Today we’ll go over how to sew a sweatshirt using a FREE pattern – the Adult Classic Sweatshirt from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop. The pattern is free for Facebook Group Members (code in the pinned post at the top of the group) or for Newsletter Subscribers.
The Adult Classic Sweatshirt pattern was one of the first patterns I downloaded upon discovering Peek-a-Boo. I decided to give it a try after seeing it was free for Facebook Group members. After that point, I really got on board with printing out my own patterns (no more store-bought tissue patterns) at home and then I eventually switched over to a projector format which has been amazing!
What I love about Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop is that it never disappoints. The patterns are very well designed and well thought out for even the newest of beginners to approach. Peek-a-Boo has several Free Patterns available other than the adult classic sweatshirt. I would encourage anyone to come join the group and check it out for yourself! Today, I will walk you through how to sew the Adult Classic Sweatshirt using the pocket and hood options with cording. If you would like a simple or basic sweatshirt, you can always skip the pocket and hood and just do a basic neckband for a quick sew.
How to Sew a Sweatshirt Using the Adult Classic Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt Supplies:
- Peek-a-boo’s Adult Classic Sweatshirt Pattern
- French Terry fabric, Sweatshirt Fleece etc. for the main, a 50% stretch fabric for the cuffs and French Terry, Jersey, Fleece etc. for the pocket and hood lining pieces. (I used organic FT and Rib Knit).
- 1.5 yards Cording for the optional hood and two small squares of fusible interfacing
- Sewing machine, needle, thread and pins or clips
- Iron
We will be using a 1/2″ seam allowance unless otherwise noted. Let’s begin!
Step One: Optional Kangaroo Pocket Assembly
Skip to step two if omitting the kangaroo pocket. Fold the angled sides over 1/2″ towards the wrong side and press. Topstitch in place.
The angled sides have been topstitched. Now we will fold the top and sides in 1/2″ and press.
Center the pocket onto the front of the sweatshirt and pin in place.
Topstitch the top and sides that we just ironed to the front. Baste the bottom part of the pocket to the bottom of the front sweatshirt.
Step Two: Shoulders
With right sides together, clip or pin the front and back sweatshirt pieces together and sew using a 1/2″ seam allowance.
Step Three: Sleeve Assembly
Place the sleeves right sides together with the shoulder seams and clip or pin in place. Sew the sleeves on.
Step Four: Front and Back Assembly
With the right sides together, clip or pin the front and back sweatshirt pieces together. Sew from the edge of the sleeve down to the bottom of the sweatshirt to create one seam.
The body of the sweatshirt is now complete!
Step Five: Cuff Assembly
With right sides together, fold each cuff piece and clip or pin. Sew together.
With wrong sides together, fold the cuff in half so that the raw edges are aligned, and your seams are enclosed.
Slide the cuff over the sleeves, keeping the raw edges aligned. Clip or pin in place and sew the cuff to the sleeve.
Step Six: Band
Fold the band piece in half with right sides together and clip or pin. Sew along the pinned edge.
Fold the band in half with wrong sides together and your seam enclosed.
Slide the band onto the bottom of the sweatshirt and line up the seams. With raw edges aligned, pin or clip in place and sew the band on gently stretching as you go.
Band is now complete. *Tip-Using an iron over your seams may help with any waviness you may encounter.
Step Seven: Hood Assembly
Go ahead and grab your two square pieces of fusible interfacing. Iron them onto the backside of the outside hood pieces right behind the markings for the buttonhole or eyelet opening. I will be using a buttonhole opening for mine.
I went ahead and sewed my buttonhole openings onto each of the outside hood pieces.
With right sides together, place the mirrored hood pieces onto one another. Clip or pin in place and sew around the curve. We will do this for the lining and the outside hood pieces.
After sewing the lining and main hood pieces, we will place the hood lining inside the main hood piece with right sides together. Clip or pin in place and sew around.
Next, I pressed the edge of the hood to prepare for topstitching. Pull the outer hood piece just slightly over the lining piece. Topstitch the hood in place 1/2″ from the outer edge.
With right sides together, line up the hood seam with the middle back of the sweatshirt. Overlap the two front edges and clip or pin in place. Sew the raw edges to the neckline.
Next, we will grab our cording and a safety pin to thread it through our hood casing using the buttonhole openings.
Tie off the ends of the cording and I like to trim the ends as well.
The Adult Classic Sweatshirt is now complete!
The Adult Classic Sweatshirt is so comfortable, and the fit is great. I contemplated sizing up, but I’m glad I didn’t because as the pattern states, it is meant to be oversized and I definitely have some wiggle room which I prefer for myself. This pattern also features a fitted sleeve option if you prefer that verses the basic sleeve option like mine and this pattern can be used for men as well! If my husband was a hoodie guy, I’d make him one too. Luckily my younger brother is, and he works on a farm which means early chilly mornings. I think I’ll make one for him next! Who will you sew the Adult Classic Sweatshirt for?
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Thank you to Elisha for going over how to sew a sweatshirt with us today. If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy some of these:
