I love that comfort wear is completely acceptable as outerwear. So when I saw this multi stripe ITY knit in the discount fabric bin at Walmart I knew I had to make myself a new comfy set with it. ITY fabric is soft, slinky and amazing to wear in the hot months. It’s not see-through, comes in lots of colors and it barely wrinkles so it’s perfect for packing to go on vacation. I have made joggers, yoga pants, capris, dresses and shirts with ITY but never shorts. I decided that the matching set would have to be a short set. Get the details below to make your own short matching set.

 

Supplies:

• 2.5 yards of ITY Fabric
• T-shirt pattern or take a pattern off a t-shirt you have.
• Shorts pattern or take a pattern off some shorts you have.
• General Sewing Supplies
• Sewing Machine
• Serger(optional)

Cut out your pattern making sure to match any stripes or patterns on the fabric. If you are familiar with using your own clothing that fits you well to draft a pattern, go ahead and do that. Some people prefer that over commercial patterns. If you don’t know how to do that but would like to, here is a video by Mimi G on How to Copy your favorite t-shirt. 

For my top I used the Classic Tee pattern by Love Notions in the scoop neck view. It has 3 neckline options: crew, scoop and v-neck. If you want to keep you pattern in tack you can make a template for each neckline option like I did below. Then you just wait until the last to cut the neckline out and replat the pattern with just the template of the neckline.

When I sew t-shirts together I typically work in these steps:

1. Sew shoulders
2. Sew in sleeves
3. Sew from the sleeves down sides of t-shirt
4. Attach neck band

I wait until the very end to hem both my shorts and t-shirt because I usually switch to a twin needle for hems.  I finish all my edges with a serger, which you technically doubt have to do when sewing with knits. I just like the way it looks. I do always use a zig zag or lightening stitch on my sewing machine so that the seams will stretch with the fabric.

For my shorts I used the Luna Lounge wear pattern by Love Notions. The shorts are meant for woven fabric. I sized down one size because Iwas using knit. Remember: you can use knit fabric on a woven patterns if you size down but you can’t use woven fabric on a knit pattern.

When I sew shorts together, especially ones with pockets, I typically work in these steps:

1. Sew front center from waist to crotch
2. Sew back center from waist to crotch
3. Attach pockets at the sides
4. On each side: Sew from waist down to pockets, around pockets then down to hem.
5. Sew inseam

Once both the top and bottom are ready to be hemmed, I switch to a twin needle on my machine. I use a Janome HD 3000 and I have to loosen my Thread tension and adjust my stitch length to the longest stitch. Back stitching doesn’t really work so I leave my threads extra long so I can tie them off on the inside at the end.

Below is some info on the patterns I used to make my set. They are digital patterns and very beginner friendly. If you are interested in purchasing either one you can use code KOE10 to receive a 10% discount. 

Luna Lounge Wear

The Luna Loungewear set includes five pieces: cami, knee-length nighty, bralette, capris and shorts. The bralette can be worn on its own or paired with the cami and nighty as a shelf bra. The capris and shorts feature an elasticated waistband with optional drawstring, faux fly and side-seam pockets. The capris and shorts can be made from woven or knit fabrics while the cami and nighty are meant for knits.

Luna Loungewear Features:

• Meant for knit and woven fabrics
• 5 pieces: Cami, knee-length nighty, shelf bra/bralette, shorts and capris
• Full bust option
• Optional shelf bra
• Optional side seam pockets

Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

 

Classic Tee

The Classic Tee sewing pattern is a semi-relaxed tee with just the right amount of ease where you need it. Choose from three neckline options: crew, scoop and v-neck. Also included are four sleeve lengths: short, elbow, 3/4 and long. This tee is a great beginner project, especially for an introduction to sewing with knits. A full bust piece is also included.

Classic Tee Shirt Features:

• Meant for knit fabrics
• Three necklines: crew, scoop & v-neck
• Four sleeve lengths: short, elbow, 3/4 & long
• Semi-fitted style
• Full Bust option

Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)

Skill Level: Beginner