Say hello to our brand new sewing pattern - the Drew sweatshirt! Speedy to sew, and an absolute DELIGHT to wear, we think you're going to be as obsessed with this pattern as we are.
This pattern is the perfect introduction to sewing with stretch knit fabrics - whether you make it on a regular sewing machine (with a zigzag stitch) or on an overlocker (serger) is up to you!
But wait, there's more! We’ve also created an online workshop to accompany the pattern - Sew a Sweatshirt on an Overlocker or Serger. This course will teach you how to whip up stretch knit garments with confidence on an overlocker or serger - without resorting back to your sewing machine!
So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let us fill you in on everything you need to know about Drew...
THE PATTERN DESIGN
Cute and cosy, Drew has an oversized fit with deep raglan sleeves, cinched in at either the natural waist or mid-hip with a stretchy ribbed hem band. Keep it simple with one solid colour or print, or let your creativity loose by making the optional multi-piece colour block sleeve (great for scrap busting!).
Throw the hip-length sweatshirt on over leggings for home working and workouts, or make a cute weekend outfit by pairing the cropped-length version with high waisted jeans.
GET THE DREW SEWING PATTERN
THE ONLINE WORKSHOP
In our new online workshop, Sew a Sweatshirt on an Overlocker or Serger, Tilly guides you step-by-step through sewing the Drew sweatshirt entirely on an overlocker (AKA "serger"). The workshop covers:
- Choosing suitable materials
- Cutting stretch knit fabrics to avoid twisted garments
- Adjusting your overlocker's settings to suit sweatshirt fabrics
- Working with ribbing
- Attaching a stretchy neckband, hem band and cuffs
- Time-saving techniques for speedy serging
- Customising your sweatshirt with faux flatlocking and a ribbed V insert
The workshop features 14 video lessons, that you can watch whenever and wherever you like, as many times as you like, and with no deadlines. The Drew PDF pattern is included in the workshop, or you can upgrade to the option which includes a paper pattern too.
If you already know the basics of threading your overlocker and adjusting the settings, this class is the perfect next step to put that theory into practice!
But if you and your overlocker aren't quite BFFs yet, you can sign up for our two-course bundle which includes our bestselling introductory class Make Friends with an Overlocker or Serger, as well as the brand new Sew a Sweatshirt on an Overlocker or Serger.
Join the workshop
Haven't taken an online workshop before? It's like participating in a structured sewing course, but with loads of added benefits. You can see the sewing up close, and pause and rewind the videos as many times as you like, with no deadlines. It's a fraction of the cost of attending an in-person class, plus it has the added benefit of being super convenient as you don't even need to leave the house to do it.
SEW A SWEATSHIRT ON AN OVERLOCKER OR SERGER
SIZING + FORMATS
The Drew pattern is available in either printed or PDF format in 15 sizes - UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62.
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.
Order the printed sewing pattern and we'll send you a beautiful package in the post, with a full-colour instruction booklet. Made in the UK, our patterns are printed on durable paper which you can use again and again without it tearing or scrunching up.
Order the PDF and you'll get an email straight after purchase with a file to either print and assemble at home on A4 or Letter size paper, or send to a copyshop or pattern printer to print full scale on A0. The Drew PDF pattern includes layered sizes too, so you can print just the sizes you want - yay!
FABRICS + SUPPLIES
Drew is designed to be sewn up in a low stretch sweatshirt fleece or French terry (AKA loopback) for the bodice and sleeves, with ribbing for the neckband, hem band and cuffs.
You'll also need:
- 0.6m (⅝yd) ribbing (at least 90cm [1yd] wide unfolded)
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine OR overlocker (serger), plus basic tools, incl ballpoint machine needle if you’re using a regular sewing machine (a walking foot can also be helpful)
You'll find the full fabric requirements on the Drew page on our online shop.
SHOW US WHAT YOU MAKE
We can't wait to see your Drew sweatshirts! We always love seeing your makes and progress shots so don't forget to tag us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #SewingDrew so we can see your lovely creations 😍
*****
Fabrics: Minerva Core Range Melange Fleece Back Sweatshirt in shades "bright pink", "marine" and "dark damson"; Minerva Core Range Fleece Back Sweatshirt in "ivory"; Minerva Core Range Melange Ribbing in shades "bright pink" and "dark damson"
Models: Sinead Dekker and Lynne Mcleod
Photographer: Jane Looker
Hair and make up: Laura Anne at The Bridal Stylists
Samples sewn by Susan Young
