Have you ever wanted to create your own unique garment, by hacking together certain features from your favourite sewing patterns but find yourself unsure where to begin? Perhaps you’d like to enter this years’ #sewtogetherforsummer challenge but can’t quite find a pattern that has all the elements you wish it had? Today we bring you a guide to get you started mashing up your own unique style – since it relates specifically to Jumpsuits we’ll be talking about putting your favourite bodice to your favourite trousers, perhaps adding your favourite sleeves and other features … from the patterns already in your stash!
I’ve happily pattern tested for Helen for some while now (see here, hereand here) so it was doubly-exciting to discover, when discussing this years’ sponsorship for the #sewtogetherforsummer Jumpsuit / Dungaree / Overalls Challenge, to discover that the next pattern in her testing pipeline was only, you guessed it, a pair of Overalls!
The Yantas by Helen’s Closet are a relaxed approach to this years’ major Jumpsuit / Overall trend, described as a casual artist-style overall with a loose fit through the waist hips and legs (with the option to add a side zip should you want one). I’d describe their overall shape (see what I did there) as somewhat cocoon or lantern like; with shaping darts to front and back. Also included are classic features such as the ‘V’ shaped back and pointed front patch chest pocket. They can be made either cropped leg or as shorts.
Although these are listed as an ‘Intermediate’ sew, I think Helen has completely excelled herself with the instructions to this pattern, making them accessible to confident beginners (who aren’t afraid of buttonholes!) Her instructions are crystal clear; being extremely well thought-out and presented. She also offers plenty of easily digestible information regarding sizing and grading to get the fit you want from this pattern. I truly believe they’re fool-proof.
What I like about the Yanta pattern is, I feel, that it can act as a blank canvas for your imagination! You could embellish them in a multitude of ways; adding in-seam pockets; decorative belt loops or patch side pockets; jazz up the insides with contrast fabric for the facings and embellish the topstitching – there are so many ways you could customise these! Also you will get a very different look depending on the type of woven fabric you go for; from a structured pair using a denim or cord to softer warm-weather Overalls in a linen/viscose slub, for example.
This is the first of my makes under the umbrella of this years’ #sewtogetherforsummer Challenge (if you missed Suzy’s review of the Zadie Jumpsuit, you can catch that HERE )
I opted to sew the Sallie Jumpsuit by Closet Case Patterns for my first jumpsuit pattern; I’m something of a fangirl of CCF, so it seemed an apt place to start. However, the resultant make has proved to be somewhat of a divisive garment in my household! The verdict is split strictly down the middle between the sexes – my daughter and I love it; in fact when she first saw me in it, she insisted that I demonstrate it by strutting my stuff, catwalk-style, across the Lounge! But my son’s verdict was “it’s a bit weird” and my husband said he wasn’t sure he liked it. Does this split-verdict make me feel differently about it in anyway? No, it does not. Frankly it almost feels immaterial what I do or don’t look like in it, or what anybody else thinks about it because, in wearing it, I feel absolutely bloomin’ fantastic..
Well, the last week or so has certainly proved just how popular Jumpsuit patterns are within our sewing community! There appears to be one clear leader at present, the newly released Zadie Jumpsuit from Paper Theory. So today I have something just a little bit different for you; a guest post from my fellow #sewtogetherforsummer co-host Suzy (aka @sewing_in_spain) talking you through her experience of sewing it up – twice … including a helpful tip with regard to narrow hems! If a woven jumpsuit doesn’t ‘float your boat’ she’s also showcasing her fab knit Abi Jumpsuit from AK Patterns!
So, over to Suzy :
@sewing_in_spain
“Thanks Sarah for inviting me to share my jumpsuit pattern experiences on your blog.
Even before the end of last year’s #sewtogetherforsummer IG challenge, Sarah, Monika and I had already focussed on the jumpsuit as the garment for the 2019 challenge; it was perfectly on-trend and offered a new sewing experience. Although I have to confess, I hadn’t imagined before then that the Jumpsuit was my kind of garment! Still, I jumped at the idea 😉 That’s the beauty of sewing your own wardrobe; we can try new shapes, colours and styles and sometimes we fall in love with the unexpected!
So here are reviews of the two patterns – the Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory and the Abi by AK Patterns – with which I planned to start my jumpsuit journey.
Looking for some #sewtogetherforsummer pattern inspiration? You may be aware this years’ theme is all about the Jumpsuit (dungarees / romper / playsuit / overalls / boilersuit / coveralls). Suzy,Monika and I have picked a range of patterns which hopefully shows the diversity and range of styles available (some of which will be making ourselves and will review and post on separately) but, for simple inspiration, we thought we’d share the patterns that got us all excited for this years’ theme in the first place!
We’re selecting from Burda, The Big Four and Indie companies. Before we jump into that (pun intended 😉 ), a reminder that we have also listed some great discount codes on some fantastic patterns not listed here, over on our Launch blog post.
If you are looking for a great freebie pattern, perhaps you’d like to check out Lisa Kisch’s YouTube Channel ‘And Sew On’ – she’s posted a vlog listing 30 FREE Jumpsuit sewing patterns!
If you’re interested in any of the patterns listed here, you can click on the graphics to find out more!
BurdaStyle Pattern Picks:
@sewing_in_spain
First up is Suzy with her pick from the BurdaStyle collection:
“BurdaStyle is a great resource for patterns, in fact if you search ‘jumpsuits’ on their site you will find a cool 72 of them! One of the things I love is they have many versions for petite and plus sizes too. So without further ado here are my picks (but I also definitely recommend taking a look at their website!)
What could be more summery than a halter neck jumpsuit? This version 06/2015 #119 with its loose trousers but closefitting bodice ticks all the boxes, and you can make a shorter romper version too!
This dress works perfectly for evening wear…
If you are rocking the Overalls look, you might want to check out this next pattern from 04/18, #106B, which has so many gorgeous details. It’s also great if you want to join in the Challenge but it’s not actually summer where you are!
