Esme Cardigan · Virtual Workshop

Starts Tuesday, May 12 · 6-8pm ET · 3 weeks
$180 · Only $155 for Studio Members · [Learn more about membership →]

Studio Membership Perks

Studio members receive $25 off every workshop, free access to our Year of Intentional Sewing series & the Weekender Sew Along, early access to preorders and sales, plus a supportive online community to sew and share with.

Workshop Description

The Esme Cardigan from Named Clothing is a cozy, modern layer with clean lines and a beautifully simple silhouette. It’s an ideal project for building confidence with knit garments, but it’s also a surprisingly fun pattern to explore in more structured fabrics.

In this updated workshop, we’ll sew the Esme from start to finish while also exploring new options that open up the pattern: a clever pocket-cutting tip for cleaner, faster prep, guidance for tailoring Esme to stable wovens like cotton jacquard, and elevated finishing choices like adding a lining or using a bias-binding finish for a beautiful interior.

As always, I’ll teach through detailed demos and my full decision-making process. You’ll see how I assess fabric behavior (stretch or stable), stabilize key areas, choose seam finishes, and troubleshoot in real time. The goal isn’t just a finished cardigan, it’s understanding why each step matters, so you can approach knits (and adventurous “Esme in wovens” versions) with confidence.

Across three live Zoom sessions, we’ll work through the complete construction of the cardigan, focusing on clean finishes, pocket construction, neckline shaping and bands, hemming options, and the small choices that create a polished, long-lasting result.

What You’ll Learn

• • How to choose and handle knit fabrics for this project (and what changes when you switch to stable fabrics)

  • A clever pocket cutting + prep method for cleaner construction

  • Simple modifications to the length and overall proportions

  • Stabilizing seams and shoulders for longevity

  • Constructing and attaching the neckline band (and how to get it to sit beautifully)

  • Machine- and serger-based seam finishes for knits

  • Hemming options: machine hem, twin needle, serger

  • Adapting Esme for cotton jacquard / stable wovens (structure, ease, and finishing choices)

  • Two elevated inside-finish pathways: optional lining or a bias-binding finish

  • Practical troubleshooting for wavy seams, stretching, and distortion

  • Buttonholes with your machine

  • Thoughtful decision-making throughout construction

What You’ll Get

• 6 hours of live instruction over 3 weeks

• Multi-camera demos (top-down, machine view, table view) for clear visibility

• Replay access to every session

• A dedicated online workshop space for posting progress, asking questions, and connecting with fellow students

• Lifetime access to all Esme Cardigan replays and resources

Please Note

We’ll cover general fit considerations for knits and how to make simple adjustments. However, personalized or advanced fitting is beyond the scope of this class.

With clear demos and a supportive structure, this workshop gives you the tools and confidence to sew knit garments with ease.

Pattern Requirement

You’ll need the Named Clothing Esme Cardigan pattern for this workshop.

• PDF patterns can be purchased directly from the designer - Named Clothing

• After purchase, you may upload your A0 file to the workroom for wide-format printing, or print the tiled version at home.

Please have your pattern and fabric on hand for the first class. We’ll start by reviewing measurements, sizing for knits or wovens, and understanding intended ease before any cutting begins. This groundwork helps you approach knit garments with confidence.

Member Benefit

Silver Online Studio Members receive $25 off virtual workshops. Log in to the Online Studio → Studio Commons to access your discount code.

Handmade Wardrobe Year

This workshop is included in the Handmade Wardrobe Year Program. If you’ve been looking for a guided, structured way to build your handmade wardrobe across 2026, HWY may be exactly the support you’ve been seeking.