Sewing For My Sanity

McCall’s 8024 Warning Girlfriend, slubby can be so cute

diy sweatshirt

Sweatshirts are meant to be worn over and over again so why not sew DIY sweatshirts to lounge in cooler weather.   The McCalls Pattern Company’s pattern comes complete with style and comfort in McCall’s 8024 (#M8024).  In this article, I hope to introduce you to one of the best sweatshirt patterns out there.


I love sewing quick tops of any kind for any season.  You all already know this.  Usually, I’m doing tiny tops for summer though, not winter or fall so I’m changing things up a bit.  This pattern is definitely a keeper.  It interestingly has three views with sleeve, hem, and neckline variations.  You can make it out of just about any stable knit material. There are no provisions for the length to be adjusted without distorting the arms but I don’t think you need to make any adjustments to this pattern.

McCalls 8042 sweatshirt


Sweatshirt fabrics for M8024:

The pattern suggestions are in the moderate stretch knits category with a cross-grain stretch of about 35%.  McCall’s designers suggest jerseys, cotton knits, or interlock. 

Personally, I would almost never choose an interlock for M8024 and especially NOT an ITY for this pattern.  It almost defeats the purpose of sewing a sweatshirt in my opinion.  

Subsequently, I chose to make mine out of this luscious Atelier brunette fleece back sweatshirt stretch knit fabric from Minerva in the United Kingdom.  As soon as it came in the mail from the UK I knew exactly what it was going to become. Firstly, who can resist a super soft handmade top? Secondly, its cold outside, I mean it’s hot cocoa and fireplace ready, seriously.


McCalls 8024 Petite adjustments:

None. This is one of the few sewing patterns I made absolutely no petite adjustments to. Personally, I think it turned out great. Therefore, this sewist has no regrets in that decision.

McCalls 8042 sweatshirt

Sewing skills needed:

The pattern is listed as very easy and I would certainly agree.   Above all, the most difficult task is the neckline for beginner sewists. As a precaution, just remember not to overstretch the neckline and distribute the fabric evenly.  

McCalls 8042 sweatshirt
McCalls 8024 in Atelier brunette fleece back sweatshirt stretch knit

McCalls 8024 Hack options:

  • Add thumbholes to view C
  • Colorblock it! Yes, let’s do that in all sorts of ways
  • Style options: layers, jeans, jean skirt, Addias

In conclusion, I think this is a fantastic pattern. An experienced sewist can whip these up in 1-2 hours per session. If you want to learn more about knits and how to sew with them, that’s my favorite, click the button below.

Sew with knits