Feeling Warm, Looking Cool: A Few of Our Fave Patterns to Sew Your Own Winter Wardrobe

words MORAG GREALY images SUPPLIED

Sew your own winter wardrobe with this quick roundup of a few of our fave patterns for the season. Whether you’re the casual tracksuit type or prefer a statement collar, we guarantee these projects will have you feeling warm while looking cool. 

The Turtleneck 

All hail the MVP of the winter wardrobe, the lightweight turtleneck skivvy. We love this piece because it works just as well when it’s the hero of your winter look or utilised as the layering legend it is. The Rise and Fall Turtleneck by Papercut Patterns offers both a flattering loose fit as well as a chic form fitting version. Opt for a stretch fabric like jersey and cotton or try it out in a merino wool for some serious insulation if you’re not a fan of the cold. 

Sewing Level: Novice

Size Guide: 6 – 20

The Cape 

The ultimate combination of outerwear and layering, the cape has flown under the radar for too long. That was, until this Vogue Pattern changed our minds. Try it out in a heavy wool fabric in check or by all means live out those Little Red Riding Hood dreams and make it in a bold cherry red! Pair it with your favourite long-sleeve top poking out underneath; from a stripe skivvy to a chunky knit or even the DIY turtleneck above. 

Sewing Level: Very Easy

Size Guide: XS – XXL

The Matching Tracksuit

If you haven’t considered donning a matching tracksuit, are you even living in 2021? Everywhere you look, the humble tracksuit is having a serious moment and it seems like every retailer has their own iteration. We all know nothing will suit you better or be as satisfying as making your own so why not try out The Hickory Ensemble from Mood Fabrics in collaboration with SewYourView? This pattern also gets bonus points for being a free download and a unisex design! If you’re not normally confident with stretch fabrics, never fear – the elastic trims do all the heavy lifting while the rest of the garment is pure straight sewing. Choose a fleece lined fabric for extra comfort. 

Sewing Level: Basic

Size Guide: 2 – 30

READ MORE: ALL WRAPPED UP – A FEW OF OUR FAVE HACKS OF THIS BELOVED PEPPERMINT PATTERN

The Renaissance Ruffle 

Add some spice to your winter necklines with throwback influences that include the Renaissance era. The Elaine Top and Dress Pattern by Liam Patterns features a ruffle collar, balloon sleeve and your choice of hem length. This pattern is a little on the expensive side but you get six variations (including a reversible blouse, a reversible mini dress and a midi dress/coat) within the one pattern so you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth. You could always opt for a sleeveless pattern hack come summertime, too! 

Sewing Level: Intermediate

Size Guide: 4 – 18 (sizes up to 24 coming soon)

The Collared Dress 

Speaking of collars, have you tried your hand at a Peter Pan collar this season? The Ivy pattern by Make by TFS is a must-have winter dress style. We picture it paired with your favourite ankle boot and a DIY cape over the top. Also included in this downloadable pattern is a peplum top, a sleeveless version, three collar options and two cuff options. We love this dress in autumnal-toned linens but it would also really pop in a print. 

Sewing Level: Intermediate

Size Guide: 4 – 32

Peppermint Sewing School

Of course, there’s always Peppermint‘s fabulous free sewing patterns to sew your own winter wardrobe! With each quarterly edition, we work with a range of super-talented patternmakers to create an exclusive, totally original new pattern which we then release, along with instructions, to download for free! Head to the link here to see our full range of sewing patterns and then why not whip up a pair of wide-leg pants, slouchy cardigan or button-up jacket!