Wear the Trend: Cosy Knits

Brazilian-born sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro shares how to wear knitwear head-to-toe!

The sun may still be shining however I’d like to inspire you to try out this autumn/winter’s big knitwear trend. If wearing knitwear from head-to-toe probably isn’t something you’ve considered before then it might be time to try! Carrying on from our ‘comfort at home’ lockdown co-ord days, now’s the time to add a cosy layer.

We need every little bit of luxury right now and this fabric is lush!

I have made two of the Como patterns Style Arc - the trousers and the top. This indie sewing pattern brand has designed a Como three-piece set, in which you can buy separately or as a bundle. I skipped the cardigan because this outfit is crying out for a knit blazer (I’d recommend the Morris from Grainline Studios). At the moment, this style is perfect for my stay-at-home dressing however, dare I dream one day to travel on an airplane this would be perfect. I could even made a matching mask.

I picked grey for the whole look, as I love monochrome these days. To avoid it being too much of a single-colour – pick a fabric with a lovely texture. Because let’s face it, as the nights draw colder and darker, there’s nothing better than luxuriating in a sumptuous, comfy, and cosy knit set!

Working with Style Arc patterns

Little note about Style Arc patterns – the instructions are minimal. Honestly I love that, because they focus the illustrations on the more tricky areas only. They list action step-by-step as text, which is simple and straightforward. I sometimes find myself confused by really long and overwritten instructions, don’t you? That is exacerbated by a language barrier that many makers have if they aren’t native English speakers.

To have ‘perfect instructions’ is something very hard for pattern brands because each individual sewer has different needs.

Rachel Pinheiro

Some makers need the pattern to teach as they sew and seek the instructions to explain every little detail. Others are more experienced, and only need to check instructions for reference occasionally, so having text only doesn’t matter.

For reference, on Style Arc sizing – for this top, I made size 10, which is one down from what they suggested for my measurements (size 12) because I wanted a snug fit. And I went with a size 12 on the trousers. I never use the elastic measurements of a pattern because the stretch tends to differ depending on the elastic brand and width.

The top is drafted with a double layer at the front, and as much as that makes sense, I didn’t want that amount of thickness and texture. So instead, I used a thinner knit fabric with similar stretch. It was the same for the waistband of the trousers.

Style Arc recommends using a knit interfacing around the V- neck to avoid stretching. It’s a technique that I always use. The neckline is constructed like a jacket where the two fronts meet to create a mirrored shape to sew against the back neckline. I love this detail, and appreciate it on a simple garment.

The trousers feature a wide leg that’s not too wide at the hips, just at the legs. The flat elastic waist and in-seam pockets look great and make the trousers so comfortable to wear. I didn’t include the drawstring and chose to secure the elastic with multiple stitching.

Modelo Fabrics Barso Grey Heathered Cable Jacquard Knit

Style this knitted co-ord with messy French plaits and quilted slippers or put your pearls and grab a glass of champagne!

Editors Note

Style Arc produces real industry-based sewing patterns. Each pattern contains a construction sheet, with the pattern pieces numbered and easily recognisable fabric estimates. They assume some sewing knowledge, which is reflected in the ‘straight to it’, style instructions.

The Como Knit Pant is an on-trend knit pant pattern that includes the new wider leg, flat elastic waist and in-seam pockets. Make them with a fulllength leg or crop them to what length you prefer, they are so comfortable to wear!

The Como Knit Top is the perfect partner to the Como Knit Pant and has a flattering V-neckline that hugs the neck and is designed to stand at the back. This versatile pattern has some shape over the body, and the shoulder line is extended to cover the shoulders.

You can view both of these patterns and the Como Cardigan that Rachel mentions here https://hantex.page.link/sa

The fabric Rachel has used for this make is the Barso Grey Heathered Cable Jacquard Knit Fabric from Modelo Fabrics. It comes in 10 stylish colours, and has the perfect amount of stretch for tops, trousers, sweatshirts, dresses, tops and coatigans. You can view this warm Jacquard Jersey here https://hantex.page.link/mjj