RTW Inspired Striped Jumpsuit
Overview:
As soon as I saw this Be Stripe Back jumpsuit from Kosmios I knew I wanted it, I just decided I could make it. It has a little bit of everything I love; black and white, stripes and one piece.
https://www.shopkosmios.com/collections/jumpsuits
McCalls 8047 was a close match right out of the envelope. I immediately thought of it as I've made it twice before (here and here). The bodice on the inspiration version is symmetrical, looser and drapey-er so I:
cut the bodice on the fold
added 1" to the center fold (this also made the neckline wider, but I prefer that)
added 1.5-2" to the side seam starting at the hem and dropped the bottom of the armhole 1" and graded between the two
2.5" to the bodice hem
Bodice Modifications
Additionally I cut two 4" strips by the circumference of the armhole plus 1" for seam allowance (for me this was 18"') for the cuffs. I feel these mods closely mimic the inspiration jumpsuit.
All in all this jumpsuit, with or without the mods, is a straight forward sew. The pattern calls for a lining that I eliminate because it I don't feel it's necessary. I think they call for it for clean neck and arm openings, but I don't mind finishing those with a zigzag stitch, double needle or coverstitch. Also this fabric is polyester and two layers would be quite hot!
Fabric:
Finding the right fabric was really important to the look of the RTW jumpsuit. Fabric Mart always has a great selection of knits so I check their site first. Thankfully there were several striped knits at the time. I selected this vertical, black and white stripe double brushed polyester jersey. I love DBP because it is so soft, super stretchy with great recovery, never wrinkles and doesn't fade.
I knew I wanted vertical stripes because I wanted the greatest direction of stretch to go around the hips. The bodice isn't fitted so the stretch isn't needed horizontally. Also I wanted an uneven stripe like the RTW fabric. This DBP was spot on!
Summary:
I think my copycat jumpsuit looks very similar to the RTW version. Do you ever see something online or in store and decide you can make it instead of purchasing?
Pattern: McCalls 8047
Pattern Description: Strapless, off shoulder, wrap front and back bodices. Full leg shorts, pants and elastic cuff pant leg.
Sizing: 8-16, 18W-24W
Difficulty: 2/Beginner
Fabric Used: B&W striped double brushed jersey from Fabric Mart Fabrics
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? sort of
Were the instructions easy to follow? yes, though I didn't follow them.
Did I make in alterations? Yes I added about 1/2" from the waist to the hips of the pants
Would I sew it again? Yes! I'm sure, this is my third version
Would I recommend it to others? YES!