Burdastyle Zipper Sweatshirt (Plus Size) 08/2014#136B: Liberty Kindle Linford fleece sweatshirt
Hey Readers,
I first made this Burdastyle sweatshirt pattern up 3 years ago – see here for my first version. I like the idea of a smarter looking sweatshirt, but the first version didn’t get worn too much because the fabric really wasn’t very good quality (started to pill after a few wears). Also, it is designed to be oversized, but I decided the fit needed refining some what.
Burdastyle Zipper Sweatshirt (Plus Size) 08/2014#136B: Liberty Kindle Linford fleece sweatshirt
Burdastyle Zipper Sweatshirt (Plus Size) 08/2014#136B: Liberty Kindle Linford fleece sweatshirt
I have to give full credit to Blogless Anna who made a Linden sweatshirt from the same fabric and who’s blog post I found invaluable in learning how to handle the Liberty fleece – go check her blog post out for all the details.
Burdastyle Zipper Sweatshirt (Plus Size) 08/2014#136B: Liberty Kindle Linford fleece sweatshirt
So, here’s the deal. I have worn this sweatshirt already a fair bit. It is colourful, cheerful, snuggly and warm. The fabric, as you would expect from Liberty, is very good quality. But, I think this particular sweatshirt pattern is not for me. In fact, I think I have decided that Burdstyle plus size patterns might not be for me – at least if I use them I think I need to do small shoulder adjustments and maybe even address low armhole issues. Like I say I have worn this sweatshirt already, lots, but I don’t think the fit is great for me. Here’s the adjustments I made to this version:
- Removed 2.5 inches from length of sleeves
- Shortened shoulder darts by 1.5 inches
- Slimmed body down by 1 inch all around
- Slimmed sleeves down by approx. 4.5 inches (!)
- Shortened length of sweatshirt by 2.5 inches
- Twin needled the hem
- Gathered the sleeves in to a cuff
So this is a useful garment to have in my casual wardrobe, but I think I need to find a different sweatshirt pattern. Either I try the Grainline Linden, or I try one of the big 4 versions (I actually have McCalls 7688 on its way to me, cos, you know, ruffles).
Until soon!
Burdastyle Zipper Sweatshirt (Plus Size) 08/2014#136B: Liberty Kindle Linford fleece sweatshirt
sewmanju 
That fabric is gorgeous! McCalls 6992 is a good substitute for the Linden. I’ve made it a couple of times and it’s worked out well. It has shoulder darts which I particularly like in a raglan for a really nice fit.
Thanks for the recommendation Rachel
What a good idea! Good fit. Beautiful color. Great fitting tips. I need this top especially as it is only 9 degrees F here this morning. Thank you for all the information.
Thanks Lyrique
Casual chic! So cute!
Thanks Nakisha
It is so important to find a fit that works for you. I have a friend who swears by Burda, which works for her figure type, but not for me. We each are unique, aren’t we? Love the cheery color of your shirt – well done getting a better fit!
Thanks sewingaddict- I agree we are all so different
The sweatshirt is really nice and I love the color – great for the winter season! I have similar issues with Burda patterns, and I always do an FBA. I think Burda tend to draft for broader shoulders, and that is more pronounced in the plus patterns. Sometimes I find it easier to start with a smaller, non-plus size and do a more substantial FBA. At least for me, that usually fits better through the shoulders and elsewhere. The low armhole, I suspect, is designed to accommodate a larger number of body sizes. In that sense, the armhole design is a lot like RTW, and also has the same fit issues as RTW. Recently I have begun to raise the armhole a little on Burda patterns. However the last McCall pattern I made I had to raise the armhole quite a bit, about an inch, on a somewhat tailored style, which was surprising.
Thanks for your review! It reminded me that I’ve a sweatshirt on my list for awhile now.
Thanks Jen: I think you’re right on the picking by high bust and doing an FBA: I do normally get a much better fit doing so.