Ellie’s Marlo Sweater!

I can’t get enough of the Marlo Sweater by True Bias. I made a version last Autumn which I have worn non-stop since, so I thought it was about time I made myself a chunkier, winter-appropriate version.

With its dropped shoulder, deep v-neck, wide waistband, and in its cropped length (version A), it’s the perfect layer for making it look like you tried to put an outfit together when really you just pulled on the cosiest item from your closet (aka secret pyjamas). 

The Marlo is a great entry-level knit project. If you aren’t too familiar with sewing knit fabrics, or want a project to build your confidence, this would be a great pattern to try. There are only a few pattern pieces, no complicated fitting to do, and really there is very little that can go wrong. The pattern has great guidance on picking the right kind of fabric with suitable stretch, and the instructions are clear throughout to guide you through the make.

I chose this incredible maroon cable knit for my winter version. A beautiful colour for the colder months, it also happens to be a very close match for the new Pantone colour of the year, Viva Magenta! The fabric is a nice stable knit, so it doesn’t slip about whilst being cut or sewn, and its incredibly soft thanks to its viscose content. I cut a size 12, which consumed about 1.2m of fabric. The pattern is slightly oversized, thanks to its loose sleeves and body, but the sizing guide has plenty of detail to help you choose the right size. The only measurements you really want to check are sleeve length, neck-to-hem length, and waistband width.

The sweater was a nice, easy sew for a rainy afternoon and came together quite quickly (and I’m a very slow sewer!). I played around with the pattern direction for each pattern piece and settled on the vertical cable knit for the main body and sleeves, and horizontal for the neckband and waistband. I’m really pleased I did this as it avoided any issues with pattern matching the cable knit.

Since this was such a quick and easy make, I wanted to play around a little with the finish, so I opted for rainbow overlocking thread, which I’m a big fan of! I also couldn’t resist adding this “Have a Nice Day” label from Hey Sew Sister. For ease, and neatness of finish, I stitched this through the inside layer of the neckband only. Once I’d stitched the two lengths of neckband together at the centre back and pressed wrong sides together, I opened it back out, centred the label in the bottom half of the neckband and stitched it in place. I then continued to attach the neckband as normal.

I sourced the stamped, slightly concave brass buttons from Duttons for Buttons in York. Since they are slightly smaller than the specified 30mm button size, I opted to use four buttons, rather than three, and just distributed them within the handy button placement guide that comes with the pattern. 

I’m really pleased with the final make. I’ve already worn it a bunch and can confirm it is lovely and cosy for those colder days! Paired with a turtleneck and some chunky boots, its an easy, put-together outfit with literally no effort!

Thank you as always to Felicitys for giving me the opportunity to work with this lovely fabric.

Thanks for reading,

@what_ellie_sews