Although jumpsuits have been all the rage over the past couple of years, I haven’t succumbed.  I did try sewing one a number of years ago, but it went straight to the op shop.  I even printed and cut out the Zadie jumpsuit pattern that it seems like everyone has sewn – but didn’t ever get pattern on to fabric.  I have jumpsuit patterns in my stash.  But it took a stretch jumpsuit pattern for me to actually make the leap and sew one up.

Now, I know that dropped crotches aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I don’t mind them at all. They are definitely ‘a look’ though – especially from behind!

The pattern is the Anitra Harem Style Jumpsuit, from Style Sew Me patterns. It’s the first pattern I’ve used from this designer. From the website: Are you looking for a one-piece that you’ll never want to take off? Anitra is your pattern! Transform your favorite jersey knit fabric into a stylish and comfortable jumpsuit that you can wear dressed out for a night out, in the office with a cute blazer and heels, or sneakers for a comfy day with the family. Skills Used: Stretch fabrics, elastic. Sizes Included: XS – 2XL

This is actually quite simple to sew, but there is a YouTube Sewalong by the designer available if that works for you. I sewed size L, which corresponded best with my measurements. If I sew it again I will shorten the bottom half of the jumpsuit by an inch or two from the waist to better suit my 158cm height – the legs are a little too long.  It would also raise the crotch a little (there’s plenty of room for adjustment there).

The pants legs wrap over one another, so the pattern pieces are not conventionally shaped. The top is super simple, with a front and a back piece. The neckline is fairly open but it needs to be, as that is how you get in and out of the jumpsuit.

The neckline and sleeves are hemmed with a simple narrow turn and stitch. This is not something that I often do for necklines but it worked well on the amount of scoop in this neckline. In the fashion photos on the pattern page the jumpsuit is worn off one shoulder, but that isn’t my scene. The model really rocks it though!

The pants are gathered before attaching to the top at the waistline. That seam is sewn quite wide, then pressed up and stitched to the top to form a casing for elastic. I used elastic that was about an inch wide, from memory. I left an opening in the stitching to insert the elastic then adjusted the length of it until I was happy with how tight it was. Depending on your torso length, you can place the ‘waist’ wherever you like, especially lower on your hips if preferred.

The fabric is a sparkly lurex navy knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics. This is definitely a bit of fun that has worked out far better than I’d anticipated! The stretch of the fabric in combination with the elastic waist and overall design make it easy to get into and out of (yes, jumpsuits are annoying when it comes to ease of undressing to go to the loo) and easy to wear. Recommended!  Worn here with Django & Juliette sandals and a beaded necklace bought in Kota Kinabalu (in Malaysian Borneo).