Birgitta Helmersson Zero Waste Jumper - Printed Sewing Pattern

This sewing pattern uses zero waste pattern cutting and is designed to fit on a particular size fabric. It comprises of instructions showing you how to draw shapes directly onto your fabric, leaving no waste. With the exception of some small templates to aide in the cutting process, no large paper pattern pieces are required. You can purchase this pattern as a PDF Sewing Pattern or Printed Sewing Pattern. For more details see below:

PRINTED SEWING PATTERN: This is a PRINTED workbook measuring 20cm x 25cm. The folder is designed as a zero waste layout on A2 card. Once printed it is folded into a workbook which opens out to include traceable templates and a handy storage folder containing the instruction booklets for both the sewing and cutting steps. Printed on FSC certified paper from responsible sources. The booklets are sewn together using 100% organic cotton thread. All printing and assembling is done in-house in our studio in Malmö.

Sewing Level: Beginner

The Zero Waste (ZW) Jumper has an oversized body with a curved hem and a slim sleeve making it perfect for layering. The body size and sleeve length are determined by the fabric width you use. The crew neck features a ribbed neck band, and the sleeve hem has a ribbed band attached when using narrower fabric widths. The ZW Jumper comes with tips to adjust the sleeve circumference for extended sizes, as well as a hack to make a smaller jumper size with a narrower fabric. 

Recommended Tools

Sewing machine, iron, chalk or dissolvable pen, scissors, large right angle ruler and/or long straight ruler.

Techniques used

Attaching ribbing, attaching back neck facing, attaching binding.

PDF Pattern/Instruction Booklet: Includes measurements in both metric (centimetres) and US imperial (inches). Booklet/Templates are printable on both A4 or US Letter Paper size. 

This pattern is considered a one size garment. The finished garment size is determined by the fabric width and the pattern is suitable for widths between 145-175cm / 57-69".  This size chart shows the MAXIMUM hip size suitable for each fabric width and includes a generous amount of ease. The forearm of this pattern is slim fitting and the size chart indicates the MAXIMUM forearm circumference suitable for all fabric widths, allowing for a small amount of ease. You can find tips on how to adjust the sleeve for a larger forearm measurement inside the instruction booklet.

MAX Hip circumference

Fabric Width 145cm / 57" = 115cm / 45"

Fabric Width 150cm / 59" = 120cm / 47"

Fabric Width 155cm / 61" = 125cm / 49"

Fabric Width 160cm / 63" = 130cm / 51"

Fabric Width 165cm / 65" = 135cm / 53"

Fabric Width 170cm / 67" = 140cm / 55"

Fabric Width 175cm / 69" = 145cm / 57"

MAX Forearm circumference

 All Fabric Widths: 22cm / 8.5"

Length, shoulder to hem

 All Fabric Widths: 60cm / 23.5" *This length is based on the main pattern, the length can be adjusted to your preference by referring to the instruction booklet. 

*Please note the back length when worn is approximately 5cm / 2" longer than the front when worn. 

Fabric Type

The ZW Jumper is suitable for both woven's (non-stretch) and knits (stretch). This jumper works really well in a mid-heavy weight brushed cotton fleece/sweater fabric (you can often find this fabric type in quite wide widths). It also works great as a lighter weight top in a thinner jersey fabric. If you want to use a non woven fabric choose something in a light - mid weight in a fabric that has a bit of drape to it.

For the neck and sleeve band choose a cotton ribbing that has a nice amount of structure to it. See 'Notions' for more on ribbing requirements. 

Pre-Washing: Knit fabrics are usually better washed after sewing when using this pattern, keep in mind the length may shrink slightly after washing the first time.  You can also pre-wash fabrics, particularly if they are woven fabrics. If you do this then make sure you order slightly more fabric to account for shrinkage

Recommended Fabric Widths

145-175cm / 57-69"

Yardage required

Main Fabric: 80cm / 31.5"  (this gives a finished garment length of 60cm / 23.5" when worn. To adjust the length you will need to also adjust your fabric usage. Instructions on how to do this are included in the pattern).

 Notions

-All Garment Views: one length of cotton bias binding to finish the facing, 4cm x 32cm / 1.5” x 12.5”.

-Garment view 1 & 2: one length of ribbing to finish the neck, 8cm x 43cm / 3.25” x 17”.

-Garment view 2: two lengths of ribbing to finish the sleeve hems, 16cm x 20cm / 6.5” x 8”.

*Please note the length required can vary slightly based on the ribbing quality you are using as some ribbings need to be stretched on more than others so check this against your garment before cutting and sewing.