Raw-Edge Wool Sweater

I used several meter of this soft, beautiful wool from Merchant & Mills to draft a pattern based on a ready-to-wear sweater I own (and love). The heathered charcoal and subtle ribbing show off beautifully, and the wool is just the right weight and drape. I left the center back seam and the front/middle seams exposed, and I sewed on the patch pockets with exposed seams, as well.  I tried a zigzag seam on the edges, but it created too much tension (even with the thread tension backed off), so they looked wiggly and wouldn’t lay flat. If I had a serger, I’d have finished off the exposed edges, but this way, they’ll just gently fray, which will give it the look I’m going for.

I also left the bottom hem, sleeve hems and front/collar bands unfinished, and I ran a straight stay stitch 1/4” from the edges, to make sure that the fabric won’t fray back any farther. A little bit of fraying will give it a soft, worn look with a little fringe, which is exactly what I had in mind.

I drafted a pattern and played with the ideal of professionally finishing it, but I think it would only work well with a very particular type of fabric, so I’m not sure it’s the best pattern to make available for sale. We’ll see . . .