One Pattern, Three Fabrics

Sweatshirt Knits

Sweatshirt knits are thicker and more stable than jersey knits. Their stretch can vary, so pay attention to the fabric description while planning your project. You can find sweatshirt knits in many different blends, from cotton to polyester or hemp. Rayon will add some drape. The fleece on the inside of a traditional sweatshirt knit is brushed for an extra-cozy texture that is soft against the skin. You can sew sweatshirt knits just as you would any other knit project—you’ll probably find that their extra stability makes for an easy sew!

The Skipper sweatshirt sewn in sweatshirt fleece.

1 | Beefy cotton fleece in black

This classic 100% cotton fleece will make the ultimate sweatshirt, $12.00/yard from The Confident Stitch.

2 | Sweatshirt fleece in bubblegum fleck

This cotton and polyester blend is pale pink and very soft, with fun flecks of color, $10.00/yard from Imagine Gnats.

3 | Sweatshirt fleece in heather navy

This cotton, polyester, and lycra blend makes a very soft sweatshirt, $12.99/yard from Style Maker Fabrics.

International sources for sweatshirt knits: AU, CH, FR

French Terry

This cozy knit is a dream to wear. French terry is a soft knit that is heavier than jersey but more forgiving than sweatshirt knits. It has loops on the wrong side and is smooth on the right side. A very comfortable fabric, French terry remains cozy in cold weather and helps wick moisture in the hotter months. Look for rayon blends for an extra soft drape and bouncy body. Soy blends are more prone to be pill-free, and hemp blends often have added texture.

The Skipper sweatshirt sewn in terry.

1 | Organic soy French terry in wine

This soy knit has a great recovery and resists pilling, for a sweatshirt that will last, $25.00/yard from The Confident Stitch.

2 | French terry in Dazzle Night

Atelier Brunette has a stellar collection of French terry fabric, $NZ49.80/meter from Miss Maude Sewing.

3 | Organic soy French terry in aubergine

This cotton terry is oh-so-soft and comes in several gorgeous colors, $25.00/yard from The Confident Stitch.

International sources for French terry: AU, FR, NZ, UK

Textured Knits

The Skipper sweatshirt works best with medium-weight knits. If you want to put a creative spin on your sweatshirt, skip the traditional sweatshirt fleece and look for medium-weight textured knits, like sherpa, brushed knits, and sweater knits. For help sewing knit fabrics with texture, read this article.

The Skipper sweater sewn in a sherpa knit.

1 | Boucle sweater knit

This boucle knit textured on the right side of the fabric, for a statement sweatshirt, $14.99/yard from Style Maker Fabrics.

2 | Brushed sweater knit in heather charcoal

This fabric is as soft as French terry but much more lightweight, $14.99/yard from Style Maker Fabrics.

3 | Brushed sweater knit in wine

This brushed sweater knit is almost like an inside-out sweatshirt knit, because it is soft and fuzzy on the outside, and flat on the inside, $14.99/yard from Style Maker Fabrics.

International sources for textured knits: CH, FR, NZ, UK