We're so excited for you to meet our latest sewing pattern - and it's a goodie! Photographed before lockdown and available as an instant digital download, we're delighted to introduce the Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit.
With modern details and a flattering shape, you'll feel cool as a cucumber in the Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit. We've had our sights on releasing a new jumpsuit pattern for a while now because they're fuss-free and super stylish at the same time. And we think Alexa is no exception!
With optional flap pockets, two different sleeve finishes and leg lengths, there are loads of options available for you to make the jumpsuit or playsuit of your dreams.
We know you're going to love her just as much as we do. Read on to find out more...
Alexa has a button-front bodice with a curved V-neckline, subtle forward shoulder seam, and blousy waist cinched in with an external waist channel and tie. The relaxed waist makes this super comfy to wear as you can adjust the tie throughout the day. It also has grown-on sleeves and no trouser fly, making her relatively speedy to sew - yay! Make Alexa as a jumpsuit with ankle-length, easy-to-fit peg-style trousers, or as a playsuit that's perfect for hot summer days.
The best bit about wearing a jumpsuit is - like a dress - you don't have to pair it with anything. You can pop on one item of clothing and you're ready to take on the world!
THE SEWING PATTERN
Our award-winning sewing patterns feature clear instructions with step-by-step colour photos to guide you through the project. The pattern pieces themselves are clearly labelled so you can see which seam is which and how they go together.
We've labelled the Alexa jumpsuit as suitable for confident beginners. If you've made one or two beginner projects before, you'll be ready to make Alexa. Trust us, you've got this!
The sleeves on the Alexa jumpsuit are grown-on sleeves, meaning they don't need to be inserted separately - wahey! The trickiest part of the make is sewing the buttonholes, however, we've got some extra blog and video resources to hold your hand for this step. And speaking of blog posts, we'll also publish a fitting post which will cover the most common alterations you may want to do for this pattern. Check out our dedicated Alexa resources page for additional fitting and sewing blog posts, and our Youtube channel to access videos on how to sew one-step and four-step buttonholes.
Due to the current situation with Covid-19 and are reduced shipping capacity, we've decided to release the Alexa jumpsuit as a digital pattern only. Upon purchase, you'll receive an email in an instant with a PDF to download. You can either print it at home on A4 or Letter size paper and stick the sheets together, or send the A0 version to a copyshop or pattern printer to print full scale.
If you need some additional guidance on printing digital patterns at home, we have a blog post which talks you through the process.
If you'd like to print and A0 pattern, there are numerous companies in the UK who offer a large-scale pattern printing service. Try Wild Orchard, The Fold Line, Fabric Godmother, Netprinter, and Patternsy. Some of these companies delivery internationally so it's worth checking their delivery information if you're based outside the UK.
SIZING AND SUPPLIES
The Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit is available in our extended size range, which includes ten sizes, from UK 6 – 24, US 2 – 20, or EUR 34 – 52. You can see the exact body measurements on the sizing chart.
Alexa is designed for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape such as linen, chambray, viscose (rayon), lyocell (Tencel), cotton lawn, double gauze and crepe de chine. You'll be able to achieve countless different looks and styles depending on the fabric used. Choose a viscose, linen or double gauze to keep cool in the summer, or opt for cotton chambray to create an on-trend boiler suit inspired look.
In addition to your gorgeous fabric, you'll need interfacing, buttons for the bodice and additional buttons for the pocket flaps and sleeve tabs if you're adding them. For a full list of supplies needed for Alexa, check out the shop page for more details.
As always, Louise, our office fashionista, is working on a fabric and general inspiration post for Alexa, to be published soon. Keep an eye out for this as they're always packed with gorgeous fabrics and will be sure to get your creative juices flowing!
Excited to stitch up the Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit? Grab it from our online shop :)
We always love seeing your makes and progress shots so don't forget to tag us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #SewingAlexa so we can see your lovely creations.
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Author: Nikki Hoar
Photographer: Jane Looker
Models: Alice Irvine and Selena Singh
Hair and Makeup: Laura Anne
Blue Tencel chambray: Oh! Sew (gifted)
Black viscose linen: Stone Fabrics
Tropical rayon challis: Minerva Crafts
As always, thank you to our amazing testers for your input xx
