Sewing Snuggly Sweatshirts

Even as someone who's always enjoyed being in casual, lounging gear, I've never appreciated sweatshirts more than I do now. Working at home full-time during the colder months, and indeed being ordered to "stay at home" has meant that I can basically live in sweatshirts and joggers, all day long. Naturally, I took this as an excuse to sew up a few more snuggly tops, to keep me warm and cosy for the next few months. 

The first project that I want to share with you is an absolute classic, and one that I'd highly recommend to everyone. I've been wanting to try out the Adult Classic Sweatshirt by Peekaboo Patterns for so long, especially as it is FREE if you join their Facebook group. You must know my addiction with freebies by now, right😉?

Where do I start? Firstly, it has both a hoodie and crew neck options, and even the sleeves come in two different fits. It has a great size range, and is unisex. This pattern looks great on everyone! I cannot believe that this is free! 

I made a little dress with kangaroo pocket for Freya last summer with the matching teal French Terry, and have been plotting how to make a matching outfit for me ever since, because, you know, twinning is winning. I decided to switch the fabrics around (i.e. plain sleeves and pocket) for my sweatshirt, and made the crew neck version with slim sleeves in size XS. I used ribbing for the neck band and wrist cuffs, but the plain French Terry for the bottom band. 

It was quite a quick sew, and turned out just right straight out of the envelope! I have even received compliments on some Teams calls already 🙂 I would totally recommend this pattern, and can see myself using it more in the future. 

Next up is an adapted version of the Tilly and the Buttons Stella Hoodie, using this amazing Winter Times French Terry, matched with the plain forest green FT. 

I have made and liked the Stella Hoodie as a hoodie in the past, but wanted something a bit different this time without the hood. Fear not - it is an easy alteration! I lowered and widened the neckline on the pattern pieces by approximately 2cm (i.e. 2cm at the centre front, and 1cm on each side, using my French curve to smooth out the lines), and calculated my own neckband based on the opening and the stretch % of the FT. 

I love the modern dropped sleeve design, which is why I was keen to adapt this pattern for this project. Having said that, I'm actually not sure whether using contrasting fabrics on this particular pattern was the smartest idea. Does it make it look like I'm wearing a T-shirt over a long sleeve top, which, was totally not the vibe I was going for. Don't get me wrong, I still adore the shape and fit of this top, and will absolutely make it again, but I think I might stick to cutting the bodice and sleeves in the same fabric in the future with this particular design. 

The final sweatshirt that I want to share with you is a little more unconventional. First of all, this is made using a pattern designed as a workout cover-up, rather than an ordinary sweatshirt. Also, I made it using two front pieces! Wait... what? 

Enter the Elevate Overlay by Greenstyle Creations, which actually endorses using two front pieces as a "view". This means that my sweatshirt is "reversible" front to back, and back to front! You know the really cute "This is the back" labels that you can get these days? Well, you can save those for your other projects 😉

I do adore all the low back options included within this pattern (and have made one in the past, which I have not yet managed to blog), which are great for showing off the back of your sports bra. But for this particular project, I really like how the  the back (or front, depending on your point of view) turned out. 

This rib knit is the stuff of dreams. It may not have super stretch and recovery power, but it makes it up in softness and natural goodness (I often find that it's quite hard to track down good rib knits that are cotton rich). And that colour! 

The only issue is that I only ordered 1 metre of it. Being a petite person, I've always found that the fabric requirements are overly prudent in patterns, and often manage to squeeze more out of a metre with my economical cutting skills. Not gonna lie though, this one was tricky! I had to cut everything flat (i.e. no cutting on the fold), and shorten the top and the sleeves both by quite a bit. And you know what? I quite like the slightly cropped "I should've got more fabric" length on me 😄

Uvita Top by Itch to Stitch - Ah, that elegant neckline and the dropped shoulders! If you wanted to,  there's even an add-on pack that you could purchase, which gives you lots more options, too. 

Sweatshirt Tunic by Life Sew Savoury - a brand new freebie, and oh-so-cosy looking, even with a split hem! There's a matching little girl version which is also free!

Jersey Dress by In the Fold for Peppermint Magazine - this one is dress length, and has raglan sleeves, so something a little different. 

I hope you've enjoyed this post, which might just inspire you to make some snuggly sweatshirts of your own. 

Until next time,