I have recently fallen for the Grainline Studio’s Linden sweatshirt. I made my first version as a Christmas jumper in December, before quickly moving on to the adorable Pug version. it’s such a simple pattern that it is perfect to show off really special jersey fabric.
It has raglan sleeves and neck, collar and cuff bands and you can make it up in the same fabric, or combine them, as per these examples.
I recently bought the most gorgeous Robert Kaufman double knit jersey from Sewn in Bristol. I knew it had to be a Linden, as soon as I saw it. It is reversible and has a thermal type inside, which I did consider using for the cuffs, however, inspiration suddenly hit and I decided to use the reverse to appliqué a design on the front. The Linden is perfect for this as it is a wide expanse of space. My first thought was a simple star design so I got to work.
I used the double sided appliqué paper to cut out my design. I then ironed that onto the wrong side of the fabric (in this case the right side though!) and then ironed it on to the front panel of the shirt, making sure that I centralised it. I did this before constructing the top to make it easier.
You need to make sure that you let the fabric cool down for a good half an hour before using it. Once that was done, I ran a straight basting stitch around the edge of the star, to make sure that it was secure, and then I did a narrow zig zag at the edge. I did a few tests before hand, and this was the best way to ensure it didn’t stretch out.
I am in love with the finished result! So much so, that I bought some more of the fabric and made another version immediately!
For my latest version, I made view B, which has short sleeves and no waist band.
I decided to use a heart design on this one and I couldn’t be happier with it. I was unsure as to whether I would get much use out of a short sleeve jumper, but I have been throwing it on in the evenings during the summer and it is just perfect!
I’ve got some jersey with some French bulldogs on it and have my eye on some lovely cat jersey too, so there will definitely be some more Linden’s in my future!
* Also, if you don’t get the reference in the blog title, you have to check out this video – one of the funniest things I’ve seen!