Summer Sweatsuit Tester Roundup

Last week, I released a brand new sport/lounge wear pattern, the Summer Sweatsuit. This vintage-inspired sweatsuit consists of a racerback tank with a curved hem and mid-rise short shorts. You can learn more about it in the introduction post.

One of the most essential steps in creating a pattern for release to the public is testing the pattern, both the instructions and the actual pattern pieces. I have so much gratitude for all of my testers and their willingness and enthusiasm to try out a new pattern. So, today I’m sharing a few photos from my group of amazing testers. Hopefully, you will be as inspired by them as I have been.

Kirsten from @readrunsew sewed up a super fun animal print and hot pink Summer Sweatsuit and has already taken it to the beach. She had this to say about the pattern:

“What’s not to love about the Summer Sweatsuit pattern?! It’s a super fast sew, with minimal pattern pieces, minimal fabric required. And it fills the gap of sweatsuit substitute when the weather is hot. I have been wearing mine around the clock: around the house, to the beach, walking the dogs, as PJs... Great as separates or together, this set has fast become a staple in my wardrobe.”

I love Alene’s matching Summer Sweatsuit set. Make sure to check her out on IG at @alenesews. She had this to say about the pattern:

“The tank has THE perfect curved hem and I love that I can get the comfiest set of lounge wear and active wear from one pattern! The Summer Sweatsuit from Sew DIY will easily become your go to when you need to whip up some warm weather clothing!”

Left photo: I love how Beth tied the hem of her tank in a knot. I’ve found that it’s fairly easy to tie a knot when the fabric is lightweight. Make sure to check out Beth on IG at @craftingacapsule.

Right photo: I love Kelly’s matching red sweatsuit set. Make sure to check her out at @holdonimtrying.

Chantelle says that the Summer Sweatsuit is “Perfect for lounging during lockdown!” and I couldn’t agree more. Check her out on IG @yarnmum.

Meghan from @m.keder writes this about the Summer Sweatsuit: ”I've been living in this set since it came off the sewing machine, it's just so comfortable.”

Kristi from @delightfullykristi is one of my long time testers and she tested the racerback tank top. She had this to say about the pattern:

“Not only is the racer back tank cute and comfy, but it fits perfectly and it is super quick and easy to sew up! I will definitely be making more!!”

Melissa from @floating_lis made the tank top from the Summer Sweatsuit. I love the retro inspired print she used.

Left photo: Erin-Jo from @sewerinjo made this adorable matching Summer Sweatsuit set. She wrote this about the pattern:

”Sew DIY did it again - another great pattern!  This adorable two-piece set is so versatile .. depending on your fabric choice, you can make loungewear, “jammies”, workout wear, or comfy pieces to mix-and-match into your existing wardrobe! My first set is a definite winner .. now to get going on the next set! 💗”

Right photo: Chloe from @chlo_thing had this to say:

“A great set which can be worn together for a sporty summer look or as separates, making it super versatile! Quick and easy to sew - I especially love the way the tank is constructed to make the racer back.”

Cynthia from @CreatedByIttyBitty had this to say about the Summer Sweatsuit: “I love the fit of the Summer Sweatsuit, the rise of the shorts is great on me and I love that it sews so quickly.”

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Summer Sweatsuit PDF Pattern

$14.00

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I went to send a BIG thank you to all of my amazing testers for helping bring this pattern into the world. You’re the best!!

For more Summer Sweatsuit inspiration (and to share your own!), check out #sewdiysummer on Instagram. You can learn more about the Summer Sweatsuit here.

Make sure to also check out the Summer Sewalong for lots of helpful blog posts about sewing with knit fabrics. Explore the sewalong here or in the links below.

New pattern launch! Introducing the Summer Sweatsuit

Today, I’m very excited to announce the launch of the Sew DIY Summer Sweatsuit pattern. This vintage-inspired sweatsuit is equally suited for all your summer activities whether that be sports, lounging or even sleeping. I know for many of us (myself included), that staying at home this year has inspired us to get extra cozy with our clothing. After spending months in our comfiest clothes, constricting and scratchy garments just can not be tolerated anymore. This pattern is the answer for what to wear when you want to be comfortable and it’s crazy hot outside.

The Summer Sweatsuit is a 2-for-1 pattern featuring a full-coverage racerback tank and mid-rise short shorts. Watch the video above for all the details on this new sportswear pattern. (If you the video doesn’t work for some reason, you can watch on YouTube.) I hope that you love this pattern as much as I do!

ABOUT THE SUMMER SWEATSUIT PATTERN

The Summer Sweatsuit pattern gives you an entire outfit that you can wear separately or together. The Summer tank top has a full coverage racerback style with a medium-scoop neck and curved hem. It's designed to be fitted at the bust and skim over the waist and hips in a swing style. The neckline and armholes are finished with self-fabric bands. 

The shorts feature an elastic waistband and a high cut curved leg opening. There are no side seams in the shorts, making them extra comfortable on sensitive skin. If short-shorts aren’t your thing, the pattern shows you how to lengthen the legs of the shorts. These garments are quick-to-sew so that you can get back to summer in no time.

Sizing for the Summer Sweatsuit pattern

The sizing for this pattern uses the Sew DIY sportswear size chart (also used for the Ali Sweatshirt). The pattern is drafted for bust/hip sizes 32-58 inches (81-147 cm) and a C-cup bust. To support our #sewingtall community, we also draft for a height of 5’10”, however it’s easy to adjust the length to suit your preferences.

The instruction booklet that comes with the pattern also includes three pages of advice for common pattern adjustments and alterations.

You can learn more about our size charts here.

Fabric and supplies

For the tank top, we recommend light to medium-weight knit fabric with at least 20% 2-way stretch, such as jersey, bamboo, modal knits.  

For the shorts, we recommend medium-weight knit fabric with at least 35% 4-way stretch, such as jersey, French terry, athletic or ponte knit fabric.  

Additionally, you’ll need a ballpoint or jersey needle and matching thread. If you’d like to finish your garments with a twin needle, you’ll also need that. For the shorts, you’ll need 1.25” (3 cm) wide knit elastic. If you’d like to use a different width of elastic, the pattern includes advice on how to adjust the waistband to fit.

If you’re having trouble sourcing elastic, we have some in the shop. The 1.25” wide elastic is the perfect size for both the Summer Sweatsuit shorts and for our Lela Skirt pattern. This elastic is pre-shrunk and made in the USA. Check it out here.

Summer Sweatsuit PDF Pattern

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Sewalong

Over the coming weeks, I'm planning to share video sewalongs for the both the tank and shorts as well as a few pattern hacks. In the meantime, I’ve gathered all of the existing blog posts that will help you sew this pattern. These posts include tips for sewing with knits, how to thread a serger, adjust serger tension, sew a knit neck band and use a twin needle. Check them out below or click here to visit the Summer Sweatsuit sewalong page.

Summer Sweatsuit PDF Pattern

$14.00

Add to cart

I hope that you love this pattern as much as I do. It’s really quick to sew, doesn’t use a lot of fabric and is so comfortable that you’ll be wanting to wear your Summer set all day and night. To celebrate the launch, we are offering 20% off this pattern with code HELLOSUMMER. Offer expires Wed., August 26, 2020 at midnight, Pacific time.

Click here to grab your copy of the pattern. Happy sewing!