Patagonia Pullover Synchilla: A Sewing Journey

The Patagonia pullover synchilla is a unisex pattern that has been popular for decades, and its classic design has made it a staple in many outdoor enthusiasts' wardrobes. As a sewing enthusiast, I recently decided to tackle this pattern and create my own version of the iconic pullover.

I started by tracing a medium-sized pattern piece from the envelope, which included all available sizes. According to my measurements, I fit best into a medium chest and waist, but required a larger hip size. After selecting the correct size, I began searching for snaps that matched the color scheme I had envisioned. I opted for pastel pink size 16 snaps from Wawak, which I thought resembled the ones used in Patagonia's designs.

The pattern calls for 'heavy-duty' snaps, but being a snap novice, I wasn't sure what this meant. Instead of worrying about the snap quality, I focused on finding the right color to complement my fabric choices. For the outer shell, I selected Polartec Double Sided Curly Fleece in Sour Lemon and woven Supplex in Dark Turquoise. The inner neck edging was made from stretchy nylon/spandex Creamy Pink Jersey Knit.

I must admit that navigating the vast selection of fabrics on this website can be overwhelming. However, viewing fabric samples on a larger screen helps make the process more manageable. My pattern has a copyright date of 2013, and after tracing it out, I hit the jackpot at Fashion Fabrics Club for the perfect fabric combination.

As I worked on my pullover, I couldn't help but notice similarities with Patagonia's designs. In fact, this style has been around for decades and is probably more well-known from Patagonia, an early adopter of fleece fabric in garments. The pattern in the store may have been a zip-up version, but I was interested in creating the classic pullover style.

Throughout my sewing journey, I've found that understanding how to make something takes away from its mystique. By breaking down the process into smaller steps and experimenting with different fabrics and techniques, I feel more confident in my ability to create unique pieces. Whether it's cooking or sewing, I believe that knowing the 'how' behind a creation allows me to appreciate its value even more.

For me, sewing is about exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible. Sometimes it's about creating something for myself, while other times it's about making something for others. In this case, I wanted to create my own version of the Patagonia pullover synchilla, and I'm thrilled with the result.