Fall Sewing: Trendy Sweatshirt Patterns to Try
Are you ready for cozy season? We’ve rounded up the best sweatshirt and sweatshirt-adjacent sewing patterns to give your fall sewing plans a boost. Need some fabric recommendations? Well, we’ve got you covered there too.
Pick a pattern
Sew DIY Ali Sweatshirt: An oversized drop shoulder pattern, this sweatshirt has a kangaroo pocket but no hood.
Sew House 7 Toaster Sweater: A long-time favorite in the sewing community, the Toaster Sweater has a unique funnel collar.
NH Patterns Heather Sweater (free!): A simple drop-shoulder sweatshirt that makes a good base for further embellishments like vinyl or screen printing.
Fibre Mood Mika: Raglan sleeves and the classic sweatshirt triangle on the neckline.
Liesl + Co Noord Sweatshirt: Use up smaller fabric pieces with this color blocked sweatshirt pattern.
Chalk & Notch Page Hoodie: Page is the cropped hoodie you’ll see trending everywhere.\
Cashmerette Stanton Hoodie: A closer fit with a zip up front, Stanton also has an expansion pack for even more looks.
Interested in a printed paper pattern? We have many options in stock, and you can check them out here.
Pick a Fabric
Chai Tea Heathered Fleece: A dreamy deadstock fleece, this one has beautiful drape and a unique heathered face.
Bamboo/Cotton/spandex French terry: A deep blue color with a liquid feel, once you try this fabric you will want to use this blend all the time. More colors in stock too!
Burgundy Sweatshirt Fleece: This is super soft, has amazing drape and perfect deep color saturation. The Rayon content adds to the softness and extra special drape!
Coral Brushed Fleece: This one is REALLY special…it has a brushed surface with slight corded lines, very cozy and fluffy back. It’s a medium to heavy weight, but you are not going to break your domestic machine attaching a hood or cuffs.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Fabric: Sweatshirts are all about comfort, so fabric choice is key. For a classic sweatshirt feel, look for fabrics like French Terry or fleece-backed knits with a little stretch. If you prefer a 100% cotton fleece, your finished project will be a bit boxier and won’t have as much drape.
- Prewash Your Fabric: This is crucial, especially when working with knits that can shrink. Always prewash your fabric the same way you plan to care for the finished garment (warm wash, tumble dry, etc.).
- Test Your Stitches: Knits stretch, so it’s important to use the right stitch. A stretch stitch, zigzag, or a serger will help keep seams intact. Always test your stitch on a scrap piece of fabric before you begin.
- Reinforce Shoulder Seams: Since sweatshirts can be heavy, especially when made from thick fabric like fleece, it’s a good idea to stabilize your shoulder seams with clear elastic or twill tape. This prevents the seams from stretching out over time.
Personalize and Scrap Bust
If you want to add some extra flair or personalize your sweatshirt, here are a few ideas:
- Add Embroidery or Appliqué: Use a contrasting fabric or colorful thread to embroider a fun design or initials on the chest, sleeve, or back. If you have scrap fabric lying around, consider adding an appliqué patch or elbow patches for a unique look.
- Color Blocking: Combine different fabrics or colors to create a color-blocked effect. This works especially well with French Terry or fleece in contrasting shades.
- Use Your Scraps for Pockets or Cuffs: If you’ve got leftover fabric from another project, try using it to make pockets, cuffs, or even a contrasting hood lining. Mixing and matching fabrics gives your sweatshirt a custom feel while helping you use up those scraps.
Sewing a sweatshirt can be a fun and rewarding project, especially when you get to personalize it with your favorite fabrics and design choices. With the right fabric and a few key sewing tips, you can make a sweatshirt that feels and fits like a cozy dream.
We hope you’ve been inspired by all the fun new takes on sweatshirt patterns! Looking for the perfect fabric match? Feel free to connect with us on Instagram or by email whenever you have questions.
This blog was originally posted on October 30, 2024.
