Sewing a sweater: With our instructions, sewing a sweatshirt is a breeze. And with our STEVIE sewing pattern, the sewing process works perfectly even for beginners.
The most important points at a glance
- In this post, I'll show you how you can easily sew a simple sweater
- With the STEVIE pattern, you can sew raglan sweatshirts in two lengths
- You'll learn which fabrics are suitable for sewing a sweater
- and what you should pay attention to during construction
- Sewing level: easy
- Sewing time: 1 afternoon
Without a sweater? Not me! Sweatshirts are among my absolute favorite items of clothing because they are so versatile, comfortable, and: easy to sew. Working with sweatshirt fabrics is so uncomplicated that even beginners can sew a dream-like sweater in no time at all and without much practice.
And with the huge selection of fabrics, you can certainly sew an infinite number of variations using one and the same pattern, so that no one would guess it's the same design.
YouTube tutorial: How to sew a sweater
Why should I sew a sweatshirt?
A sweatshirt is an uncomplicated, beginner-friendly sewing project that you can master in no time. With the right pattern, you determine not only the length of the hem and sleeves, but also the fabric type, the design, and the color of your new sweatshirt.
What fabrics can I use to sew a sweater?
Classic fabrics for all kinds of sweatshirt patterns are, of course, sweatshirt fleece and Alpine fleece. But knit fabrics and waffle-weave fabrics also work perfectly for most sweater designs. Here are a few examples of fabrics you can use to sew sweatshirts.
| Fabric | Processing notes | Source |
| Sweatshirt fleece | - stretchy and non-elastic fabrics available - sew with size 80 stretch needle - cut cuffs diagonally if necessary for more elasticity |
Order sweatshirt fleece* |
| Quilted fabric | - multi-layered - can be used on both sides - especially warm - sew with size 80 stretch needle |
Order quilted fabric* |
| Knit fabric | - stabilize edges with Vlieseline H609 for loosely knitted fabrics - process with an overlocker - Sewing tips: Sewing with knit fabric |
Order knit fabric* |
| Bouclé jersey | - fabric is often especially wide - reminds of teddy fabrics, but is thinner - process with a jersey needle, size 70-80 |
Order bouclé jersey* |
| French Terry | - available in different versions, e.g., with viscose - thinner than classic sweatshirt fleece - Sewing tips: Sewing with French Terry |
Order French Terry* |
| Nicki (Velour) | - particularly beautiful colors due to velvety surface - tame rolling edges with strips of Vlieseline H609 - if possible, process with an overlocker - Sewing tips: Sewing with Nicki fabric |
Order Nicki* |
| Sweatshirt knit | - soft and bi-elastic - visible stitch pattern on the back - can be used on both sides (e.g., for folded-out hems) - process with a narrow zigzag or overlocker |
Order sweatshirt knit* |
| Jacquard jersey | - elastic, light & soft - particularly sophisticated look due to structured surface - usually stable fabric edges, easy to process - size 80 stretch needle |
Order jacquard jersey* |
| Alpine fleece | - fluffy, soft & cozy - beginner-friendly because it is shape-retentive - can be processed with an overlocker or sewing machine - size 80 stretch needle |
Order Alpine fleece* |
Should I pre-wash the fabric for my sweatshirt?
A round in the washing machine is mandatory for every type of garment – naturally, only if the fabric is truly washable and does not require dry cleaning.
Sweatshirt fabrics can shrink by a few percent in the first wash, usually about 3-6 percent. During the wash, they not only release excess dye, but chemicals, anti-mold agents, finishes, and other substances are also washed out.
This is not only good for the fabric, as it reaches its final shape, but also good for you. Because harmful substances are introduced into the body through the skin. And what has been washed out can no longer harm you.
You should also wash the ribbing fabric for the sleeve cuffs and the neckband. You should, however, avoid ironing it, as the ribbing can become limp and shapeless as a result.
Recommended reading: Wash fabrics before sewing?
Which sewing thread should I use to sew a sweater?
When choosing sewing thread, you should check how elastic the fabric is. Very stretchy fabrics cry out for stretchy seams. You can manage this by using a seam that is inherently elastic, e.g., a narrow zigzag, or: by using an elastic sewing thread.
The highlight of elastic threads: You can work with a normal straight stitch on your sewing machine, and the seam remains stretchy. This means: When the fabric is stretched, the seam stretches with it – "normal" sewing threads often break in these cases. That's why Seraflex is a real discovery for us.
If you work with an overlocker, the seam is inherently elastic. You can therefore easily use normal overlock thread* and achieve a clean and durable result.
What do I need to consider when processing stretchy fabrics?
If you haven't worked with pullover fabrics yet, this project is a great opportunity to get some practice. Here are my best tips for sewing sweatshirt fleece & Co.:
- Use a suitable sewing machine needle: Jersey or stretch needles are perfect
- Stabilize sensitive fabric edges: Elastic seam tape or a strip of Vlieseline H609 is very well suited for this
- Start with cotton sweatshirt fleece: It is wonderfully easy to work with
- Sew with an overlocker: Fabric feeding works perfectly, and the edges are directly trimmed and finished while sewing
- Use a walking foot: This helps to feed thick fabric layers evenly through the sewing machine
- Use an elastic sewing thread: It stretches with the fabric, and you can use a normal straight stitch.
Which sewing pattern should I use to sew a sweatshirt?
For the start, look for a pattern marked "easy," "beginner-friendly," or "Level 1." If you don't have too much sewing experience yet, you'll be on the safe side with these. Once you've mastered one or two patterns, you can venture to the next level.
Important: Choose a pattern that really makes you hungry for sewing. That motivates you and increases the desire to finish the sweater with every step you take. :)
Recommended reading: Attaching cuffs
What do I need for sewing a sweater?
Besides the fabric, you primarily need your sewing machine and a bit of basic equipment:
- Sweatshirt fleece (or another fabric from the list of fabric recommendations)
- Ribbing fabric in the matching color
- Scissors*
- Sewing thread*
- Pins*
- Stretch needle* for the sewing machine
- Iron & ironing board
- Overlocker & sewing machine
More sweatshirt patterns from SewSimple
Conclusion: Sewing a sweatshirt is fun!
Even with little sewing experience, sewing a sweatshirt is an absolutely rewarding project. This is partly because the seams on sweat fabric often turn out really beautifully, as the fabric does not warp as easily when sewn, but also because you can find ribbing fabric perfectly matched to the sweat fabric everywhere. Not only does this look great, but it also makes the sweatshirt fit perfectly.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial and look forward to reading in the comments how your new sweatshirt turned out. :)
Happy simple sewing, Sabine
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