I AM Patterns Lion and Zèbre Sweatshirts

I was looking for a bell/bishop sleeve sweatshirt which didn't have loads of gather at the shoulder and this is it!

I didn't bother with the snap closure at the shoulder, but it looks very easy to do and well explained.

When I initially put it together, I used a ribbing which wasn't very strong, due to the amount of fabric at the sleeves, you really need something with very good recovery, so I took it apart and re-made it with stronger ribbing. As i'd used a heavy sweatshirting, I also took out some of the flare at the wrist, as the sleeves were verging on ridiculously large. I also chose to use non-stretch fabric at the waist, as the gather effect from the ribbing there wasn't very flattering.

I LOVE this sweatshirt and feel like I can get away with it for work as the statement sleeves make it more than just loungewear. I particularly love the colourblocking on it and will be making joggers to match.

My reason for not giving it a full 5 stars is due to the somewhat over large sleeve and I feel the cuffs are a bit too long and look a bit weird - but this might be less noticeable if not using contrast colours.

I love this jumper!! I made Lion but you also get Zebre in the pattern pack.
The sleeves were a lot easier to put it than I anticipated. I made in quite a heavy fleece-backed jersey and also a lighter jersey toile.
As the photo demonstrates,I love the shoulders!
Plus, you get to use a hammer!

I have multiple Linden tops and I'm always on the lookout for another reliable sweatshirt pattern so I thought I'd give I AM Patterns Zebre sweatshirt a go. It has flared bell style sleeves that end with a long shaped cuff. One shoulder is finished with a placket opening and snaps. The PDF version also includesLion which has a puff shoulder. The body shape is the same, it's just the sleeve shape that varies. I cut a size 36 with no size alterations. For reference, I'm just over 32" bust and 36" hip, 5' 5" height. The pattern came with English and French instructions. The English instructions include imperial measurements and the seam allowance is 3/16"- easier understood as either a scant 1/4" or 5mm. This is for an overlock sewn version, I adjusted my seam width to fit so no trimming was needed as I overlocked the seams. If you wish to use a sewing machine throughout, the instructions suggest that the seam allowances are increased when you cut out/trace the pattern, this might also be easiest for a beginner sewist. Otherwise, construction is straightforward and pretty basic. Hems are finished with bands. My only addition was to add stabilising tape on the sewn shoulder and fusible interfacing on the placket shoulder. The placket construction is very easy, just folded over fabric- no separate pieces are added. It's a quick make, fitting the cuffs to the gathered sleeve is the longest stage of construction but it was problem free. I'm really happy with the finished top; it works well with long skirts and the sleeve finish adds a little extra drama and style to a warm, cosy sweatshirt. Definitely one to repeat. You can read a little more about Zebre and see more pictures on my blog: https://verykerryberry.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/i-am-patterns-zebre-sweatshirt-review.html