This project started as an experiment. I wanted to make a floral-embroidered velvet hoodie. Very happily I thought I had found the perfect fabric at my local fabric store. It was a beautiful embroidered knit and on sale too. What could be better? However, upon approaching the checkout counter, the lady tells me I owe $280 dollars for a yard and a half of fabric!
I thought I had heard wrongly and extended my body around to see the number in the cash register –yep, I had heard right– that's the price. I inspected the fabric closely again and asked, is this silk or gold maybe?? Nope, 100% pure polyester. Had I known the price and fiber content of the fabric I would have never picked this roll of fabric, of course. The cashier and I got into an argument: “I cut the fabric so you should pay” and from me “there was no price and how can you charge so much for polyester? Plus I found it in a pile under a 30% off sign”. Eventually, I prevail and leave without the beautiful but insanely expensive knit.
So I got to thinking, what if I just add the embroidery myself and save the $200 dollars? A little problem….my machine is useless when it comes to embroidery. I can do quite a lot with it if I am inclined to work hard and put the time in, but the best I can usually hope for from it is common sewing stitches. So I decided to use embroidered patches instead to achieve the look I was hoping for while keeping the costs down.
A small pang of envy springs into my heart every time the embroidery subject is touched. If I could, I would purchase the Bernina 780 and place it in a shrine only to be touch when adding texture to any fabric by embroidering away. I have this maniacal image of myself embroidering away until the wee hours of the morning to end up with a majestic gown.
My current Juki machine, however, is having a hard time even stitching a straight line these days, so I will be using a new technique to transfer the embroidery to the velvet. I'll write a separate tutorial about how to do this next week.
This project uses stretchable velvet. Many would say that this is a scary fabric to work with, but I can assure you this is a myth, it is actually possible to succeed with stretchable velvet. The secret is a walking foot and a ton of patience. Go very slow.
This is a completely new hoodie pattern and I've changed the design based on lots of reader feedback. There's now a bit more room in this hoodie pattern compared with the prior version. If you had the opportunity of making the first hoodie then this one is going to be even easier to make. The interfacing, lining, and pockets are all optional. 
I did use the interfacing and lined the hood using the velvet. I think it made it too thick although I like the look of the velvet draping on the back.
I scratched the pockets completely due to my machine, but you shouldn't. It just became all too thick for it to navigate.
I have placed the embroidered patches on the shoulders, to balance the design one side has more flowers than the other.
And finally a small amount on one of the sleeves. 
Materials:
- 1 yard of embroidered tulle or lace
- 1 3/4 – to 2.2 yards of stretchable velvet
- 1/2 yard of 4-way knit for the lining of the hood (optional)
- 1 jacket zipper 22 to 24″ in length
- 2 grommets
- 1 long shoelace
Tools:
- Rotary Cutter
- Jersey or double point needle size 80 or 90
- Kam tool
- Walking foot
Fabric Recommendations for a floral embroidered velvet hoodie
Pattern Layout
Pattern Download
You can download the pattern for this Embroidered Velvet Hoodie from our account at Payhip.
For help downloading and printing PDF patterns, please CLICK HERE.
How to print the pattern
We do not ask you to download any additional program other than Adobe Reader which is completely FREE.
Use Adobe Reader to download and open the patterns, to print your pattern size, print on Actual Size and Landscape form. Do not scale the pattern.
Finished measurements
From S 40″, M 43″, L 46″, XL 49″, XXL 52″ to XXXL 55″ at the bust line. It is the same measurement for the hips.
How to sew your floral embroidered velvet hoodie
I have good news and bad news: The good news is that the instructions are exactly the same as the other Hoodie I have already shared with you. The size and shape of this new pattern are different and better, I think, based on feedback but the method and steps to make it are the same as the previous hoodie pattern which is linked below.
The bad news is that I am experiencing sewing machine troubles. My industrial machine is unable to sew the stretchable velvet since it just chews it up. My industrial machine is a workhorse and prefers leather or canvas. My home sewing machine has lost its alignment and must be sent to be repaired.
I have to say I will have to make a review of my machine model, but I will do it when I am not angry. I've already got a name for the article, however: “Junky %^&$, Don't Buy This Machine!” but that would probably upset my local dealer. I'll have to reflect on that a bit before putting the proverbial pen to paper.
In the meantime enjoy the new free pattern. Next week I will be showing you how to attach the embroidered pieces to the velvet.
Until next time! As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and questions including photos in the comments section below.
That is a beautiful black velvet hoodie, with or without the floral patches. If the fabric you mistakenly picked up was $280.00, what price would a finished garment be? Let’s see—I’ve heard 3 times the cost of materials for crafted articles. Without figuring in thread, interfacing, zipper and drawstring, that’s already $840.00. And hand crafted clothing is sadly underpriced. I would say the one you have made would be worth that much. There are times sewing your own can really save money. I would say that’s very true when you make unique dressy garments like this. I love it.
I’m wondering which “Junkie” machine is giving you trouble. I have 2, one only straight stitches, the other has fancy stitches.
Your hoodie is beautiful.
I made the first hoodie pattern and it turned out really well except that the sleeves were so narrow I couldn’t wear it.
I had the same experience with a piece of linen that I found in a discount section of a store. I had a free pattern for a jacket that needed 3 meters of material. I never checked the price of the fabric because it was in the discount area. I was shock when it ended up costing me almost $100. So much for my inexpensive jacket. Lesson learned: always check the price even if it’s discounted before you fall in love with it.
Your velvet hoodie is gorgeous and your experience with the overpriced fabric was interesting!
I’ve been sewing over 50 years and bought my first sewing machine with embroidery capabilities when they came out.
Just my opinion, but home embroidery is highly overrated. The software and machines all seem like they are constantly changing and have a shelf life determined by the manufacturer so it’s a full-time chore and drain on the bank account to stay ‘up-to-date’. I certainly don’t want to embellish everything I make with embroidery so for the few designs I did, it was a lot of money spent and time spent re-learning my system each time I wanted to embroider. (I don’t retain that kind of thing in my memory!). I still have my original embroidery machine (Designer I), but I never plan to embroider again with it and just bought a new machine that DOES NOT embroider.
FYI – There are a lot of embroidered appliques on Ebay at very reasonable prices – I recently embellished a french terry hoodie with a panel of roses on one side. So much easier than the time and money I would have spent doing it myself!
Good looking hoodie. I enjoyed reading the article, especially the part about embroidery. I recently bought a refurbished Husqvarna Viking Brilliance 80. Buying refurbished cuts down the cost a lot. You would have no problem with doing the embroidery or managing the thickness of the material with this machine. I hope you can get a really nice machine soon as you are such a talented seamstress.
You did such a lovely job on that hoodie and whoa mama $280??? I would have left it behind too!
I have friends with embroidery machines and every time they take them in to be serviced I cringe.
Some years ago (30+) I took a class with my mother for free motion embroidery using a basic straight stich machine. Mom became beyond proficient doing some amazing stuff and if I take my time I can usually make some decent patches but will never match what she created.
But I talk sweet and provide thread and baked goods for my friends and they create some lovely pieces for m
I found the pattern but no directions. Is there a way to get directions?
Lynda
Thank you so much! I have been looking for a jacket pattern to make a quilted jacket. I think this will work.
Thank you for this! I think I’ll go up one of two sizes and then “pad it out” with something really fluffy for extra warmth.
Hahaha a, embroidering away until the wee hours of the morning is highly overrated, o tell you. I just bought one of the coveted Machines you mentioned and believe me, compared to my 25 year old one it’s a primadonnaaaaaaa! And then you get that idea at oh dark hundred, wake up said primadonna and she tells you she’ll be working on said embroidery for at least 138 minutes. IF she agrees with your choice of thread, fabric and stabilizer combo, needle gauge and over all is in the mood. ???? Thank the lord for applicable patches! Looks amazing and I’ll love to make one these days.
This is so true. Primadonna Indeed…my machine will only take the highest quality thread, at this moment getting that is a herculean task not to mention expense. However the freedom of designing my own embroidery on a bustier now that gives me such a rush, What a gick I am LOL.
Thanks! The hoodie looks super comfy.
I know exactly what you are saying about the embroidery machine. I felt that about 10 years ago and purchased a machine off ebay. Had a 4×4 hoop. Never worked right (sigh) so got a little better machine (used). Eventually found a wonderful program, learned how to digitize and the rest is history. 🙂 Love, love, love the hoddie. It is beautiful. Going to make this for sure.
I see a double point needle as an option in the requirements list. What is one? I always use stretch or jersey needles for stretch fabrics but I haven’t come across anything called a double point needle.
Also called a twin needle. Often used to hem knit fabrics if you do not have a cover machine.
I think a double point needle is a twin needle?
This is beautiful! Thank you for the pattern. Can’t wait to make it!
$280.00?!?!?! For 54 inches of fabric? I would have said, “What idiot priced this incorrectly?” Breathe in, breathe out.
The hoodie is an absolutely beautiful creation. You are so smart to use the embroidered patches! (I would have done it all by hand, and presented the finished item in 2025)
I can’t wait to get started! And using the panda patches I bought last year. Perfect gift for my daughter!!
I recently made a Lined jacket with pants with stretch velvet and didn’t use a walking foot at all. I’ve read that you can use spray glue, but quite frankly I’m to scared I’ll spoil the fabric.
Spray sizing puts a little stiffness to the fabric, and gives a nice finish. I don’t think you want to use glue on stretch velvet.
You could have hand-embroidered the fabric after cutting the sleeves and other pieces of the fabric and hand-sewn the flowers like our grandmothers did. I have inherited more embroidered pillow cases of flowers with french knot centers than I can ever use. But, the history of how people used to sew by hand is there.
Love the red and gray. Already have 2 black hoodies. But the embroidery is beautiful on the black
Is the tulle/lace stretchable? The pictures look very attractive but I haven’t even downloaded the pattern yet.
HI Patricia, the tulle is not stretchable, I am only using the embroidered part of the tulle. The velvet is stretchable.