A classic sweatshirt is one of the most practical garments to sew for children. It's comfortable, easy to layer, and perfect for everyday wear, whether it's for playtime, outings, or relaxing at home. With soft knit fabrics and simple construction, it's also a rewarding project for sewists looking to build confidence with knit garments.
The Winslet's Shawn Kids Sweatshirt Sewing Pattern is a beginner-friendly project that includes two versatile finishing options—one with a ribbed bottom band and another with a simple hem. Designed for knit fabrics and available in a wide range of children's sizes, it's an excellent pattern for creating comfortable wardrobe staples that little ones will love.
Why Sew a Kid's Sweatshirt?
A handmade sweatshirt is a versatile wardrobe essential that's both practical and fun to sew.
- Perfect for everyday casual wear and layering during cooler weather.
- Includes two hem finishing options: a classic ribbed bottom band or a simple folded hem.
- Great for experimenting with different knit fabrics and ribbing combinations.
- Comfortable fit allows plenty of movement for active children.
- A quick project that's suitable for beginner and intermediate sewists.
- Easy to customize with different colors, prints, and fabric combinations.
Why Choose the Winslet's Shawn Kids Sweatshirt Sewing Pattern?
The Shawn Sweatshirt is designed to make sewing children's knitwear approachable while offering two stylish finishing options.
Skill Level: Very Easy
Key Features
- Round neck sweatshirt.
- Sleeve cuffs.
- Two variations:
- With a ribbed bottom band.
- Without a bottom band (hemmed finish).
- Designed specifically for knit fabrics.
Available Sizes: New Borns to 10 Year Olds
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following before you begin sewing:
- Main fabric
- Rib fabric (for neck band, sleeve cuffs, and bottom band when making the ribbed version)
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
- Coverstitch machine (optional)
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Pins
- Sewing needles
- Iron
- Chalk
- Thread cutter
Alternative stitching methods
- If you don't have a serger, use a zig-zag stitch with the presser foot setting lower than 1. A walking foot is recommended if available.
- If you don't have a coverstitch machine, use a twin needle to imitate a coverstitch, or use a narrow zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch with a slightly looser thread setting.
Always test your stitch settings on a fabric scrap before sewing the garment.
Fabric Recommendations
This pattern is designed for light to medium-weight knitted fabrics with approximately 30–50% stretch for comfort and flexibility.
Recommended fabrics include:
- Fleece
- Jersey
- Terry
- Wool knits
For the sleeve cuffs, neck band, and bottom band, use:
- Rib 1×1
- Rib 2×2
- Or the same fabric as the main sweatshirt
Sample Fabric Used
The sample sweatshirt shown in the guide is made from jersey, chosen because it offers:
- Soft drape
- Smooth, wrinkle-resistant texture
- Breathability and comfort
- Easy sewing with ballpoint needles
Avoid
- Very lightweight rayon or viscose jerseys
- Slippery knits with poor recovery
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Choose the pattern pieces according to the sweatshirt variation you'd like to sew.
Pattern Pieces
-
A. Front – Cut 1 fabric
- Pattern A¹ – Front (hemmed)
- Pattern A² – Front (ribbed)
-
B. Back – Cut 1 fabric
- Pattern B¹ – Back (hemmed)
- Pattern B² – Back (ribbed)
- C. Sleeve – Cut 2 fabric
- D. Sleeve Cuff – Cut 2 fabric
- E. Neck Band – Cut 1 fabric
- F. Bottom Band – Cut 2 fabric
Sweatshirt Without Bottom Band (Hemmed)
Prepare:
- Pattern A¹ – Front
- Pattern B¹ – Back
- Pattern C – Sleeve
- Pattern D – Sleeve Cuff
- Pattern E – Neck Band
Sweatshirt With Bottom Band (Ribbed)
Prepare:
- Pattern A² – Front
- Pattern B² – Back
- Pattern C – Sleeve
- Pattern D – Sleeve Cuff
- Pattern E – Neck Band
- Pattern F – Bottom Band
If you're printing at home, use the A4/US Letter files. For copy shop printing, use the A0 pattern files.
Pattern Marking
Before cutting your fabric, familiarize yourself with the markings shown on each pattern piece.
These include:
- Grainline
- Shoulder
- Neckline
- Armhole
- Side seam
- Hem
- Seam allowance
Understanding these markings before sewing will make it much easier to align your pieces accurately during construction.
Cutting Layout
Arrange your pattern pieces according to the cutting layout provided for your chosen fabric width.
Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Position every pattern piece so the grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage.
- Pin the pattern pieces securely before cutting to improve accuracy.
- The layouts shown are for non-directional fabrics.
- Purchase additional fabric if you're using directional prints or fabrics with nap.
- The layouts shown in the guide use the Age 2Y size for illustration.
- Pattern pieces labeled Front – A apply to both A¹ and A², while Back – B applies to both B¹ and B².
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Before sewing, prepare your fabric carefully for accurate assembly.
Lay Out Your Pattern Pieces
Arrange all pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring each grainline arrow runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
Cut Your Fabric
If you're using fabric shears, trace around the pattern pieces before cutting. Cut away any marking lines and remember to clip all notches, as these will help align the garment during sewing.
Transfer Pattern Markings
Transfer all markings, including circles, buttonholes, and fold lines, onto the wrong side of the fabric using chalk or a fabric marking tool. Mark the center front on pieces cut on the fold to help with accurate alignment later.
Seam Allowance
Use the seam allowances marked on each pattern piece. These are precisely included to ensure proper fit.
This pattern uses a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around, and a **2 cm (3/4") seam allowance at the bottom hem on the Front (A¹) and Back (B¹) pattern pieces.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Finish the Shoulder Seams
Place the Front (Pattern A) and Back (Pattern B) pieces with their right sides facing together. Align the shoulder seams and overlock both shoulder seams.
Pro Tip
- Use an overlock stitch for the seams and a coverstitch for the hem whenever possible. If you don't have these machines, a zig-zag stitch works well for overlocking, while a straight stitch can be used for hemming.
- Pin your pieces before sewing to help keep everything aligned.
- Press the fabric after each step for a neater finish and easier sewing.
- Refer to the Pattern Marking page to identify seamlines, notches, and other reference points before sewing.
- Avoid stretching the knit fabric while stitching. Let the sewing machine feed the fabric naturally.
2. Finish the Sleeves
2a.
Open the joined front and back pieces so they lie flat with the shoulder seams opened.
2b.
Place one Sleeve (Pattern C) onto the opened bodice with the right sides facing together.
2c.
Align the armhole edges and overlock the sleeve to the bodice.
2d.
Repeat the same process for the second sleeve.
3. Finish the Side Seams
Keep the sweatshirt wrong side out.
Align the side seams from the sleeve hem down to the bottom hem of the bodice. Pin the seams in place and overlock both side seams.
4. Prepare the Neck Band
4a.
Fold the Neck Band (Pattern E) in half widthwise with the wrong side facing out. Align the short side edges and overlock them together to create a loop.
4b.
Fold the neck band loop in half lengthwise so the right side faces outward.
5. Prepare the Sleeve Cuffs
5a.
Fold one Sleeve Cuff (Pattern D) in half widthwise with the wrong side facing out. Align the short side edges and overlock them together.
5b.
Turn the cuff right side out by folding it in half lengthwise so the right side faces outward and the raw edges are aligned, creating a circular cuff.
Repeat the same process for the second sleeve cuff.
6. Attach the Neck Band
6a.
Place the open edge of the prepared neck band onto the right side of the sweatshirt neckline. Align the neck band seam with one of the shoulder seams, distribute the neck band evenly around the neckline, and pin it in place.
6b.
Overlock the neckline to attach the neck band.
Tip: For the most even finish, divide both the neckline and the neck band into four equal sections before pinning. Match these sections together before stitching.
Use the same method when attaching the sleeve cuffs to the sleeve hems and the bottom band to the sweatshirt hem. This helps distribute the fabric evenly and prevents stretching or puckering.
6c.
Press the seam allowance toward the bodice.
Topstitch along the edge of the neckline to secure the neck band in place.
7. Attach the Sleeve Cuffs
7a.
Place one prepared sleeve cuff onto the right side of the sweatshirt sleeve hem. Align the raw edges of the cuff with the raw edge of the sleeve, matching the cuff seam with one of the sweatshirt side seams. Overlock the cuff to the sleeve.
Repeat the same process for the second sleeve.
7b.
Fold the sleeve cuff down and press the seam. Topstitch along the edge of the sleeve hem with the seam allowance underneath to secure the cuff in place.
8. Finish the Hem (Without Bottom Band)
If you're making the hemmed version of the sweatshirt, complete this step.
Fold the bottom hem of the sweatshirt to the wrong side and press it. Coverstitch the hem from the right side so the neat double row of stitching appears on the outside of the garment.
8. Prepare the Bottom Band (With Bottom Band)
If you're making the ribbed version, prepare the bottom band before attaching it.
8a.
Place both Bottom Band (Pattern F) pieces with their right sides facing together.
8b.
Align the side edges and overlock them together.
8c.
Fold the bottom band in half lengthwise with the right side facing outward. Align the raw edges to create a circular bottom band.
9. Attach the Bottom Band
9a.
Place the prepared bottom band onto the right side of the sweatshirt hem. Align the raw edges of the bottom band with the raw edge of the sweatshirt and match the bottom band seam with one of the sweatshirt side seams.
Overlock the bottom band to the sweatshirt.
9b.
Fold the bottom band down and press the seam. Topstitch along the edge of the bottom hem with the seam allowance underneath to secure the bottom band in place.
Ready to Sew Your Own Kid's Sweatshirt?
A comfortable sweatshirt is a wardrobe staple that every child can wear throughout the year. With its classic round neckline, comfortable fit, and two hem finish options, the Shawn Sweatshirt is a versatile project that's both practical and enjoyable to sew.
Whether you choose the clean hemmed version or the sporty ribbed bottom band, this very easy pattern is a great introduction to sewing knit garments. Follow the step-by-step guide, choose your favorite knit fabric, and you'll have a handmade sweatshirt that's ready for everyday adventures.
Ready to get started? Pick up the Shawn Kids Sweatshirt Sewing Pattern and enjoy sewing a comfortable sweatshirt that's sure to become a wardrobe favorite.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Kids Sewing Pattern Collection for more beginner-friendly patterns, including tops, dresses, hoodies, pants, rompers, and other comfortable handmade clothing for babies and children.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Shawn Kids Sweatshirt on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
