Tuesday 30 January 2018

Men's Jumper


This is my final handmade Christmas present of 2017: a men's jumper. After making a shirt for my Dad's birthday last year (which he still wears and is still one of my favourite makes for others!) I offered to make him a jumper. During the summer, he chose a lovely knit fabric from a haberdashery we came across, and asked me to sew him a jumper out of it. Although it took me an embarassingly long time to actually get on with it, once started it was a quick and easy project and completed in time for Christmas.


Finding a pattern was definitely the hardest part of this project. I know that there are quite a few men's patterns out there, but the difficult part is finding them! I would love any recommendations that you have. There is a great round up of patterns here, but unfortunately the guide came out after I made this jumper! I will definitely be having a look through this next time though. The problem I was faced with was finding a mens jumper pattern which did not feature raglan sleeves, no hoodies, had cuffs etc. My favourite one I came across was the Paxson jumper, but it has raglan sleeves, which was a feature that was clearly pointed out should not be part of the success criteria! After a lot of research, I actually decided to use a t-shirt pattern and bought the Oliver + S men's Metro t-shirt pattern. I actually think it worked really well. I sewed it with a slightly smaller seam allowance to allow for the thicker than intended fabric, and also added cuffs at the end. I wasn't sure wether or not to add a waistband, and this might still be something I will add on my next one, although it does work well with just a hem.


Although the colour of the fabric is showing up quite well in these photos, I would say it is slightly duller in real life. Because of this, upon purchasing the fabric my Dad asked me to add in a pop of colour - orange, to be precise (probably inspired by these!). I was faced with the dilemma of wanting to keep the jumper a surprise for Christmas but wanting to make it wearable, so I compromised: my Dad chose the fabric and style, but didn't see the fabric made into a jumper until Christmas day. I really like the extra touch of orange, which is just a small amount of bias tape folded and sewn into the side seam. It's hardly noticeable but is a nice detail and makes it both more interesting and more unique.

10 comments:

  1. This looks fab. I love the little orange highlight it makes it look very unique!

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  2. Your dad must have been thrilled. I love the orange pop of colour - such a tiny detail but it makes all the difference to how special it feels. My husband has a navy shirt with a small amount of orange piping inside the shirt neck, so it's really only visible at the front where the top button is left open, but that detail makes it one of my favourites!

    And I agree, male patterns are so hard to find - I'm currently looking for a hoodie for my son - the link you put in shared a few, so thank you for that!

    Florence x

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  3. This looks fantastic! I have seen many bloggers (myself included) that have been very reluctant to sew up men's clothing. I'm so impressed. You are fearless and tackle all kinds of sewing projects at such a young age.

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  4. what a lovely gift. I'm sure he was delighted and will wear, great work!

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  5. like your small colour pop! nice finish on your neckline. he must be delighted with his new bespoke sweater

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  6. Your dad is a lucky man! I really like the little orange tab, such a great idea to make something already special (because you made it) even more special. I have yet to sew something for the adult men in my life (husband and teenage son)... I might get some measurements and get on with it soon.

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  7. I think your thoughtful gift for your father looks great! As far as sewing patterns for men, I like Burda (the individual pattern envelopes). Ottobre magazine also has a wonderful family magazine with lots of great menswear.

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  8. Your Dad is one lucky fella with that BEAUTIFUL chambray shirt as well. You're very generous with your sewing time. I recently finished a knitted cable jumper for my other half. 10 months of work so never again!! Sensible move with sewing one instead.

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  9. Finding mens' patterns is really hard; thanks for sharing the link. Your dad's jumper looks great - he must have been really pleased.

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