The latest Fibre Mood Sewing Magazine has released with so many cute patterns. I was able to test and preview one of the patterns prior to release. The Robin pattern was the perfect little pattern to try out and I am loving how it turned out. I made a couple changes to create the zip front. Here is how I sewed my version of the Robin pattern and my overall review.
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Thoughts on the Robin Pattern
Sizing – the pattern seems to run true to size. I made a size 8 width and 12 length and think it fits great. I also made my 6 year old a version and his fit was spot on as well. The fit is generous and therefore you can get away with fabric on the main bodice that does not have much stretch. My quilted knit was in my stash for years and I wanted to use it for the warmth. However, I knew it did not have stretch. It worked just fine in the pattern, but make sure you use a fabric with plenty of stretch for your cuffs and hem band. I used a knit ribbing and I wish it had a bit better recovery, but overall it works fine.
Construction – Super simple and easy to follow instructions. While they are not overly detailed, there wasn’t anything too confusing for construction. I avoided the snaps because I am absolutely horrible at installing them. Read further below for how I changed the pattern to include a zip front. This pattern comes together fairly quickly and I only wish the pattern pieces were labeled as that part is confusing, especially if using a projector to cut your pattern. My recommendation is to write the pattern label on each paper piece prior to cutting and you will save yourself some head-scratching moments.
Favorite features – the large kangaroo pocket on the front, the easy option for color blocking and using smaller pieces of your fabric stash
Robin Zip Front Pattern Hack
Of course I would go and hack the pattern just slightly. You see, I am absolutely terrified of adding snaps. They just never work out well for me. And while I work to overcome my fear of them, I adjust patterns to avoid them. Here is how I changed the Robin Pattern to include a zip front.
Written instructions: For VIDEO – see below
- Take the Front Top Bodice piece and draw a line down the center front marking on the pattern. Add 1/2 inch seam allowance to this line for your new front piece. Cut 2 from your main fabric.
- Take the collar piece. Fold it in half to create a shorter collar. Add 1/2 inch seam allowance to the non-folded edge of the pattern. I also added 1/2 inch back to the height of the collar prior to cutting for a little taller collar. Cut 1 collar piece from main fabric and 1 collar piece from your lining fabric.
- Sew the bodice front and back together and attach the main collar piece, press the seam allowance towards the collar.
- Sew the zipper to each side of front bodice, making sure seam allowance is pressed towards the collar.
- Attach bias tape to the bottom of your collar lining piece.
- Sew your collar lining to your main collar, using 1/2 inch seam allowance, sewing them right sides together. Sew from the bias tape on one side, up and along the entire top of the collar, then down to the other bias tape edge. make sure you stitch close to the zipper teeth (about 1/4 inch away) along the sides.
- Trim down any bulk in the seam allowance, trim the corners, and turn your collar right sides out. Hand stitch your bias tape to cover the collar seam line for a clean finish.
- Finish constructing your Robin Pattern per the instructions. After your bottom front piece is attached, trim your zipper.
I just love this pop of orange on the bias tape I used to finish the collar cleanly. But you can use a matching color to blend in.
Video Tutorial
Sometimes it’s just easier to see it happen- don’t mind the bathrobe I am wearing in most of these shots – lol
The Robin Pattern from Fibre Mood is a fun and cute sew, perfect for layering this winter. With a roomy fit and options to color block, this is a great pattern to mix and match all those smaller pieces of fabric you have been holding on to for far too long 🙂
Until Next Time,
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I
HI, I just joined FibreMood and am having trouble printing their patterns in the US letter format correctly. I seem to always be missing one side border and there is some pattern information missing there as well. Did you have that problem? And if so, what did you do about it?
I can’t find any information on the internet. Thank you.
julie
HI Julie – Sorry I just now saw your comment. I have not had a problem printing them. Are you printing at 100%? The information on the pattern pieces is not usually on there and I write it in. I have to look in the pattern for a diagram that shows how many of each piece to cut and what each piece should be labeled.