Olivia Sweatshirt

Designed by Posner and Posner, this relaxed pull-on can be popped into your beach tote, ready for when the night gets nippy. It’s a great next step for beginners looking to dip their toes into stretch knits, and sewers can master fitting sleeves and pockets, plus using an overlocker too. Why not finish yours with faux woven ties in a bright pop of colour?

Essentials

Fabric, 2m (150cm)
Cord or woven tape, 1m
Fusible interfacing, 25cm

Suggested fabrics

Knit fabrics with 5% stretch, such as French terry or cotton jersey

Sizes

8-24

Cutting guide

Front: cut one on the fold
Back: cut one on the fold
Collar: cut one on the fold from fabric, and one from fusible interfacing up to the centre fold line of the collar
Front neck facing: cut one on the fold from fabric and one on the fold of fusible interfacing
Back neck facing: cut one on the fold from fabric and one on the fold from fusible interfacing
Sleeve: cut two
Pocket: cut four

1.5cm seam allowance used throughout, unless otherwise stated.

Download the pattern, then print and follow the cutting guide. Cut fusible interfacing, 10cm x 15cm, and apply to the wrong side of the front centre top to reinforce the front opening. Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the front and back neck facing pieces. Pin the facings together at the shoulder seams and stitch, then trim and press the seam open. Neaten the edge of the facing using an overlocker or zig zag stitch.
Position the front facing piece onto the centre front, right sides together. Sew along the stitching line for the opening, pivoting at the bottom edge. Trim and clip into the corners. Turn the facing to the inside of the front and press the edge. With right sides together, pin the back to the front at the shoulder seams and stitch. Neaten the edge of the seam using an overlocker or zig zag stitch and press towards the back.
Apply fusible interfacing to half the collar, up to the centre line where the collar piece is folded. Fold the collar in half, right sides together, and pin and stitch across the ends. Trim the seam and turn the collar to the right side. Press the ends of the collar along the seam line, then press the collar in half with raw edges together. Pin the double edge of the collar to the neckline, matching the centre back and positioning the ends of the collar at the edge of the front opening.
Cut the cord or tape to the correct length for you and position under the collar at the marked position, either side of the front opening, slanting the end slightly so that it hangs towards the front. Pin the rest of the facing around the neckline over the top of the collar, matching the shoulder seams and the centre back.
Turn the front opening back on itself over the top of the collar. Stitch all round the neckline. Trim the seam and clip into the curves, then press the facing towards the wrong side and the collar standing up. Turn the facing at the front opening towards the inside. Understitch the back facing between the shoulder seams. Slip-stitch the facing to hold in positions at the shoulder seams.
With right sides together, position the pockets on the front and the back, then pin and stitch in place with a 5mm seam. Neaten the seam edge using an overlocker or zig zag stitch. Press the pockets away from the side seam. Pin the front to the back at the side seams and all around the pocket pieces, right sides together. Stitch from underarm to hem, pivoting at the top and bottom of the pockets. Neaten the seam edge using an overlocker or zig zag stitch, and press the seam and the pockets towards the front.
Pin the sleeves at the underarm seam, right sides together and matching the notches. Stitch from the wrist edge to the underarm. With right sides together, position the sleeves into the armhole and pin. Match the notches and note the marked position for the underarm sleeve seam. Sew around the sleeve head and neaten the seam edge using an overlocker or zig zag stitch. Press the seam towards the sleeve. Neaten the edges of the sleeve and the hem using an overlocker or zig zag stitch and turn up a 2.5cm hem on each. Press the hem fold, then stitch in place.