Pattern Review: Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio


Ever since I saw this pattern profiled on the Dress Up Party via Sew Sweetness, I was inspired by Peneloping’s creativity.

It seemed like I was seeing Grainline Studio patterns EVERYWHERE. Is it just me?

Scout Tees, Tiny Pocket Tanks, Cascade Duffle Coats, Maritime Shorts…

And the one I’ve been coveting.

The Linden Sweatshirt.

The style of this pattern collection is simple and classy. Very grown up.

Free Spirit Fabrics Anna Maria Horner Pretty Potent Knits GrassI had just ordered two yards of this fun Anna Maria Horner line called Pretty Potent Knits in Grass by Free Spirit Fabrics, and thought it would be perfect to try the Linden.

The PDF version of the pattern is $12, while the printed pattern is $16. I really should have shelled out the extra $4 for real tissue paper.

Moore Approved Linden Sweatshirt printed PDF pattern pages taped togetherNot sure if this happens to you, but it takes me FOREVER to tape together pattern pieces straight off the printer. And they’re never lined up perfectly. It drives me crazy!

This part of the process alone took me a couple of hours, and I still had to transfer my size onto separate pieces of tracing paper.

With something like a bag that doesn’t have large pattern pieces, I’m fine with printing and taping because it’s not hugely time consuming.

However, I’m finding that with clothing especially – it’s well worth it to get the paper pattern.

Moore Approved Linden Sweatshirt PDF pattern pages tracing paperThe Linden has nine pattern pieces total: front, back, two sleeves, two arm bands, neck band, and two waist bands.

Cutting out the pattern pieces took under an hour. With my two yards of fabric, I was left with approximately a half yard left over.

The instructions are relatively easy to understand and there are helpful illustrations sprinkled throughout.

I cut a size 6 and the fit seems to work with my body type. The garment isn’t swimming on me, but is loose enough to be very comfortable.

Moore Approved Linden Sweatshirt Grainline Studio Anna Maria Horner Pretty Potent Knits Grass Head ShotI’m growing increasingly comfortable with my serger, and used it to sew all of my seams. Yes, ALL OF THEM. You do have to be careful when feeding fabric into it though, to make sure that you’re not catching sections of it you DON’T want in there. I like to go slow and constantly check my seams.

My sewing machine was used for the following steps:

  • Joining the ends of the arm bands, neck band, and waist bands
  • Basting neck band to neckline
  • Topstitching neckline right under the seam, to keep the seam allowance from flipping up

For topstitching the neckline, I tried this two ways – a straight stitch (stretching the fabric) and a tiny zigzag. I liked the appearance of the straight stitch slightly better, but it did stretch out the neckline slightly. Moving forward, I think I’ll stick with the zigzag.

Moore Approved Linden Sweatshirt Grainline Studio Anna Maria Horner Pretty Potent Knits Grass Full ShotOut of all of the clothing I’ve made, the Linden Sweatshirt is by far one of the fastest to construct. Cutting fabric and sewing took about four hours for the first attempt.

I liked the Linden so much, I made two more the following weekend using knit yardage I purchased from Craftsy at a great deal!

This fabric is Courage from the Wish Everlasting line by Valori Wells.

Moore Approved Linden Sweatshirt Courage Wish Everlasting Valori Wells fabric head shotAnd I even tried a more stretchy knit, and the fit still seems spot on. This fabric is called Vintage Rose, and it’s 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex.

Moore Approved Linden Sweatshirt Vintage Rose fabric blue purple torsoTo be more efficient with my time, I made these two at the same time – taking about four hours to complete both.

(Note: I always prewash fabric that will be used to make clothing)

Since making the sweatshirts, I’ve worn each of them multiple times and like that I can whip them up relatively quickly. I also think they’d make great gifts in fun prints.

Moore Approved Linden Sweatshirt Vintage Rose fabric blue purple headshotPattern designer Jen even has a tutorial on how to applique your Linden with a fun phrase or word. There are so may possibilities and ways you can really personalize/customize the sweatshirt. A higher end substrate would give it the appearance of a dressier sweater.

Happy to report that the Linden Sweatshirt gets the Moore Approved seal!

-Jennifer


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