A sweatshirt is a timeless wardrobe staple that offers everyday comfort, warmth, and versatility. Whether you're sewing one for casual outings, layering during cooler weather, or relaxing at home, making your own sweatshirt allows you to choose the perfect fabric and create a fit you'll love wearing. It's also an excellent project for building confidence with knit fabrics and learning professional garment construction techniques.
The Winslet's Brian Men's Sweatshirt Sewing Pattern is a great choice for sewists looking for an approachable knitwear project. Featuring a relaxed fit, long sleeves, practical side pockets, and classic ribbed finishes, this very easy pattern includes detailed step-by-step instructions to help you achieve a polished, ready-to-wear result.
Why Sew a Men's Sweatshirt?
- Sew a comfortable everyday sweatshirt that's perfect for layering and cooler weather.
- Learn practical knit sewing techniques, including constructing side panels, attaching pockets, and sewing ribbed bands.
- Create a relaxed-fit garment with functional side pockets.
- Customize your sweatshirt using your favorite knit fabrics and colors.
- Build confidence sewing knit garments with an easy and rewarding project.
Why Choose the Winslet's Brian Men's Sweatshirt Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Very Easy
-
Major Design Features:
- Relaxed fit crewneck sweatshirt
- Long sleeves
- Functional side pockets
- Ribbed neckband
- Ribbed sleeve cuffs
- Ribbed bottom band
- Available Sizes: US 34 - US 54 | UK 34 - UK 54 | EU 44 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following before you begin:
- Medium to heavy-weight knit fabric with 3–5% elastane/spandex (30–50% stretch)
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
- Flatlock machine (optional)
- Sewing needles
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Tape measure
- Chalk
- Pins
- Iron
If you don't have a serger, use a zig-zag stitch with the presser foot setting lower than 1 and, if available, a walking foot. A twin needle or narrow zig-zag stitch can be used as an alternative to a flatlock machine. Always test your stitches on a fabric sample before sewing the final garment.
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends medium to heavy-weight knit fabrics with 3–5% elastane/spandex (30–50% stretch), including:
- Jersey
- Rib knit
- Fleece
- Terry
The sample garment shown in the sewing guide is made using 220 GSM fleece fabric, which is recommended because it is:
- Soft and plush
- Fully opaque
- Lightweight with good stability
- Moisture-wicking and crease-resistant
- Easy to sew and affordable
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
Prepare the following pattern pieces:
- A. Front — Cut 1 Fabric
- B. Back — Cut 1 Fabric
- C. Side Front — Cut 2 Fabric
- D. Side Back — Cut 2 Fabric
- E. Sleeve — Cut 2 Fabric
- F. Bottom Band — Cut 2 Fabric
- G. Cuff — Cut 2 Fabric
- H. Neck Bind — Cut 1 Fabric
- I. Pocket — Cut 4 Fabric
Pattern Marking
Transfer all pattern markings before sewing to ensure accurate assembly.
The sewing guide includes markings for:
- Grainline
- Shoulder
- Shoulder drop
- Neckline
- Armhole
- Armhole center notch
- Front panel
- Back panel
- Back panel notch
- Side seam
- Hemline
- Hem center notch
- Pocket opening
- Pocket notch
- Pocket curve
- Bottom band side
- Neckband side
- Cuff center notch
- Cuff side
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams before pinning them to the fabric.
The layouts are designed for both 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths and are intended for non-directional fabrics. If your fabric has a directional print or nap, purchase additional fabric to accommodate the layout.
Ensure every grainline arrow runs parallel to the fabric selvage. The illustrated cutting layouts use US Size 40 as the example.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring each grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage before pinning.
If using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces before cutting. Carefully trim away any pen, pencil, or chalk lines, and remember to cut all notches, as they help align the pieces accurately during construction.
Transfer all pattern markings—including circles, buttonholes, and fold lines—to the wrong side of the fabric using chalk, a marking pen, or a fabric pencil. Mark the center front of pieces cut on the fold to help with accurate alignment during sewing.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Attach the Side Pockets
1a. Place the Pocket (Pattern I) onto the Side Front (Pattern C) with right sides together. Sew along the pocket opening between the pocket notches.
1b. Clip the seam allowance at both pocket notches.
1c. Turn the pocket toward the wrong side of the side front piece and topstitch along the pocket opening to secure it.
1d. Place the second Pocket (Pattern I) on the opposite side of the pocket opening with right sides together, matching the pocket edges and notches.
1e. Sew around the curved edge of the pocket bag using an overlock stitch, leaving the pocket opening unstitched.
Repeat the same process for the second side front piece.
2. Join the Front and Side Front Pieces
Place the prepared Side Front (Pattern C) onto the Front (Pattern A) with right sides together.
Match the notches and sew the seam using an overlock stitch.
Press the seam toward the front.
Repeat for the opposite side.
3. Join the Back and Side Back Pieces
Place each Side Back (Pattern D) onto the Back (Pattern B) with right sides together.
Align the notches and sew both seams using an overlock stitch.
Press the seams toward the back.
4. Sew the Shoulder Seams
Place the prepared front and back pieces with right sides together.
Align both shoulder seams and overlock them together.
Press the shoulder seams toward the back.
5. Attach the Sleeves
5a. Open the prepared sweatshirt body and lay it flat with the right side facing up.
5b. Match the center sleeve notch with the shoulder seam and align the back sleeve notch with the back armhole.
5c. Pin the sleeve evenly around the armhole.
5d. Sew the sleeve to the armhole using an overlock stitch.
Repeat the same process for the second sleeve.
6. Sew the Side and Sleeve Seams
Fold the sweatshirt with right sides together.
Align the sleeve seams and side seams.
Sew continuously from the sleeve cuff opening, through the underarm, and down to the bottom edge using an overlock stitch to complete both sleeve and side seams in one continuous seam.
7. Attach the Neckband
7a. Fold the Neck Bind (Pattern H) in half with right sides together and sew the short ends to form a loop.
7b. Fold the neckband in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press.
7c. Divide both the neckband and neckline into four equal sections and mark them.
7d. Align the raw edges of the neckband with the neckline, matching the quarter marks.
7e. Stretch the neckband evenly while sewing it to the neckline with an overlock stitch.
7f. Press the neckline seam toward the sweatshirt body for a neat finish.
8. Attach the Sleeve Cuffs
8a. Fold each Cuff (Pattern G) in half with right sides together and sew the short ends to form a loop.
8b. Fold each cuff in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together, matching the raw edges.
8c. Divide both the cuff and sleeve opening into four equal sections and mark them.
8d. Insert the cuff inside the sleeve with the raw edges aligned. Match the quarter marks and pin evenly.
8e. Stretch the cuff evenly while sewing it to the sleeve using an overlock stitch.
Repeat the same process for the second sleeve.
9. Attach the Bottom Band
9a. Fold the Bottom Band (Pattern F) in half with right sides together and sew the short ends to form a loop.
9b. Fold the bottom band in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press.
9c. Divide both the bottom band and the sweatshirt hem into four equal sections.
9d. Match the quarter marks and pin the bottom band evenly around the sweatshirt hem.
9e. Stretch the bottom band evenly while sewing it to the sweatshirt using an overlock stitch.
9f. Press the seam allowance toward the sweatshirt body for a clean, professional finish.
Ready to Sew Your Own Men's Sweatshirt?
A classic crewneck sweatshirt is a comfortable wardrobe essential that you'll reach for throughout the year. With the Winslet's Brian Men's Sweatshirt Sewing Pattern, you'll learn practical knit sewing techniques such as constructing side pockets, attaching sleeves, sewing a ribbed neckband, and finishing the garment with ribbed cuffs and a bottom band.
Whether you're sewing it for everyday wear, layering during cooler weather, or relaxing at home, this very easy pattern provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you achieve professional-looking results. Download the pattern today and enjoy creating a comfortable sweatshirt you'll wear again and again.
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Share your finished Brian Men's Sweatshirt on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
