Learn how to add color blocks to a pattern for visual interest
Hey y’all, today I’m going to show you how to add colorblock details to a sewing pattern. This is a fun pattern hack to add to clothing. Plus, colorblocking can be a great way to use scrap fabric when you’re sewing clothes. Or it can just be a way to add visual interest to an otherwise basic garment.
The colorblock sweatshirt I’m wearing in this post was inspired by this one in To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You and as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to make one. Watch the video below or on YouTube here to see how I used my Conroe Sweatshirt pattern to make this hoodie from hand dyed cotton sweatshirt fleece.
3 Ways to Colorblock
- Cut different pieces of the patter in different fabrics (see my Rivage Raglan below)
- Add a straight seamline to the pattern (see the half-zip sweatshirt below)
- Add multiple seams to a pattern, including curves, for a really interesting effect (like the hoodie I’m wearing in this post)
The green and white raglan above is an example of the simplest kind of color blocking – I just cut the sleeves and the neckband out of the green fabric and the front and back pattern pieces out of the white fabric. This is also the method I used with the Peppermint PJs top I’m wearing in the video.
The half zip sweatshirt below is another simple example – I drew a straight line across the chest of the Conroe Sweatshirt (half-zip hack tutorial coming soon) and added seam allowances, the cut the top part in blue and the bottom part in gray.
And then the multi-color hoodie I’m wearing in this post is an example of advanced color blocking, as you know if you watched the video. Below you can see a still image of how I divided the Conroe Sweatshirt pattern and where I added seam allowances to make this shirt.
Sweatshirt details
Pattern: Conroe Sweatshirt, hoodie view, hacked as described above
Fabric: Organic Cotton Sweatshirt Fleece from Organic Cotton Plus, dyed
Dye colors, from Dharma Trading Company: Bubble Gum, Burgundy and Coral Pink
Chrysanthemom
Great idea. I make clothes from knits little grands and always have leftover printed fabric. Using a coordinated main body colour may tie it all together. Will try it soon.
Thanks.
Paula Franklin
Melissa is a real everyday person for all shapes and sizes. Non judgemental and very helpful in her tutorials. Simply the best.