Add Ribbon Trim to a Cardigan

Is your cardigan looking tired and dull? If so, why not add a pretty ribbon trim to the front edges and some decorative buttons? This technique could be applied to any style of cardigan. You could even embellish the neck and cuffs of a sweater in the same way, in which case you won’t need the snap fasteners.

You will need:
- A cardigan
- 80" (2m) firm ribbon, the width of the button band
- 15-20 assorted buttons
- Snap fasteners
- 1 spool matching all-purpose sewing thread

Step 1

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Carefully remove the buttons using sharp scissors. Take care not to cut the fabric.

Step 2

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Taking care not to stretch the cardigan, pin a single length of ribbon, wide enough to cover up the button band, from the hem of one front up, around the neck, and down to the other hem.

Step 3

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Machine carefully along both sides of the ribbon to hold it in place.

Step 4

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Evenly space assorted buttons, with a diameter no wider than the ribbon, the length of the ribbon, leaving it free of buttons where the two fronts will join. Stitch in place.

Step 5

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Where the two fronts are to join, stitch one half of a snap fastener beneath each button and the other half in the corresponding position on the other side of the ribbon trim.