I’ve been lusting after the gorgeous jumpsuits and rompers everyone has been wearing for the past year, but after trying on a few ready-to-wear versions I got discouraged. My top and bottom halves are completely different sizes – okay for separates but terrible for jumpsuits.

I put my jumpsuit dreams on the shelf for a while until one day about a month ago I had a revelation – I sew! I can totally make a jumpsuit for myself that fits. Now, I’m not sure whether I temporarily forgot how sewing works or was just being dense but I was so excited at the thought of making a jumpsuit that worked for me.

The next step was finding the perfect pattern. I started out looking at the Ailakki Jumpsuit from Named Patterns but the cutout detail on the front was a little too risqué for me. Then I moved on to New Look 6373 and loved its romper and ruffle options. However, because I usually need to do a million adjustments on woven pants, I decided a woven jumpsuit wasn’t for me. I looked into knit jumpsuit patterns and there was a clear sewing community favorite – the Sallie Jumpsuit from Closet Case Patterns. I love that it has options for a kimono tee or tie shoulder tank on top and a maxi skirt or pants on the bottom.

Since I knew I wanted to wear the jumpsuit to graduation at work, I went with the more modest kimono tee version. I chose this great Black Rayon/Lycra Jersey Knit for an elegant look. The jersey washes really well and MAJOR BONUS isn’t see-through!

The pattern comes together very quickly and easily – I think it took me about 2 hours to make on my serger once everything was cut out. The bodice is self-lined for a neat finish inside.

Three notes on the pattern though:

1. Check the leg length on the pattern before you cut out and again once you’ve started assembly. I’m 5’4” and needed to remove about 5 inches from the leg length.
2. Get good quality elastic for the waistband. I tried first with some cheap elastic and it didn’t go well – spring the extra few $$ for better quality!
3. The pattern tells you to put the back kneck ties VERY high up. I would suggest putting them about ½ – ¾ of an inch lower than suggested.

I am definitely not cool enough to be wearing a jumpsuit but here I am wearing one anyway – and you should too! This pattern is so comfortable and surprisingly easy to wear. I can’t wait to cut out another one – maybe in this royal blue or this very daring print?

Alexandra blogs about sewing and reading over at her blog The Library of Alexandra. You can also follow her day-to-day sewing adventures on Instagram where she’s @alexandrap529.