Crafting a Hoodie: The Preparation

So working in a fabric/craft shop has reawakened my crafty side. Now, before I allowed myself to jump into costume-piece sewing, I knew I'd have to develop my skills with something simpler (aka less fitted). Before I attempt to mess with darts and pleats and bias tape and who knows what else, I'd have to pick up something relatively simple.

Obligatory supply/workspace shot

I learned how to sew back when I was little, but beyond a couple pillows and draw-string bags, I never developed it further. Thankfully, what they say about bicycles also applies to sewing, and I managed to pick it back up with relatively few run-ins with cars as I cleaned off the rust. In addition to that, I've been applying my research-loving nature and been scowering all corners of the internet for tips and tutorials and videos and blogs. It's just like WoW hunter rotation research or figuring out optimal talent builds, just with thread and sewing machine feet and fabric.


However, I also understand the importance of ruffing out a design before committing to the final inking and coloring. I didn't want to use $30+ of fabric to 'practice' on and potentially ruin. The solution: Muslin! That or any nice and cheap fabric would work. I just got muslin to be traditional. I'll probably hit the clearance bins next time.

Click past the jump for pictures of the process!

I'd picked up a pattern fairly close to what I was looking for, so my first step was to simply follow the directions, using muslin as the fabric of choice. This isn't a tutorial, just a journal of my process, so I'm going to gloss over a lot of how-to details.

Muslin: The First

Results: Found the pattern was too long, draping well over my butt. Too big in the sleeves and too short in sleeve length, and I disliked the side pockets the pattern used. They seemed like the seams would pull apart too easily in an actual jacket.

Using an old favorite jacket that I had retired due to developing numerous holes, I modified the pattern, adding space for some rib-knit hems on the cuffs and bottom of the jacket, and tightening up sleeves and shortening the torso to sit properly.

Next step: Sew the new muslin mock-up and finalize trim patterns/measurements.