Every year we see millions of novelty Christmas jumper get bought, worn once and then discarded so we decided to design a sustainable Christmas jumper that is festive in spirit but also chic enough to wear at any time of year.

This jumper is a great way to use up any old small scraps you might have cluttering up your sewing space. To make it you will need a copy of our Zahra Jumper Pattern which is available in printed or PDF format. You will also need a base fabric. We recommend our Sweatshirt, Bamboo Jersey, Organic Cotton Jersey or Merino Wool Jersey for this. Anything warm and cosy with a little bit of stretch works a charm. Finally you will need your scraps in a non-stretch fabric such as cotton, silk or linen to make the patchwork. If they are particularly flimsy you may want to interface them first.

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You can make this whole jumper on a normal sewing machine using a zigzag stitch. However, if you have an overlocker that will help seal off all the raw edges. If you are based in Bristol and want to come and use our overlockers drop by to one of our Open Studio Sessions.

Let’s start with the patchwork…

For this hack, you'll need sixteen 6x6cm squares. To make the star shape in the image below you will need 2 x green, 6 x cream, 4 x dark pink, 4 x light pink. If you want to make a star simply substitute in your fabric colours. However, if you would like to make your own festive design feel free to freestyle the design.

Once you have decided on your design and colour combinations pair two different coloured pieces, pinning right sides together. Then, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner & sew two lines 0.5cm either side of the drawn line.
Once you have sewn all your pieces, cut along the drawn line and iron flat.
This is a good moment to lay the design out and check you are happy with it.
Then pin and sew each row right sides together with 0.5cm seam allowance. So that you don't get jumbled, always start at the left corner and make your way along each row. Then press seam allowances open.
Once all your individual rows are sewn, sew them together lengthways, right sides facing each other. Then press seam allowances open.
As if by magic you should have a wonderful patchwork square. You may need to slight ‘true up’ the right angles in the corners to get it extra neat.

Now let’s set the patchwork into the jumper…

1. To set your patchwork into your jumper, start by cutting the front bodice one size bigger than your normal measurements with an extra 3.5cm in the length

2. Then place completed patchwork where you'd like it to sit on the front piece, this can be off centred or bang in the middle. Draw around the patchwork on to the the front piece and continue the vertical lines up to the top and base of the piece. Cut along these lines.

3. Now back the patchwork with the square of jersey you have you cut away. Sew together the vertical seams first, then the side seams right sides together with a 0.8cm seam allowance.

4. Continue sewing the Zahra Jumper as normal. At the end you may need to even out the hem slightly at the front.

We hope you love making this festive jumper and get many joyful years’ wear out of it. Please do send us a photo of you under the mistletoe wearing your version. We would love it if you use the hashtag #ZahraJumper and tag us @mademywardrobe so that we can see all your Christmas creativity.

Sending hugs and merry wishes,

Lydia x

How to make a patchwork Zahra Jumper