This is a fun round up post that collates all my makes from 2021 using Sinclair Patterns. They are 32! some of them are multiples. You will see some photos and all the videos I have made for my sewing channel Lifting Pins and Needles will be embedded here for easy viewing. I like filming some of the sewing steps I find most interesting, so you will see practical content in my videos. Let’s go! They will be in the order I sewed them.
I am sharing my affiliate links for the patterns in this post. Get yours HERE with my affiliate link if my sewing inspired you and the content helps you with our own sewing 🙂 Sinclair patterns has an end-of-year buy one get one free SALE, 1 coupon per person, 1 offer per order, discount applies automatically on checkout. Put 2 or more items in your cart and one will be free. Ends the 1st of January 2022.
Kiki undies
I had a lot of fun having a go for the first time with this type of garment. I used all of my son’s small t shirts to make 7 Kiki briefs. There are a lot of options here, from waist height, to type of waist and leg opening finish, materials, leg and back coverage too! I chose the high rise, wide contoured version for all of mine and I finished the leg openings with bands and picot elastic.
See fabric and sizing details down below.
I used the tall file and size 16. My choice of fabric was cotton spandex, with 5% spandex or lycra content. If you want to try making them with T-shirts, MAKE SURE ITS COTTON SPANDEX AT LEAST 5% (LYCRA). 100% cotton T-shirts won’t stretch and won’t recover well. Also, I will not model my undies. You can see my fun versions below.
I am sharing how to sew the contoured waistband with tummy support, the GUSSET, leg bands, picot elastic and more in my video below. Heads up: I go over options, choices for materials and the reasons for choices in depth 🙂
Skylar hoodie & sweater
The Skylar hoodie and sweater has a unique design and fun to sew front curved pockets. They are actually hidden within the front panel that has an “hourglass shape”. There are neckline options: crew, cowl and hood.
I chose the tall file, size 16. I made small changes to one of the cuffs. One of them has a hacked V neckband and I have bound one of the hems, instead of using a hem band. I used lots of my scraps to color block. Even though a short sleeve is not an official options, it is totally possible to modify and I also have a T-shirt option.
See fabric and sizing details down below.
I have a FULL BLOG POST HERE with loads of details and, in my video, I am sharing how to sew the whole front, including the pockets, princess seams and raglan sleeves. Come see!
Claudia dress
I really love the fit & flare style of the Claudia dress. On the sides, from the waist down, you will find godet pieces that give volume to the skirt. I made mine sleeveles, though the original pattern has a cute flutter sleeve.
I used scraps of rayon spandex for a wearable muslin. I wanted to make sure the amount I had raised the armhole was going to give me great cover, as I was modifying the dress to sleeveles. My final fabric is a medium weight athletic knit that is pricey, so a muslin was totally worth it. I really like the alternatives to sew the V necklines: faux V neckband for lighter knits and a facing for heavier knits.
See fabric and sizing details down below.
In my video, see how to sew a really easy FAUX V neckband and also a neat knit facing finish. See all the sewing! Plus, how to insert the cool side panels (Godets) that this dress features.
Betty faux wrap dress
The Betty dress was one I was excited to sew, because I knew the results would be stunning and super wearable. I like real wrap styles too, but the faux styles are just more safe. The crossover on the bodice is perfect and does not need a safety pin and I know the skirt won’t fly open with the wind. The Betty dress can also be a peplum top.
The diagonal pleats on the bodice and the skirt are so pretty! You can choose between sleeveless and other sleeve lengths
See fabric and sizing details down below.
The original skirt it fitted and the bright tropical one below uses the original design, Love it. Below, I used some fun slash and spread to make the skirt wider at the hem, whilst keeping the waist the same to match the bodice. The pleats are unchanged. I love the floaty look and ITY was perfect for this skirt hack.
In the video below, come and see how to sew this gorgeous style, including the pleats, neckline binding, partially lined bodice with enclosed shoulder and side seams and how to unite the bodice to the skirt. YOU CAN MAKE IT TOO.
Oasis dress & peplum
The Oasis dress, top & tunic has an asymmetric bodice, dropped shoulders and the skirt is pleated. Super pretty.
Below, you can see my two versions. One has a solid navy bodice made with medium weight cotton lycra and a printed skirt from rayon spandex. The second Oasis dress is all over print and ITY. I self-lined the bodice to help it lie snug without clinging. This prevents the undergarment lines from showing too. A super fun sew and original too. See fabric and sizing details down below.
Poppy pull-up pants & capris
I have a FULL BLOG POST HERE with lots of details on these two gorgeous Oasis dresses. In my video, you will see how to do some unconventional fitting “checks” with a muslin, how to sew the fun pleated skirt and how to sew the skirt to the bodice in this episode.
Poppy pull-up pants
The Poppy pants are for woven fabrics and are pull-on. Super comfortable. They have a flat front, elasticated back waistband and slash pockets on the hips. You can choose between full length and capris. I’ve made one of each.
There are patch pockets at the back. They are an enjoyable project. I did make a quick muslin to assess the fit and needed small changes in the front rise (a tad longer). The tall file was a great match for my body here. The flowery capris are made with bottom weight crepe and the black and white version are made with a linen blend (Linen/rayon).
See fabric and sizing information below.
I have created a lot of content around the Poppy pants. I have a FULL BLOG POST HERE to see more details. To see how to sew slash and curved front pockets, see THIS VIDEO. Finally, below, on the video on my channel, you will see how to sew the flat front, elasticated back waistband. It’s easier than you think and all the steps are detailed.
Metro pull-on stretch pants
These are the Metro pull-on pants. They have 2 curved waistband options and leg width options, along with curved pockets, back patch pockets and a faux fly. Stretch woven and structured knits will work for the Metro pants. I’ve chosen stretch denim and have a new great pair of stretch jeans.
I chose Size 16, tall file and added ¼” to the front rise and ¾” to the back rise. Also, a tad to the back thigh (crotch extension). There are two curved waistband options, and I used the Regular curved waistband (there is a curvier option with a button overlap).
See fabric and sizing information below.
To see how to sew traditional jean style curved pockets, see THIS VIDEO. In the video I made for my channel about the Metro pull-on pants, you’ll see a lot of the sewing construction. They are easier to sew than what they seem.
Cleo shorts & culottes
I love the Cleo shorts and culottes! They have 2 curved waistband options, one regular and another with a front V shape. The legs are flared and you can choose between two different lengths (shorts & culottes). For pockets lovers: side inseam pockets that are anchored to the waist and a tiny key pocket in the waistband.
I’ve made three Cleo shorts and have used athletic knits and ITY fabric for them. The only fitting adjustment I made was to add 5/8″ to the front rise. I chose size 16, tall file.
See fabric and sizing information below.
In the video below, see an overview of the Cleo shorts pattern, general sewing construction and how to sew the waistband options, including the one with a V front.
Yasmin dress
The Yasmin dress for knits, has a super pretty bodice with an empire cut and a band that is higher at the center front than at the sides. There are micro-pleats under the bust and the skirt is slightly gathered onto the bottom of the waistband. There are sleeve options, but I made mine sleeveless… because it’s hot. I chose a pretty navy and white ITY knit for mine.
Because the bodice of the Yasmin dress is meant to sit right under the bust, I decided to make a quick muslin to confirm the placement of the seams. It’s a visible area and if the bodice is too long , or too short, it’s very noticeable. See two muslin pics below. All ok on the front, but I needed to remove about 1/2″ of length at the center back. I think the extra steps and time are always worth it with dresses that have more than one horizontal seam.
See fabric and sizing information below. I made a size 16 tall file. I used the regular armscye that would have a sleeve and adjusted the length of the binding accordigly. I decided to line the back of the bodice and while doing so, it’s possible to enclose shoulder and side seams. I chose the gathered skirt option and my inner waistband is heavier cotton Lycra to provide support and structure for the skirt.
In my video, you’ll see how to sew the entire bodice today, including the micro pleats, the V neckline facing, the curved waistband pieces and as extra: a partially lined bodice. Lots of sewing to see as always.
Azalea knit top
The Azalea top for knits is a real show stopper. The unique front detail is really captivating and I was MEGA excited about sewing this! There’s a few snips and a twist and it only takes 3 seams to create this gorgeous neckline. It’s a nice and relaxed fit without being boxy and there are sleeveless & sleeve options.
I made a quick muslin of the Azalea top for a few reasons: to check that I was happy with the armhole cover, neckline depth and also to practise the front neckline technique before filming it for you. I was happy with fit knowing my fashion fabrics would have a nicer drape than the cheap knit you see here.
I made a size 16 Tall file and my Azalea tops are 2” shorter than the original length (personal preference). I used an animal print ITY for my short sleeve version and a black knit broderie anglaise for the sleeveless version. See fabric and sizing information below.
In my video below, you can see in fll detail how to assemble the front twist detail. I have filmed it with two different colors so that it’s very easy to see what is happening in each step.
Violet dress
The Violet dress has a super pretty bodice. It has a center panel with small pleats and the effect looked like its ruched. I found the design super original and unlike any other knit dress pattern out there. There are sleeve options and the gathered skirt can be short or even a maxi.
I made a quick muslin to check the bodice length was correct for my bodice before cutting into my fashion fabric. I am relatively short waisted for my height and having a bodice fit correctly is very important to me. See it below. I made a size 16 tall file and ended up needing Zero fitting adjustments. The skirt can be as long as you want it to be. Mine is 22.5” long. My bodice is fully lined. See fabric and sizing information below.
In my video, you can see how to line the bodice neatly. Pretty finished inside and out.
Linnea sweater
The Linnea sweater was originally free for a limited time. It is no longer free. The style is perfect for color-blocking and for using up smaller pieces of fabric that would otherwise be useless. There are sleeve cuff options and hem shape options. The pockets are easy to sew and are are sewn onto the front piece. As always, the options make it your own.
I made a size 16, Tall file with the banded length but without the hem band. I used a pretty herringbone sweater knit & black Rayon French Terry. The pocket bands are a leather look Jersey with 10% spandex and good recovery. See fabric and sizing information below.
This pattern can be as complex or as simple as you’d like it to be. See how to put it together, along with the pockets in my video below.
Vienna Jeggings
I made 2 pairs of Vienna Jeggings. They can have as many details as you’d like and they can look exactly like jeans, depending on your fabric. All the comfort is here and these are a delight to wear. You have the option of sewing faux front pockets and a back yoke, or sewing it simple. In anty case the fit will be the same. The waistband can be straight or curved. The detail I was mostly excited to sew was the pintuck panel on the thighs. How cool.
It was important for me to test the fit of the Vienna Jeggings, so I made a quick muslin with a black cotton lycra. I made them short, above the knee and didn’t use any of the decorative details because it was just for muslin purposes. Saying that, these are perfect and I can wear them!
I made a size 16, Tall file. I sewed the Moto panel with knee pads, yoke & back patch pockets. I also made a second version with a regular front leg. I used heavy denim look Cotton Lycra with horizontal and vertical stretch. My second version has a slightly wider hem. See fabric and sizing information below.
In my video, see how to put together the front and back leg with all the details and how to sew optional pin-tucks. You can make them too.
Alba asymmetric zipper jacket
This is the Alba Jacket and the pleated cowl neckline is something else! I also love the asymmetry of the front and the long zipper. The side seam pockets are optional and the jacket reaches the full hip. This is one of the most satisfying projects from 2021.
I made a size 16 tall file. I liked the pockets, so I sewed them. My fabric is a medium weight athletic knit, print & solid and I used a contrast leather look Jersey for the outer cowl neckline. No fitting changes needed. See fabric and sizing information below.
In my video, you will see how to sew lots of the features. I have filmed how to assemble to collar, facings & zipper so you can make one too.
Juno zipper jacket
The Juno jacket for knits has great fitting features like front and back princess seams. The hem can be curved or straight and both options are finished with a facing. The pockets can be simple inseam or zippered in the front princess seams. The best detail is the zipper guard that gives it a top notch look and the cute little back zipper pocket.
I made size 16, tall file, chose the curved hem option. The main fabric is a print athletic knit and the contrast is a leather look jersey. I didn’t need any fitting changes. See fabric and sizing information below.
In my video, I am sharing how to sew a cute zipper pocket and the front inseam pockets. It’s a great project to slow down and then show it off!
Tuva smart cardigan
The Tuva smart cardigan can also be ablzer. it just depends on your fabric choice. The front curved seam with contract fabric has integrated pockets and there are back pricess seas for a great fit. There is a mid hip length and a full hip option too.
I made size 16, tall file and used a structured sweater knit. The contrast trim is navy cotton lycra. The button closure is optional. Seee fabric ans sizing information below.
See how wearable this garment reallis along with a full pattern review and talk through over the details.
I hope you enjoyed this roundup. Don’t forget that Sinclair patterns has an end-of-year buy one get one free SALE, 1 coupon per person, 1 offer per order, discount applies automatically on checkout. Put 2 or more items in your cart and one will be free.
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