Narrowing down the right fabric for the new Whistler Pull-over and Hoodie was a bit of a challenge. It is intended to be worn over light layers like a tshirt or cami. I wanted it to be comfortable with layers but also work with a wide variety of fabrics and not look sloppy. I think my testers and I found a happy medium. On page four of the pattern I give specific instructions about sizing depending on fabric type. Be sure to follow those and choose your size based on your high bust measurement.
Size medium Whistler pull-over with banded bottom and shawl collar. Ponte from Joann Fabrics.
Another fun challenge was finding Whistler fabric sources to share with you all.
I made over a dozen (not even joking!) Whistlers in a variety styles throughout the drafting and testing process. I haven’t counted up how many yards I went through but I can tell you the fabric types I used that worked well.
Just keep in mind, the look and fit will change with the different types of fabric. Basically: the drapier a fabric is the less fitted it will look on you.
Here is an example of a drapey french terry that you may have seen from Knitpop. It works well for the Whistler but is definitely on the looser side.
Whistler hoodie with banded bottom in a print french terry
And then at the opposite end of the spectrum is a fleece. Fleeces vary in weight but most can be used for the Whistler. If your measurements put you in-between sizes and you are using a fleece you may want to size up. Check the finished measurement chart if in doubt.
Whistler hoodie with banded bottom in fleece.
Some Whistler fabric shopping suggestions:
Joann’s heathered french terry. This was a stable french terry, not a lot of drape.
Joann’s space dyed ponte with spandex. Lovely weight and hand!
This was my favorite! Joann’s 4×8 ribbed sweater knit with a bit of lycra. Very stretchy with some recovery. Perfect for maternity!
Other fabrics recommended are hacci sweater knit, microfleece, heavy weight cotton/lycra, french terry with or without lycra and double knits like Liverpool. The extra length of the tunic needs some drape so a medium weight fabric as opposed to a heavy weight fabric such as fleece is recommended.
Shops to checkout:
- Joann Fabrics: lots to choose from! I love their 4×8 heathered rib and their variety of sweater knits.
Joann’s sweater knits
Sweater knit from Joann’s
- Rockywoods Fabrics: great source for outdoor wear. Their Hermosa Sweatshirt Fleece is my favorite. Smooth on the outside but a short nap fleece inside.
Rockywoods Hermosa Fleece
- Knitpop: lots of sweater knits and french terry.
- Raspberry Creek Fabrics: french terry!
French terry from Raspberry Creek.
And don’t forget, this pull-over/hoodie is perfect for maternity and nursing!
The front has a flat or gathered option. Use the gathered option with a drapey sweater knit or french terry for an adorable maternity top perfect for cold weather. The yoke ends about 2 inches below the bustline which makes nursing a breeze!
Whistler with gathered front- maternity & nursing friendly
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Whistler Pull-over and hoodie
$12.50
I love how you really addressed the fabric types and how they affect the look of the pattern! This is so helpful in many ways. My JoAnns does not have those beautiful fall colors in their french terry, or I’m just missing them. I’ll have to scope that out.