Saturday, November 2, 2024

Waves and Wild – I CAN Zip Hoodie Review

Like many sewists, I like to stay in my comfort zone.  And, that generally means that I avoid anything that looks difficult – such as zips and button holes.  The I CAN Zip Hoodie pattern by Waves and Wild has been on my ‘to make’ list for quite a while, though, as I find zips much easier than pullovers when dressing a toddler.  Spurred on by my sewing friends who had successfully made this pattern, I decided to give it a go.  For this review, I made the I CAN Zip in age 3 using some gorgeous cotton lycra from Lillestoff.  I also used cotton lycra for the wrist and waist bands rather than ribbing (just because it’s thinner and works better for a summer make).

What I Loved

  • The new Waves and Wild patterns are trimless and very easy to put together.
  • The instructions are really clear and easy to follow.  A diagram is included for each step.
  • Layers are available in the PDF file so you only need to print your size.  A size chart is also included to help you determine this.
  • The Waves and Wild version of this pattern comes with a print at home copy, an A0 copy for copy-shop printing, and a projector pattern.
  • The pattern comes with options to make either a plain or a colour blocked hoodie.  The colour blocked option enables you to add pockets.
  • This pattern has taught me how to insert a zip.  And, do you know what?  It was super simple!  I don’t know what I was so afraid of.
  • There are two different zip options – one for complete beginners (which I did) and one for those with more experience.
  • The end result – I mean look at it!  It’s beautiful.  This is definitely one of my proudest makes to date.

What Wasn’t So Great

  • I did get confused on the last step which involved folding the zip under to top stitch.  I couldn’t work out what I was supposed to fold.  For anyone else confused, you don’t need to fold anything – just top stitch over the zip.

Pattern Tips

  • Make sure you buy an open ended zip.  This was mentioned numerous times in the pattern and I still got it wrong – thank you well known British haberdashery store who had wrongly advertised their products.  Thankfully I was able to place a next day delivery order from Plush Addict so I wasn’t hanging around for too long to finish this make.  They have no idea I’m recommending them in this post but if you’re looking for one cut to size in a range of colours, I highly recommend using them!
  • Also Wonder Tape will be your best friend when getting the zip lined up correctly!

Final Verdict

The Waves and Wild I CAN Zip pattern is a great introduction to using a zip, and actually makes it look easy.  I’m so glad this was the pattern I chose to help me lose my zip virginity and I’m no longer scared of them.  Even when doing the “easy” version of the zip, I don’t think you can tell at all with the finished garment.  It just looks really nice and effective, and is amazing in every way.  Can you tell how much I love it?  My make for this review was made with cotton lycra which is perfect for summer wear, but I definitely plan to make another in French Terry or sweatshirt fabric so Ember has another one ready for the autumn/winter.

The Waves and Wild I CAN Zip Hoodie pattern advises using a medium weight stretch fabric, although it does say a lighter weight fabric can be used – although expect a baggier fit.  The PDF can be purchased from the Waves and Wild website for AUD $12.00 and is available in sizes premature to age 12.

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow Me on Social Media @TheNerdySewist

146FansLike
555FollowersFollow

Follow Me on Instagram @LauraPlayswithPaper

203FollowersFollow

Latest Articles