Dakar Sweatshirt or T-Shirt

Project preview

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew the Dakar, a relaxed children’s top with a wide body and dropped shoulders. Your fabric and finishing choices turn the same pattern into a T-shirt or sweatshirt.

The T-shirt has hemmed sleeves and a plain lower hem. The sweatshirt can be finished with rib cuffs and a rib waistband for a gathered finish.

What you’ll learn in this class

Sew a dropped-shoulder knit top.
Choose stretch seams with or without an overlocker.
Set the sleeves flat using the pattern notches.
Attach rib cuffs, a waistband and a neckband.
Finish knit hems with a twin needle.
Adapt the sewing order for small sleeve openings.

Fabric choices

Use knit jersey for the T-shirt version. Choose sweatshirt fabric for a warmer layer, with rib knit for the neckband, cuffs and optional waistband.

The class explains how fabric weight and stretch affect needle choice, handling and the amount of stretch needed when attaching rib sections.

Make it your own

Use the longer sleeve line for a hem or the shorter line for a rib cuff. Add the waistband, choose a plain lower hem or make the top sleeveless for warm weather.

A separate pocket file provides a small chest pocket and a kangaroo pocket. You can also add an appliqué or label.

The body uses the same base length with or without the waistband, so the waistband adds length to the finished sweatshirt.

Sizes and fit

The pattern covers size groups 2/3 through 14/15, for heights from 95–105 cm to 158–170 cm.

The size chart lists chest, waist and hip measurements. A wide cut and dropped shoulders create the relaxed silhouette.

The class includes A4 and A0 pattern files, an information file with the size chart and a separate file with both pocket options.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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