From a sewing standpoint, they are not overly complicated and you can adjust the length easily to get it right where you feel the most comfortable.

From a petite person standpoint, they help to give you better proportions. A crop or high hip top length, instantly makes your legs look longer.

So now that I have shown my obvious bias towards a cropped hoodie, let me talk about this sewing pattern that I am currently IN LOVE with!

The Pattern

The Greenstyle Bianca is a roomy, oversized dolman style pullover pattern that includes sizes B-M, which covers busts measuring from 30 to 61 inches. The pattern has two lengths (a crop or high hip) as well as three ways to finish the bottom of the top (hemming, band with a drawstring, or a taller slimmer band).

This is the crop length with the drawstring band. It does not sit as high up if I untie the tie.

This is the crop with one inch added to the bottom and then hemmed.

The pattern includes the option for the neckline to be finished with a band for a simple, quick version. You also may do a funnel neck with a drawstring or a hood with a drawstring.

Pockets!!! Yes, of course the pattern includes pockets. There are three options – a zippered pocket, a curved pocket opening that is finished with a band, and a kangaroo pocket. I did the kangaroo pocket on this one because I like that the pocket openings are closer to the center where I can more easily shove my hands into. The other two pocket openings are close to the side seam and work better on the longer length versions.

On the other I wanted more of a top than a hoodie, so I left the pocket off.

I need to try the zippered pocket next. I think it would be nice for holding things I don’t want to fall out (like my phone!)

My favorite thing about the Bianca pattern is probably quite odd. It is the CUFFS! They are not fitted cuffs. This means they are not tight on my wrist and that I can do the cozy thing and pull them over my hands! It is the easiest way to warm up your hands without gloves and works best if your cuff is not a fitted one!

Fabric

For fabric, you want to choose a knit with at least 25% stretch. French terries, sweatshirt fleeces, polartec fleece, quilted knits, and similar fabrics are ideal. I think a thinner knit or a knit that is not as stable may not give you the finished look intended.

On my bright berry suit, I used a stretch french terry from from Made Whimsy. This one is a cotton spandex blend. I also had enough to make a pair of Brassie joggers!! These joggers are the midrise in the pattern, and I think the next time I make this suit, I will do the high rise for the joggers. Now, I just need to decide which color of sweat suit I need next!

I found this berry french terry to have slightly more vertical stretch than horizontal so I placed my bands going the direction with the greatest stretch. I also ordered Made Whimsy’s sweatshirt fabric, and it is the same feel/weight as this one, just with the softer sweatshirt feel on the inside.

On my floral version, I used this french terry from Knitpop. This one is a polyester spandex blend and is lighter weight with more drape. I am also a sucker for florals and fell in love with this one!

Sewing Notes

This project can include drawstrings, grommets, buttonholes, etc. (depending on which options you choose) which may feel intimidating. Are you team grommet or buttonhole? I have learned that in the long run, I am happier with a simple buttonhole over for where my drawstring comes out. When I do the buttonhole, I practice on a scrap and want a length of around 5/8 inch finished. Alternatively, you can do an eyelet on your machine, check your manual to see if  it has that option.

If you want to see me do grommets, you can watch that here starting at 7:52. For the drawstring, I bought a lot of it from The Fabric Fairy in preparation for this project, but none of them were the exact color that I needed so I ended up making my own. To make my own, I cut a long strip that was 1.25 inches long and then put it right sides together and sewed the long end with a .25 inch seam allowance. Then, I turned it right side out. You can watch me do that here in the same video starting at 30:40.

Style Notes

I love the whole sweat suit look this season. Cozy solids are the ultimate in comfort and just SO cute!! I wished I would have gotten a photo of how cute it looks untied, but I was too busy smiling at this sign! I have a video showing that part, though, and will post it in my YouTube sewing round up at the end of the month.

I also love a pair of high waisted jeans or leggings with this top. Since this top is oversized, I would stick to a slim fit for whatever bottom you choose.

Resources

• Bianca Pullover Pattern – it’s on sale this week too!
• Brassie Jogger Pattern
• Berry French Terry
• Floral French Terry – this one is $5/yard!

I hope I have inspired you in today’s post!  I would love to stay connected with you. You can find me on Instagram. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE. If you want to take a look into the things that inspire me, you can follow me on Pinterest. You may also follow my blog with Bloglovin.

Disclosures

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation when you purchase via my link. This does not cost you anything, and I genuinely appreciate the support. Any and all opinions expressed are still my own.

XO

Sharon