I first started developing this pattern in January of 2017. I was looking for a casual and sporty sweatshirt that would be really easy to sew but also had some interesting style lines. The final design is actually pretty similar to that original sweatshirt and I’m happy to say that over the last 20 months or so I’ve worn one almost every week.
Today is the first day of the Ali Sweatshirt sewalong and I’m kicking off by sharing a few similar ready-to-wear sweatshirts as inspiration. Even when you sew your own clothes, it can be helpful to see how certain styles are being styled or worn in the fashion industry.
The Ali Sweatshirt is a little different from a traditional raglan style because of the cropped length and the dolman style sleeves so I focused on finding images of that particular style for this inspiration board. The cropped length balances out the oversized fit of the body and pairs well with fitted bottoms with a high waist like leggings, skinny jeans, high waisted shorts or even a mini skirt. If you’re looking for a pattern to pair with your sweatshirt, I’d consider the Avery Leggings by Helen’s Closet, the Lander Pants by True Bias, or the Jenny Overalls/Shorts by Closet Case Patterns to name just a few. For more inspiration make sure to also check out the Ali Sweatshirt Tester Roundup.
Inspiration credits:
Top row, from left: Red Sweatshirt by Alice & Olivia // Blush Pink Sweatshirt by ASOS // Mint Green Sweatshirt by H&M
Bottom row, from left: Pink Sweatshirt by Urban Outfitters // Hunter Sweatshirt by Reformation // White Sweatshirt from Intermix
If you haven’t picked up your copy of the pattern, you can find it in the shop here. Tomorrow we will talk about selecting your size and printing your pattern. Full schedule below.
SEWALONG SCHEDULE
DAY 1 Inspiration – Monday, Sept 17
DAY 2 Selecting your Size & Printing your Pattern – Tuesday, Sept 18
DAY 3 Fabric & Supplies – Wednesday, Sept 19
DAY 4 Sewing the Yoke & Sleeves – Thursday, Sept 20
DAY 5 Assembling the Body – Monday, Sept 24
DAY 6 Neckline Binding – Tuesday, Sept 25
DAY 7 Sewing the under arm seams, cuffs and hem band – Wednesday, Sept 26
