The Freya sweater and dress is possibly the most versatile pattern in my new book Stretch.
You can make it as a sweater or dress, with either a mock neck, roll neck or cowl neckline, with long or cropped sleeves, and optional ruffle detail. It will look and feel different depending on whether you make it in jersey, ponte or sweater knit.
Basically it's one of those incredibly versatile patterns you can make over and over and create a different style each time!
The main version of the pattern features a contemporary mock neckband. You can make it as a sweater, t-shirt or dress depending on which sleeve and bodice hemlines you go for. The top looks great tucked into your Bibi skirt, layered under the Bibi pinafore, or simply thrown on with jeans.
Look out for light- to medium weight sweater knits, rib knits, jersey or ponte di roma with at least 25% crosswise stretch (the book explains how to measure this).
It's easy to hack the mock neckband into a stylish foldover roll neck by extending the pattern piece - the book shows you how to do it.
It also includes a bonus pattern piece to create a snuggly cowl neck that's perfect for the colder months.
Last but not least, you can embellish the Freya sweater or dress by adding a pleated ruffle. Judging by reactions on Instagram, this dress is probably the most popular garment from the whole book!
The ruffle is easy to attach as it's stitched on top of the fabric, with no need for extra seams - the raw edge gives it a contemporary look that you can see on lots of ready-to-wear clothes at the moment. Ponte is a great choice for making this version as the fabric won't fray or curl up at the edges.
I've made a top version of this in navy stripe ponte and it looks awesome!
This is one of six patterns included in the book, printed on full scale sheets - no need to download them. The sheets are double sided, and some of the pieces are overlapping so you'll need to trace your size onto paper, or you could trace them directly onto your fabric with dressmaker's carbon and a tracing wheel.
There are eight sizes included, from UK 6 to 20 / US 2 - 16 / EUR 34 - 48 - you can see the measurements on the sizing chart.
This is how much fabric you'll need for Freya:
Sweater version:
1.4m (1 ½ yard) x 150cm (60in) wide
OR Sizes 1–6: 1.4m (1 ½ yard) x 115cm (45in) wide
OR Sizes 7–8: 2.1m (2 ¼ yard) x 115cm (45in) wide
- 0.3m (¼ yard) less for elbow-length sleeve version
- 0.4m (½ yard) more for cowl neck version
Dress version:
Sizes 1-4: 1.7m (1 7⁄8 yard) x 150cm (60in) wide
OR Sizes 5-8: 3m (3 ¼ yard) x 150cm (60in) wide
OR All sizes: 3m (3 ¼ yard) x 115cm (45in) wide
- 0.3m (¼ yard) less for elbow-length sleeve version
- 0.4m (½ yard) more for cowl neck version if your fabric is 115cm (45in) wide
I hope you like Freya! I'd love love love to see your Freya sweaters and dresses so, if you make one, please share a pic with us on Instagram @TillyButtons with the hashtags #StretchSewingBook and #SewingFreya so we can see it :)
To get your hands on Freya plus another five patterns, order your book from our online shop.
*****
Stretch! is published by Quadrille (Hardie Grant)
Fashion photography: Ellie Smith
Models: Zeena Shah / Alexandra Bruce / Emily Tan / Yasmin Elizabeth
Hair and make up: Danni Hooker
Styling: Andie Redman + Tilly Walnes
