How to sew knit sweat shorts - Summer Sweatsuit Sewalong

How to sew knit sweat shorts - Summer Sweatsuit Sewalong

Hello sew-friends! The Summer Sweatsuit sewalong is starting off with a video! Both the tank top and shorts from the Summer Sweatsuit are fairly easy to sew, so I decided to just do one video about each. This week, I’m showing you how to sew the knit sweat shorts and next week will be the tank top. I'll be reviewing the pattern pieces, chatting a little bit about fabric and most importantly, showing the step-by-step process of sewing the shorts.

To learn more about the Summer Sweatsuit, check out the introductory blog post. To buy your own copy of the pattern, head over to the shop.

New pattern launch! Introducing the Summer Sweatsuit

New pattern launch! Introducing the Summer Sweatsuit pdf sewing pattern by Sew DIY

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!

Sew DIY Summer Sweatsuit pattern views

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.

Summer Sweatsuit size chart

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.

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
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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!