SIf you could keep just one pattern in your project queue to get you through the first cold snaps, it would probably be this one: a sweatshirt. Easy to adjust, flattering on all body types, quick to sew in sweatshirt fleece, it works for all ages and sewing levels. At ikatee, the sweatshirt collection covers the whole family, from babies to moms, and this season there’s a brand-new favorite for kids: the LIVERPOOL pattern. We’ll show you why this garment deserves a prime spot in your handmade wardrobe, and how to sew it successfully.
Why a sweatshirt is THE pattern to have in your project queue
A sweatshirt has few pattern pieces, straight or gently curved seams, and a fabric (sweatshirt fleece, French terry) that is much more forgiving of small sewing imperfections than a stiff woven fabric. So it’s the perfect project to build your confidence between more technical patterns, while making a garment the whole family will actually wear again and again. Another advantage: the sweatshirt’s relaxed, timeless shape outlasts trends, and the same pattern can be endlessly adapted with different fabrics, prints and finishes (contrasting ribbing, a hood or stand collar, a visible gold zipper or a discreet one). You can sew several versions this season without ever feeling like you’re making the same garment twice.
LIVERPOOL, the zip-up sweatshirt kids love
A new addition to the collection, the pattern LIVERPOOL is a zip-up sweatshirt for children, available with a hood or a high collar, in sizes 3 to 12 years. Its real strength: several panel and color-blocking options let you play with contrasting fabrics, as in the multicolored patchwork version shown above, or stick to a timeless solid color for a more understated look. The sewing level is suitable for beginners who are comfortable sewing jersey, as well as more experienced sewists looking to try their hand at color-blocking. Available as a projector-friendly PDF or a paper pattern envelope, find it directly on the LIVERPOOL product page.
Our sewing tips for a successful LIVERPOOL
For a look like the photos, choose sweatshirt fleece or French terry with a nice brushed back, which is warmer than lightweight jersey, and save the ribbing (often sold to match) for the collar, cuffs, and hem: it gives the garment a lovely contrasting finish and keeps the hem from stretching out with wear. If you're trying color blocking, lightly interface the pieces that will hold the zipper to keep the jersey from shifting as you sew it in, and don't hesitate to hand-baste the zipper before stitching it by machine: with thick fleece, this little step prevents the dreaded “wavy zipper.”
And for the grown-ups? The matching VANCOUVER duo
Want matching sweatshirts for parent and child? Check out the pattern VANCOUVER, available in a women's version (sizes 32 to 52) and a children's version (VANCOUVER KIDS, ages 3-12), with a dedicated matching pattern to sew both at once. This cropped sweatshirt has an ultra-loose fit and can be made with or without sleeves, with or without a hood, to suit your mood and the season: a truly versatile wardrobe from a single pattern, for a matching family look that isn't too “much.” It's our favorite suggestion for taking the sweatshirt theme beyond the children's wardrobe.
The sweatshirt, even for babies: SINTRA
The collection hasn’t forgotten the little ones, with SINTRA, a unisex sweatshirt pattern for ages 6 months to 4 years. Its special feature is a button placket on the shoulder that makes dressing easier (a real bonus with a baby who doesn’t like tight necklines), plus optional whimsical pockets to add a twist to an otherwise very basic design. It’s the perfect companion to LIVERPOOL and VANCOUVER for dressing the whole family in coordinating fabrics, without ever sewing the same pattern twice.
More variations to discover in the collection
Want to go beyond the classic sweatshirt? The pattern JASMIN turns the same idea into a comfortable sweatshirt dress (for children, women in the MUM version, and matching mother-child outfits); CHARLIE offers a raglan hoodie for children with a more structured cut; and JULES reimagines the sweatshirt as a zip-up bomber jacket for boys, combining comfort and urban style. Plenty of ways to mix things up while keeping the same construction approach from one garment to the next.
Which fabric to choose for a sweatshirt that lasts
For your first sweatshirt, choose French terry or medium-weight fleece (around 280-320 g/m²): thick enough to keep you warm, yet supple enough to sew easily. Fabrics that are too thin tend to ripple at the shoulder seams, while those that are too thick strain the needle in areas with multiple layers (pocket, hood, zipper). Add solid or striped ribbing for the finishing touches: it gives the garment its visual structure and means you won’t need to sew a twin-needle hem on a fabric that can sometimes be tricky for beginners to topstitch neatly.
Baby, child, teen or adult: with LIVERPOOL, VANCOUVER, SINTRA, JASMIN, CHARLIE and JULES, there’s bound to be an ikatee sweatshirt pattern for your next sewing project. And so you don’t miss any key steps (attaching the ribbing, inserting the zipper, assembling the hood), Ikatee’s video tutorials walk you through every step: a good idea before you get started if this is your first piece in sweatshirt fleece.
