If you’re looking for a great pullover pattern filled with options~ the Whistler just might be the pattern for you! I’ll be honest, I never thought it was really my style. Then last winter Tessa at Love Notions sent me the pattern and asked if I would sew one up for a promotion. And now~ it’s one of my favorite pullovers to wear!
You can grab yours TODAY only~ 2/17/23 for just $5! Make sure you use my coupon code- SEWMARY10 for an additional 10% off!
Details
The Whistler sweater and hoodie is a loose fitting pullover with an interesting inset yoke. It can be made with a shawl collar (my favorite version) or a hood. The BEST detail about this sweater is the inset pockets. If you like to carry your phone around with you~ these pockets are the best!
The options are endless! There are three lengths to choose from: top, tunic and dress. You can also choose between a banded hem or a straight hem. At the inset you can opt for a flat or gathered front.(All my versions have the gathered front). This sweater requires 2 buttons( functional or not- I just sewed mine through all layers).
The skill level is listed as intermediate, but I think an advanced beginner could tackle this. The video links in the tutorial are excellent! This pattern looks a lot harder than it actually is! I found it to be a surprisingly quick, fun and satisfying sew!
Sizing and Fitting
The Whistler is available in sizes XS – 5X. There is a Full Bust option piece as well. Make sure you choose your size by your high bust measurement. Remember is your Full bust is 4″ or more than your high bust measurement you should be using the Full Bust front piece. Remember that the full bust piece adds 2″ to the waist and hip finished garment measurements.
If you are between sizes, go smaller if your fabric is thinner and drape. If you are between sizes and your fabric is heavier/more stable it is suggested you choose the larger size. Remember that fabric choice can always change the way a garment is intended to fit.
My versions are all a Large with the Full Bust option graded out to an XL for my fuller hips. My upper bust is 39″~ which is between the L and XL. Since my fabric choices were all softer more drapey fabrics, I went with the Large.
Fabrics
The Whistler is designed for knit fabrics. A variety of knit types can be used~anything from sweatshirt fleece to a dressier sweater knit will work.
Medium to heavyweight knits with at least 25% stretch will work best.
You can totally change the look of your Whistlers just by using different fabrics. It can be a super casual and sporty pullover, but also a nice dressy sweater if you want. I used different fabrics for all three of my versions, and I love them all. I had a red sweater knit one planned for Christmas, but ran out of time, so it’s on my list for next Fall.
My very first version that I made last year, I used a super casual Cotton French Terry with just 25% stretch. I had this fabric in my stash for a few years and thought it would be perfect. To make it a bit different, I used the wrong looped size of the French Terry for the collar.
Last month I saw this stretch velour on Surge Fabrics Instagram page. I immediately ordered 2 colors! I one of them would make a great Whistler. This buttercream stretch velour is the softest ever and makes a dressier version~ even though I just wore it with jeans.
One of my most favorite fabrics ever is the Oatmeal French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I decided a few weeks ago that I would stop hoarding it and get more of it sewn up. I made a Terra Tunic a few weeks back in the Palm Leaves~ you can see it HERE. I chose this Sunset Watercolor Floral Oatmeal French Terry and decided to use a contrasting Clay French Terry for the shawl collar. See below for fabric information.
You can also color block the Whistler and use different fabrics for the entire yoke inset and collar/hood.
Sew Mary Mac’s Tips for the Whistler
- Make sure you transfer all markings to your fabric pieces! This is not the pattern to skip this step on! Trust me, you will thank me later.
- Step 12~ Take it slow and PIN in small sections. The video link is VERY helpful if you’re struggling.
- Get creative with your fabric selection. You can use all one fabric, coordinating fabrics or even one fabric using the right and wrong sides.
- Get out your button tin for this pattern! This is a great pattern to use up vintage/random buttons. Although the pattern calls for 2 buttons, you can always use just one larger button.
Thanks for visiting my blog! Make sure you visit my Instagram to keep up with all my latest makes! @sewmarymac
Mary Anne 🙂
You can purchase the Whistler pattern HERE. This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.
To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code SEWMARY10. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern. Codes change quarterly, so if this code is expired, please check my most recent blog post.
I was given the Whistler pattern before I was a Love Notions Ambassador for a promotion. As always, all opinions are my own. All fabrics were purchased by me.
Fabric Resources
Raspberry Creek Fabrics: Sunset Watercolor Floral Oatmeal French Terry
Surge Fabrics: Buttercream Stretch Velour
This stretch velour comes in a few different colors with matching ribbing.
sewmarymac.com 