Version B of the Lulu Cardigan features a peplum bottom and snap closures, giving this top a more romantic spin. In this post, I’ll show you how to attach the peplum and sew the placket for the snap closures (or buttons, if you want to brave sewing buttonholes in a knit!). I’ll be using a burnout stretch velvet for this example.
First, if you haven’t already, interface the edges at the front opening of the cardigan.
Next, hem the bottom edge of the Peplum skirt piece by folding up one time by 5/8” and topstitching in place (you can serge the bottom edge before folding if you prefer for a faux cover stitch effect. I did not finish the edge of this fabric before folding since it had a pretty clean cut edge).
On the unfinished long edge of the Peplum, sew two rows of basting stitches, one at 1/4” and the next at 1/2”. Leave the thread tails long.
Gently pull the threads to begin gathering the peplum. Try to gather the entire length to approximately the length of the bottom of the cardigan bodice. You can also use a gathering foot on your sewing machine to do this if you prefer.
Once you have the peplum gathered, lay the cardigan open and right side up and lay the peplum right side down (right sides of the peplum and cardigan facing now), aligning the top edge of the Peplum with the bottom edge of the cardigan bodice. Pin the ends and center notches and then start evenly distributing your gathers and pinning in place. I used lots of pins for this part to keep the gathers evenly in place.
Be sure to leave about 1.25” at each end of the Peplum ungathered. This will be folded with the snap placket and needs to lay flat.
Sew or serge the Peplum to the bodice and press the seam allowance toward the bodice.
Next, fold the front edges of the cardigan opening and Peplum edge to the wrong side once by 3/4” and press in place (again, you can serge the edge before folding if you prefer it). Topstitch the fold in place to create the placket.
Now it’s ready for snaps! Yay!
I ended up sewing buttonholes in this version because I didn’t have snaps on hand that I loved. Honestly, sewing buttonholes in the fabric was kind of a nightmare! So I would definitely recommend snaps!