How to Make an A-Line Jumper

Embellish the jumper with a silk-flower neckline or hemline.

You can make an A-line jumper for a child or adult that can be worn on its own during warm weather and over a tight turtleneck top and a pair of leggings during the cold months. Use a stiff fabric for a jumper that holds its shape, or use lightweight cotton or satiny fabric for a dress that flows as the wearer moves. Embellish the jumper with a ribbon hemline or add pockets for a more functional dress.

Things You'll Need

• Your choice of fabric
• Sewing pins
• Sewing needle and thread
• 1-inch-wide ribbon
• Fray stop application
• Bodkin

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of the wearer's chest, just below the underarms. Add 2 inches to this measurement and then divide the total by 2. Draw this line across the top of a piece of fabric. For example, if the circumference measurement equals 28 inches, add 2 inches and then divide by 2 for a total of 15 inches. Draw a line 15 inches long across the top of the fabric.

2. Measure the distance from just below the underarms to just above the knee. Find the center of the line on the fabric and measure down the distance measurement plus 1 1/2 inches. Make a dot on the fabric.

3. Add 50 percent to the total of the top line and draw this line through the dot on the fabric. Draw half on each side of the dot. For example, for a top line of 15 inches, add 60 percent for a total of 24 inches. Draw a line 12 inches long on either side of the dot.

4. Draw a line to connect the left end of the top line to the left end of the bottom line. Do the same with the right side. Cut out the shape.

5. Place the shape on top of a piece of the same fabric and cut out another shape for the jumper. Place the shapes together on top of each other with the edges aligned.

6. Pin the long left sides of the jumper together and do the same with the right sides. Sew a straight or zigzag stitch up both sides of the jumper to make the side seams. Leave 1 inch at the top of each side. The straps for the jumper will be inserted through this section later.

7. Make the jumper's hemline by turning up 1/2 inch of fabric along the bottom of the jumper and sewing it in place.

8. Make a clean edge for the top of the jumper by turning down 1 inch of fabric along the top edge and sewing it in place.

9. Cut two pieces of 1-inch-wide ribbon. You can use a wider or thinner ribbon if you choose. Cut the ends of the ribbon diagonally and paint the ends with a fray stop application.

10. Thread the end of one ribbon through the eye of a bodkin and insert it into the top right hole at the front side of the jumper. This hole was left when you did not sew the top 1 inch of the side seam. Push the bodkin through the channel in the jumper and pull it out the left side. Remove the bodkin.

11. Thread the other ribbon through the eye of the bodkin and insert it into the top right hole at the back side of the jumper. Thread it through the channel and pull it out the left side. Remove the bodkin.

12. Have the wearer try on the jumper and tie the ribbons above the shoulders to make the straps of the jumper.

References

• "Sewn With Love: Classic Patterns for Children's Clothes and Accessories"; Fiona Bell; 2010.
• "Making Children's Clothes: 25 Stylish Step-by-step Sewing Projects for 0-5 Years"; Emma Hardy; 2009.