When this Dinosaur Brushed Back Sweatshirt by Stof Fabrics arrived I couldn't wait to sew it up into something for my boys. Made by Jacks Mum do a fantastic selection of childrens patterns and the Adventurer Raglan Sweatshirt was perfect for this fabric. I used plain black ribbing for the neckband, waistband and cuffs.
I cut out an Age 3 and an Age 5. One of the great things about MBJM pdf patterns is that you can turn off the layers for the sizes that you are not going to sew which makes sticking together and cutting out the pieces much easier. Also each size is printed in a different colour.
Before I started sewing I tested my overlocker settings on some scraps of fabric and the seam did not lay flat. I changed the differential feed on my overlocker to 1.5 and this solved the problem.
These sweatshirts were a dream to sew, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. It features raglan sleeves which are nice and straightforward, much easier than normal set in sleeves.
I divided each of the bands and cuffs into quarters and marked with pins and then did the same with the neck, sleeves and bottom of the sweatshirt. I find it easier to attach the bands and cuffs more evenly by doing this.
The cuffs were quite small, especially on the Age 3 sweatshirt. I struggled to put them over the outside of the sleeve and sew, so instead I turned the sweatshirt inside out and then put the cuffs inside the sleeve, pinned and sewed.
On my sewing machine I topstitched around the neck using a twin needle. It was quite bulky where the sleeves attached to the body pieces so I used my hump jumper here to help prevent skipped and uneven stitches.
I really enjoyed sewing these sweatshirts and they look great on.
