Everyone needs one of these: Zadie Jumpsuit Review

Today, we’re setting our sights on creating a timeless wardrobe staple – the Zadie jumpsuit. It’s worth noting that jumpsuits are currently a popular choice! Here, you’ll find a review of the petite version of the Zadie jumpsuit.

Nonetheless, made the Charlie Caftan by Closet Case Patterns (now Closet Core Patterns) last month, and this month I am featuring a UK independent pattern company, Paper Theory. 

This is a tried and true pattern. Many sewists have sewed, hacked, reviewed, and devoured this pattern because of its many features. 

Zadie Jumpsuit Pattern Features

• Love, love, love that this pattern has pockets. What’s a jumper without pockets? (Answer: a party crasher because now I need a purse.)
• Dropped shoulder sleeve (see below for details)
• Two sleeve options: short sleeves and long sleeves (3/4″)
• Wide-legged pants (see petite-ish adjustments below)
• Learning for beginners: How to make bias binding
• This pattern is super “hackable.”
• It’s inclusive! The pattern sizing goes up to size 28

Never sewn a PDF pattern?!

If you dread PDF patterns, you are not alone, BUT fear not, I wrote an entire blog post on how to make this task less daunting–> HERE! Personally, I’m not a fan of the tile method, but I can and have done both. It’s not so frustrating once you’ve done it a few times, especially for the Zadie jumpsuit. 

What notions do I need?

For starters, it has no notion-based closures. There are no zippers, buttons, or hooks to attach, so it’s a good place for beginning sewers to start. It’s a wrap-style jumper that potentially helps those ladies with larger busts. 

The lack of notions on the Zadie jumpsuit also allows you to get the appropriate fit and styling–either more loose-fitting or snug. If your sewing skills haven’t advanced to buttons or zippers. This pattern is a gentle sewing beginner’s start. 

 As mentioned above, you will make your bias binding.  So you need your basic sewing supplies.

About the dropped shoulder fit?

A dropped shoulder is one in which the shoulder seam is positioned below the shoulder.

 Lately, you can find this look everywhere from T-shirts to suiting. It’s the exact opposite of a fitted top. 

Likes any top or bodice, a dropped shoulder can be either long or short-sleeved and can be cut in one or two pieces. 

The one thing a drop shoulder is not is fitted–think kimono sleeves. Usually, it is not a set in sleeve either. It can be boxy, so think about that before you choose this look with any pattern. The benefit of the Zadie jumpsuit is that it doesn’t drop the shoulder too far from the shoulder. Personally, I don’t think it’s boxy or unflattering from the natural shoulder line, making it a versatile wardrobe addition. 

Some don’t think that drop shoulders are flattering, but I disagree. The drop shoulder makes it more versatile both to the sewer and the wearer. You pear-shaped and hourglass divas, this one is for you. Ladies who are into hiding your arms, check this one out. 

You pear-shaped and hourglass divas, this one is for you. However, if you have a more triangular body shape, you may need to make some Zadie jumpsuit adjustments to prevent the top from overtaking your frame. One of those adjustments would be in the pants area so the jumpsuit still has a slimming appearance. At any rate, most of us can pull off a drop shoulder. 

Tips for sewing the Zadie jumpsuit

• Some who’ve sewn this pattern have lamented on the large crotch size in the pants. Measure your crotch depth and height before sewing
• Make a quick muslin, so you don’t have to make all those pattern adjustments on your precious fabric
• Other sewists say that the pattern runs a little bit big. I would advise measuring the hip and waist area carefully since there is not much room to properly adjust these once the pattern is sewn. If you are like me and you are petite and curvy, then the pattern may fit you perfectly (LOL!)
•  Petite adjustments & thoughts: most ladies like me will need to shorten the length and possibly taper the pant for a flattering personal style. Like most patterns, the Zadie jumpsuit is pictured with a model who is approximately 5′ 7″. Petite sewers may also need to make back to waist adjustments and the crotch adjustments mentioned above.
• Use a lightweight fabric like the ones suggested – linen, lightweight denim

Show us your Zadie.  What hacks, tips or tricks do you have?