This is the easiest hoodie pattern and tutorial I could come up with. I have tried my best to simplify the method, but still, I believe it is for the intermediate to the advanced seamstress. As promised, we are going to slowly work our way into comfortable workout clothing. This is the first pattern on our “Sew Fit” storyboard.
Hoodies are super popular these days. They are very functional and can be worn not only as work-out wear but also on any trip to the store or just around the house.
This hoodie is a zippered and slightly fitted but is not supposed to be tight, so please pay attention to the finished garment measurements. It is meant to be worn with a tank top and sweatpants which we will be making later.
By far, the best fabric that you can use if you live in a cold place is a fleece like this one, but do not limit yourself to that option alone. There are many other possibilities. I have provided some additional suggestions below.
For my project, I am using jersey knit with this hoodie pattern because I live in the tropics and can't use fleece which would be way too hot. However, if you are mixing textiles for a hip look (which I encourage you to do) make sure you use the heavier fabric on the body and lighter fabric on the sleeves.
Materials:
- cotton fleece (anti-pill) 60″ wide (1 1/4 to 1 3/4 yards)
- Jersey knit 60″ wide X 22″ (56cm) for pockets and hood and for contrast
- thread to match
- cotton tape 1/2″ (reinforced neck seam) 1/2 yard
- shoe lace, nylon or cotton cord 1 1/2 yards
- one (1) open ended zipper 22″, 23″ or 24″ long depending on the size you are making
Tools:
- Jersey needle #80
- two (2) grommets
- grommet tool or pliers
- zipper foot
- one (1) bobby pin
- Serger or overlocker.
- hand sewing needle
Recommended fabrics from Amazon.com
Finished measurements
Size | Chest | Hips |
6 | 36 1/2 | 36 1/2 |
8 | 38 | 38 |
10 | 39 1/2 | 39 1/2 |
12 | 41 | 41 |
14 | 42 1/2 | 42 1/2 |
16 | 44 | 44 |
18 | 45 1/2 | 45 1/2 |
20 | 47 | 47 |
22 | 49 1/2 | 49 1/2 |
24 | 52 | 52 |
Printing your Hoodie Pattern
Before you print your hoodie pattern, there are three things you need to do:
- Wash, iron, and true the fabric. For a more extensive description of truing have a look at this article about Mistakes to Avoid When Cutting Fabric. You need a pre-shrunk fabric because this hoodie pattern is a semi-fitted pattern. If your fabric ravels, sew the edges with your serger before washing to prevent it from getting ruined in the washing machine and place it a large laundry bag. If it does not ravel, but just turn to one side after washing and drying. Your fabric is a candidate for the “raw edge look” and does not require a serger to neaten the seams. You can use a normal sewing machine to finish the entire hoodie.
- The second thing you need to do is to have a look at the finished measurements and print the size you want on landscape setting.
- Add the seam allowance to the pattern. If you are using a serger or overlocker use a 3/8″ seam allowance.
I will be showing you a way to sew the facing and the zipper jacket at the same time
Pattern pieces not included in the pattern
- Facing (trace and draw two (2)) from the pattern
- Hem Ribbing one (1)
- Wrists ribbing two (2)
Pattern layout
Where to find the Hoodie Pattern download and further instructions
To keep page load times fast, we divide long tutorials like this one into multiple pages. You can find the page numbers below the sharing buttons at the bottom of this and subsequent pages. Just click the next page to progress through the tutorial.
I am having an issue with printfriendly. No matter which page I’m on it only processes page 1 of the blog.
Hi Carol, yes, you’re right. That seems to be an issue. We’ll have to look into that. As a workaround, you can go directly to the printfriendly site: https://www.printfriendly.com/
And paste the address of the second and subsequent pages like: https://so-sew-easy.com/the-hoodie-pattern-and-tutorial/2/#. Just copy from the web browser address bar. That’s an extra step for you but the PDF seems to generate correctly. Thanks for letting us know about this. Kind regards and happy sewing!
Do you have instructions or suggestions of how to create the pieced fabric you used on the body of the hoodie. It appears that you cut your main fabric and made interesting angles and shapes.
Hi Virginia you give too much credit! Yes, it possible to make this type of piecing, however I bought the fabric already knitted like that. The store is called Spotlight an Australian chain.
I am disappointed because I wanted to learn the skill of creating a “new” fabric for sewing a garment. 🙂 But, as a sewist I understand wanting to start making an attractive garment as quickly as possible. I live in Lawrence, KS, US, so I doubt if I will order from Spotlight. I know I can buy the fabrics you recommended on Amazon or Fabric.com.
wou super bedankt!!!
Heel graag gedaan!
Hi Mayra, Discovered your blog lately and thought I would like to make the hoodie. I was able to download the pattern easily but am having trouble with the printed instructions. I was able to download part 1 of 4 but even though I can highlight 2,3, or 4 and have the printed instructions show on the screen, I am unable to print them. Are they available in pdf somewhere else on the site that I missed?
Hi Faye and welcome to So Sew Easy. The easiest way to print instructions from the website it to use the “printfriendly” feature. On the left side of the site, you’ll see the sharing buttons. Click on the bottom button with the three horizontal dots. This opens up the option to share with pretty much any network or service. Choose the one called “printfriendly”. This will format the page in a .pdf and make it very easy to print. You need to do this for each page you want to print. You can easily delete any parts of the page you don’t want to print as well. Hope that helps. Let me know how you go and happy sewing! Mayra
This is fantastic!!! Thank you very much!
You are welcome Judi.
How do I go about adding the seam allowance around the dart?
Hi Esther, the lines of the patterns represent the stitching line, so add the seam allowance on the outside of this line. Hope that answers the question. i will add a picture to the article to show this step.
Thank you! 🙂
It took me a while, but I found the download place. I have operator trouble (me). It really helps to read the page for instructions. Thanks for so many free patterns for those of us on limited resources. It helps a lot.
No worries Rebecca. Glad you found it. Happy sewing!
Hi. Thank you for the patterns. I have been able to download the pants but for the life of me I can’t find the download for the hoodie…please help. Thx Nora
Hi Nora, it’s pretty much the same location. Here’s the link to the page: https://so-sew-easy.com/the-hoodie-pattern-and-tutorial/2/
Many thanks for these precious resources!
Hi, I’ve tried to get an answer for my question on your facebook page but was unsuccessful. So I came back here & try again. I have the pattern pieces printed out & am ready to trace. I want to know if the seam allowances are included or I have to add to the pieces. Thank you.
Hi Agnes, yes Sadly I had not time to spend on the chat group yesterday. However, in the article you will find that I specified that there is NO seam allowance on the pattern, therefore you need to add yours. Enjoy the pattern and please do share the finished product on the chat if you can, love to see it. cheer!
I love the style of the hoody along with the excellent choice in pattern. That’s a very cool look.
Thank you Cassie, hope you make one!
This is just so awesome! I love your website and find myself here almost daily. I love the quality of your patterns and your tips and tricks. Thank you so much, Mayra and Deby, for putting so much hard work and time into your website and your patterns and tutorials. I am so excited to try to make this gorgeous hoodie!
Thank you Linda! Enjoy!
Did you remove the download link for the pattern?
nevermind, i found it, and a few other patterns i liked 🙂
I think I found the link but it took me to a blank Google page. Is there another link please
Hi Christine I assure you is there on page 2.
Not at all, it is still there and free (for now)
I’ve found the 4 pages of the tutorial but not the pattern download. Could you help, please?
Hi Judy, on top of page 2 you will find the download button.
Thanks for releasing a pattern that includes plus sizes. We are doing an active wear or athleisurewear sewalong, it would be great to include this pdf pattern.
Hi Fiona, of course! enjoy I will be around if any question arises do let me know. Kind Regards, Mayra
Thanks for another great pattern, could this be easily converted to hood-less, with maybe a small ‘stand-up’ type collar as on a ‘1/4 zip’ top? thanks again
Hi Lynda, if you know pattern making I think you will have no trouble making the transformations. Good Luck!
Like the Hoodies material selection, design and meticulous stitching process, thank you for your sharing
Thank you! Thank you! I love this pattern and I’m so excited to sew this. Thank you! ??
Thankyou for the pattern, will look forward to the video to help me make this, cant wait for the rest of the collection x
I shot the video yesterday, but the editing is what takes the longest, so as soon as is done will be released.
[…] The Hoodie Pattern and Tutorial, by So Sew Easy […]
Thanks for this great pattern. I’m probably being dense but I have a question. When you give the finished measurement on the chart are you saying those are the actual measurements in the final garment or are the measurements for a person who has those measurements. In other words, if my personal measurements are 41, 41 should I choose the size 12 or do I need to go to a larger size to allow for ease?
Thank you!
Great question actually, Because you are between sizes yes I would go one size up. Let me know how you go!
I love seeing your patterns when you release them. This has to be one of the best. Slightly challenging for the more experienced sewers. Your instructions are clear and thorough as usual. Thankyou.
You are welcome Pauline! This week I will be shooting the video to go with this hoodie. So it will become even easier to make.
It looks amazing – can’ t wait to try! It seems you´ve thought of everything. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Regina, please do share a photo when you make your own.
Thankyou very much for this, I have been looking for a nice pattern for a zippered hoodie! Will definitely have to give this one a go.
Looking forward to seeing yours.
Love your patterns but find it frustrating that the assembly instructions cannot be printed
Hi Jen, i run late on this, simply because many people would not even bother to read the article and head straight to Craftsy. I also wait for people to tell me certain parts are not clear to me and then I amend the blog article, if I do it now you will get the annoying notification that we have updated the pattern. And who wants more email? Hope you understand.
Thank you so much for the pattern and tutorial, I love being a part of this group so much fun and shared knowledge. =)
You are most welcome, Very happy you enjoy your stay here!
Mayra, you have done a wonderful job on this hoodie. It looks very professional and I love your choice of fabric. Great work! Thanks for sharing it with us.
You are welcome Jane!
Thanks so much!! So adorable… I will be sewing this soon! Am I able to sew it with something other that knit? Like maybe faux leather? I think That would be so cute! Thanks for your time!
Chloe
Hi Chloe, you are my kind of chick. I am right now making the leather version. So yes! go for it!
Please post a picture of your faux leather version! I would love to see it. Thank you so much for the free patterns.
Wow, this is an amazing thing to have for a free pattern! I am super excited to have this and have wanted to make a hoodie for a while! Thank you!!
Hi Natalie, love your feedback when you are done.
Thank you for the pattern and great instructions. Is there any easy way to printout or save the instructions to a pdf to print? I have too many things pinned to find them and this is one I want to do in a month or 2 when I recover from surgery
Hi Sherrie, I run late both with PDF and Video, soon. Check back when you are ready to sew. I am sure one or the other will be there.
Thank you so much for yet another pattern!
You are welcome Madeline!
Thanks going to try your pattern. Going to eliminate hood and lengthen in back. Will make it better for yoga.
Sounds like a great project. Would love to see a photo Karen. Please do share.
Thank you for the pattern. It is obvious you gave a lot of thought and time for this hoodie. Thank you for all you did for us!
You are welcome Pamela, and thank you form the bottom of my heart! Normally a tutorial takes about 3 days to write up, that is without a video, which I will be shooting on Wednesday, so I really happy when readers appreciate the work.
Thanks so much for this wonderful pattern! You guys do such a great job on all of your work, I can’t wait to try this one out.
Thank you Donna, enjoy the pattern.
I love your fabric choices. Thank you for the tutorial on sewing the zipper, facing and hood all at one. I can’t wait to make a hoodie, or two. Thank you!
You are welcome Karen! Please do share your finished projects, I would love to see your take on the pattern.
Great sewing instructions with illustrations.
Thank you Synthia!
This looks so nice & comfortable. I made a couple of hoodies almost 25 years ago when I was college. I’m still not sewing as much as I used to then, but I think this will be a great pattern to get me back into it.