Batwing Sweater Top FREE Pattern – Cosy Outfit For Winter

The Batwing Sweater Top Pattern comes in sizes S to 3XL and can be made using a serger only.  It is a super easy outfit to sew and even easier to wear.  My preference would be stockings and high boots if worn as a mini dress.  Leggings and fur slipper boots would be my outfit at home with a book and a cup of tea.  

I am heading off to Tokyo, in the middle of winter. Yes, this is me, why do things easy when you can complicate your life by adding freezing temperatures?

No, I have not experienced winter or snow, since….. come to think of it it was Japan the last time seven years ago.  This will be my first time in Tokyo City and I will (of course) be looking for fabric.

Searching in my closet for winter clothing, I came to the realization that I do not have any winter clothing from this decade. Ouchhh! This pattern is from the 90's, Inspired by the movie Flash Dance and worn again in 2007.

This decade is almost over and the good thing is fashion just keeps coming back over and over.  All you have to do is wait long enough to be able to wear the same clothes again.

Sewing Level: Basic Intermediate

So what to wear that's warm and will hide a few extra kilos? This is it…

Materials

•  2 to 2 1/2 yards of sweater or knit fabric (amount will depend on the width of the fabric)
• Ballpoint needle Size 80 or 90
• Thread to match the fabric

Fabric Suggestions from Fabric.com

Pattern Download

Print the pattern using Adobe Reader in Landscape mode, and actual size.

Pattern Layout

Cutting Instructions

I have not made all the marks on the pattern, (yes! I do make some mistakes from time to time..)

For the hips ribbing cut TWO ON THE FOLD.

For the neck ribbing CUT ONE on the fold.

Do trace the other side of the sweater pattern to avoid forgetting to fold the fabric. Knits and especially sweater knits should be cut in one layer so it is best to trace the other side of the patterns and marked on the fold.

Finished Measurements

Size	Width	Length	Hips	Wrist
S	52″	22 3/4″	37″	7″
M	52 1/2″	23″	39″	7 1/2″
L	53″	23 1/4″	41″	8″
XL	52 1/2″	23 1/2″	43″	8 1/2″
2XL	54 1/2″	24″	45 1/2″	9 3/8″
3XL	55 1/2″	25″	47 1/2″	10.2″

How To Sew The Batwing Sweater Top

You can sew the batwing sweater top using only a serger if you have one.  If you don't have one you can use a normal sewing machine but first, do a scrap test, this is a must.

You need to find out if the tension, size of the stitch, and the thread quality are correct for your fabric with your sewing machine.

Here are my best tips to navigate sewing a sweater fabric.

• Decrease the tension, think knit fabrics require less tension than thin knits.
• Use a Teflon foot (if you have one) on your sewing machine to help the fabric glide easier under the foot.
• If your fabric is waving at the seams you will have to place a strip of 2″ wide of thin paper under the fabric to help the fabric glide easier.

You may find it useful to review this helpful tutorial on Sewing Sweater Knits before you start.

Read Article

 Step One:  Sew The Shoulders

Using a wavy stretchable stitch, or a serger sew the whole project at 3/8″.

If your machine has an overcasting stitch, overcast the edge of the fabric to prevent the fabric from raveling.

Use a seam reaper to help feed the fabric under the foot.

Place the front and back pieces print sides together.  Sew at 3/8″.

Step Two: Sew the sides

Sew the sides at 3/8″.

Step Three: Sew The Hips Ribbing

A great alternative here would be a ribbing fabric in a contrasting color.  This would give the top/minidress a hip look.

Place the two pieces print sides together and sew the sides at 3/8′ (1cm)

Turn the ribbing print/right side out.

Fold the ribbing in half.  You should have a band with double layers now.

Once you have made the hips ribbing you will sew it to the bottom of the top/mini dress.

Step Four:  Sew The Neckline Ribbing

This is done exactly as the hips ribbing.

Sew the strip of fabric prints sides together. Fold the ribbing lengthwise and sew to the neck area at 3/8″.  This is of course optional.  You can just serge the neckline and leave it.

Step Five: Hemming

There are two places where you will serge, at the neckline if you have chosen not to add the ribbing there, and at the wrists.  If this finish does not please you turn the hem 3/8″ and stitch with a small zigzag.

Wearing this top is easy, stocking, thermal leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans are all perfect choices.

How to wear the top:

The pregnant lady. 

The Biker Chick:

The Cafe girl:

This is how I am planning to wear it. (maybe)

I am missing the hat, the leggings, and the boots.  Maybe I will have to rethink this outfit. I better get back to sewing…Until next time!