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
