The Southbank Sweater and Sweater Dress is a cosy yet stylish knit pattern designed to become a winter wardrobe workhorse. With a slightly oversized fit, funnel neck and drop-shoulders, Southbank is on-trend, comfortable and flattering. Oh, and unbelievably quick and easy to sew!

Version 1 is a sweater dress with a sweatshirt-inspired hem band and side-seam pockets, easy to dress up or down. Version 2 is a hip-length top suitable for wearing over trousers or pencil skirts when made in a ponte or similar, or ideal for tucking into high-waisted garments if made in a lighter-weight fabric. Version 3 is a cropped sweater designed to finish at the natural waist. All three variations feature slouchy, slightly over-long sleeves with cuffs.

The pattern comes with detailed illustrated instructions and a page of tips for sewing with knits for beginners.

Skill level: beginner

Suitable Fabrics

All three options work well in medium-weight knits with up to 20% stretch, such as ponte roma, boiled wool, sweatshirt fabric. Version 2 also works beautifully in lighter-weight jerseys which give a softer, drapier look.

Notions

0.5m of clear elastic or stay tape, 1 cm wide
ballpoint or jersey needle
For Versions 2 and 3: 2.5mm twin needle (optional)

Nina Lee Southbank Sewing Pattern