16 March 2018

Stretch Patterns - Say Hello to Stella!

Stella hoodie + joggers - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons

My new book Stretch! is all about making yourself comfortable sewing knit fabrics... and what could be more comfy than a snuggly hoodie and joggers? Not much!

Meet the Stella hoodie and joggers sewing patterns. Everyone needs homemade loungewear so you can feel smug at your stitching skills even while chillaxing on the sofa. Just be aware that once you put these on, you won't want to take them off!

Stella hoodie + joggers - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons
Stella hoodie + joggers - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons

The hoodie is easy-fitting without being too baggy, with contemporary drop shoulders and full-length cuffed sleeves. The three-piece drawstring hood has a separate lining that looks great in a contrast fabric.

The joggers are low-rise with a modern tapered fit. They feature an elasticated drawstring waistband, ankle cuffs, plus essential in-seam pockets!

If you want warm and cosy, make them in sweatshirt fleece or French terry. Your sewing machine needs to be quite strong to sew over multiple layers of thick fabric - you could choose a lighter-weight jersey for the hoodie lining and joggers pocket facings so they’re not so bulky. Try a contrast fabric for a pop of colour or print.

Alternatively you could sew your Stellas (including the lining and facings) in ponte, double knit or medium-weight jersey or interlock to create a lighter, drapier silhouette. Or how about stretch velvet or velour if you want strokeable?

Stella hoodie dress - sewing pattern from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons
Stella hoodie dress - sewing pattern from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons

It's easy to turn your hoodie into a dress. I've made one of these in black ponte with turquoise drawstrings and long sleeves, and I practically live in it at home!

Another variation is to leave off the sleeves. The drop shoulder bodice creates a casual almost-cap style.

Plus there's a pattern piece in the book for adding a cute kangaroo pocket to your hoodie or dress, so you can warm your hands or stash your phone with ease.

Stella hoodie + joggers - sewing patterns from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons

There are six patterns 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.

The patterns come in 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 your Stellas:

Hoodie:
Main fabric - 1.6m (1 ¾ yard) x 150cm (60in) wide OR 2.4m (2 5⁄8 yard) x 115cm (45in) wide
- 0.3m (3/8 yard) less for sleeveless version
- Around 0.3m (3/8 yard) extra for the dress, depending on how long you want to make it
Hood lining - 0.6m (5⁄8 yard) x 150cm (60in) wide or 115cm (45in) wide
Kangaroo pocket - 0.25m (1/4 yard) extra

You'll also need 1.4m (1 ½ yard) of cord, jersey yarn or flat cotton tape for the drawstring, a small piece of iron-on knit interfacing, a large safety pin, thread, and a buttonhole foot for your sewing machine.

Joggers:
1.5m (1 5/8 yard) x 150cm (60in) wide
OR Sizes 1–4: 1.9m (2 yard) x 115cm (45in) wide
OR Sizes 5–8: 2.3m (2 ½ yard) x 115cm (45in) wide

You'll also need your hip measurement in 5cm (2in) wide elastic, 1.6m (1 ¾ yard) of cord, jersey yarn or flat cotton tape for the drawstring, thread, and a small piece of iron-on knit interfacing.

If you want to make the cuffs and joggers waistband in a contrast fabric or ribbing, you'll need 15cm (6in) for the cuffs and 17cm (7in) for the waistband.

Stella hoodie dress - sewing pattern from Stretch book - Tilly and the Buttons

I can't wait to see your Stella hoodie and joggers! Please share your pics with us on Instagram @TillyButtons with the hashtags #StretchSewingBook and #SewingStella so we can admire your creations!

Want to make some Stellas? Order your book from our online shop today.

*****
Stretch! is published by Quadrille (Hardie Grant)
Fashion photography: Ellie Smith
Models: Zeena ShahYasmin Elizabeth
Hair and make up: Danni Hooker
Styling: Andie Redman + Tilly Walnes