Elevation Hoodie

I first saw a glimpse of this pattern on a Facebook pattern photography page what seems like forever ago but was actually only the 1st February! I instantly fell in love with it and started stalking the designer's Facebook group for more details.  After a couple more teaser photos and even a naming contest a tester call was finally released on the 20th.  I was selected to test the 2T but with my boys going through a matching phase, I just knew I had to sew them both one so also made the 4T

I love the style of this hoodie, it's nicely different to most patterns already available, with the stylish 'V' colour blocking already worked out, the welt pockets and the crossover hood.  The pattern does also include instructions for making and adding an asymmetric drawstring to the hood but sadly due to UK laws, I am unable to add this for under 7's so had to leave it off.  

The pattern is a PDF and requires you to print 25 pages for all sizes (6-12m right up to age 16!) comprising of 15 pattern pieces, most of which need cutting twice so 22 fabric pieces in total!  It has layers so you can turn off any sizes you don't require to save ink.  You also need to select the A4 borders layer if printing A4.  

It is designed for sweatshirt fleece, fleece, french terry or other heavy knits.  I used up-cycled sweatshirt fleece from hoodies from the sale rail at the charity shop and used a 94/6 Cotton Lycra for the cuffs, welt pockets and bottom bands. Due to the sewing of the 'v's and the welt pockets ​I would call this an intermediate pattern. It does take a while to sew but is totally worth the time and effort in my opinion.  I made the 2T and the 4T and the only modifications I made from the pattern was to topstitch the 'V's

Once you have all the pattern pieces cut out, you then have to work out which pieces need cutting from which fabric.  I used 4 fabrics plus interfacing in both of these.  There is a guide to cutting on page 6 of the instructions to help. I found it easiest to separate the pattern pieces by the letters printed on them (A, B, C to represent the different layers) and put 1 pile of pieces on each fabric ready to cut.   Once they were all cut out, I then laid them out in the configuration they would be in when sewn to make sure I had them all and all in the right colours too.  

The first sewing steps are the construction of the panels, the instructions are pretty clear but it is a little tricky to get the point of the 'V' sharp when using the heavier fabrics which is why I also decided to topstitch them. Then it's onto the welt pocket which actually joins all the way through, a HUGE bonus according to both my boys!  

​If the welt pocket is a little daunting to you, you could either omit them and/or do a traditional hoodie kangaroo pocket or follow the detailed 19 step instructions for doing them and give it a go!  Maybe on a scrap piece first or on just the 'Front C' piece before you attach the B & A pieces, that way if it turns out great, you can still use it! 

When sewing this next time, and I most definitely will sew it again, I will be sure to either line the hood or do a french or flat felled seam on the hood seam, I am not so keen on that being visible but other than that, everything else will stay exactly the same! I've even had a request from my husband for one for him.....and I've heard that a Men's and Ladies version will be released in due course, so keep watching for more news on that!

As a side note, I loved that in the process of testing this hoodie that I managed to get some really sweet photos of the boys together too so I just have to share those too!!

Hoodie Pattern - The Elevation Hoodie on sale for just $7 until 29th February!
Fabrics are upcycled

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