These fashion sweatshirts have been popular for the last few years, and I have finally gotten around to stitching one up. I enjoy making garments that are interesting and different from what I find in department stores, and none of the thicker knits I was seeing really caught my eye. That is until I saw this awesome quilted cotton knit at Mood fabrics. (It has just recently sold out but they have other interesting quilted fabric, though currently none with stretch.) I loved the subtle city buildings at night print and the texture, and only needed to order a yard.
I used McCall’s 6992 for the pattern, which I chose because the sleeves and bodice looked somewhat fitted. I cut one size down from my normal big 4 pattern size, and the fit is spot on. For the sleeves I used black ponte from my stash and some fun black rib knit for the neck and sleeve bands. Although the quilted fabric is a knit, it was very prone to unraveling. I finished the side seams using the overlocking stitch on my machine, but the edges really stretched out and I had to aggressively press them into submission. The rest of the garment was finished with hand whip-stitching.
This design has a slight high-low hem to it. The dart on the top of the sleeves enable a close and flattering fit.
Here you can better see the texture of the quilted knit and the rib knit used at the neckline:
You’ll have to excuse the lack of pictures on an actual body. My baby boy is due in 3 weeks and this semi-fitted top just looked ridiculous stretched over my belly. You’re seeing it on my custom dressform, though, so this is how it will fit on me post pregnancy.