. The small in this pattern is 40 inches. For the pants, I cut a small as well. However, the hip measurement for the pants in a small is 37 inches. Because of the loose fit of the pants, all I did to adjust the hip measurement was grade it out by an inch. I only shortened the length of the pants by 1 inch because I wanted mine to appear longer that what they did on the model of the pattern envelope.
The yardage needed for the cardigan was only 1-3/8 yards, and for the pants only 1-5/8 yards.
Notions
This pattern does not call for many notions. All you need is your thread, three .75 inch buttons, and 1 inch wide elastic. I purchased these button for only $.25 cents at a second hand store a few years back, so I already had them on hand as well.
As you can see, sometimes you just have to go ahead and make a pattern to see how it wears on you. I took a chance and chose a fabric that I felt it would look good in, and it cam out much better than I expected! Not only that, I made this set for under $10! You just can’t beat that. I highly suggested getting this pattern if you don’t have it, because it will be one that I’m sure you will sew over and over again.
If you would like to see my review in video of this pattern, just click on the YouTube video below.
