Custom Fit Sweatshirt with Fayma Patterns
I’ve noticed that the last couple months have been heavy on trying something new—I’ve explored different techniques and supplies that I haven’t used before, I’ve branched out with some fabrics, and I’ve sewn with a few pattern companies that are new to me, like Style Arc in my last blog post and today with a relatively new company, Fayma.
This post is my honest opinion using a pattern I received free of charge from Fayma Patterns.
Fayma is a pattern company that uses one’s specific body measurements to generate a custom fitted digital sewing pattern. Users can shop the designs, create a measurement profile, and then download and print instructions and custom pattern pieces. In a world where standardized size charts can be prohibitive, this is an awesome format that allows for more inclusion in the sewing pattern industry.
I’m a sucker for crew neck sweaters/sweatshirts, so I chose the Neat Nuance Sweatshirt to test out Fayma’s new-to-me system. The Neat Nuance Sweatshirt is a pretty standard sweatshirt with a crew neck finish, cuffs, and a waistband, but with a fun shoulder detail. The epaulettes are a unique touch that elevate the standard sweatshirt, but aren’t too much of a statement detail, which I appreciate. I used a textured sweater knit I purchased from Blackbird Fabrics last year. The fabric was a really nice choice for the pattern and the subtle texture of the sweater knit further elevated the usually casual sweatshirt.
Like anything else, this custom sizing pattern format has its advantages and potential disadvantages. I’m here to share my observations after my first time making a Fayma pattern, which will hopefully clarify the process and help you decide if this is a system that would jive with you too.
What to know before making a Fayma Pattern:
The instruction booklet for the pattern is very thorough. I would feel comfortable recommending these patterns to adventurous beginners. Symbols, equipment, fabric keys, and instruction format are provided and the booklet is uncluttered. You can see a preview of the Neat Nuance instructions here.
My particular pattern is a knit pattern, and I noticed that the end of the instruction booklet also had information about different options for finishing hems, as well as tips for sewing the knit garment without a serger. Fayma seems to be mindful of home sewists who do not have a serger or coverstitch.
The Fayma app must be used to finish setting up your measurement profile. Its downloaded onto your smartphone and that’s where you input your measurements. It also uses a couple photos of your body (in form fitting clothing), which are promptly deleted once the relevant measurements are taken from the photos.
The measurement profile is pretty extensive. Setting this up is not a quick five minute activity, so make sure to set aside some time to complete it. Though lots of measurements take time, they also mean a better fit. The good news is the measurement profile is saved and doesn’t have to be redone for another pattern unless you’d like to update your measurements.
Some measurements are tricky to take alone. If possible, having a buddy will yield more accurate measurements.
Once pattern pieces are generated and the printable files are downloaded, you’ll notice that there are separate pieces for right side and left side elements, and fronts and backs are cut flat. Having each individual piece could be particularly helpful if you have differences in your measurements between your left side and right side and you’d prefer to customize the fit of each side.
Since the pattern pieces are generated from your measurements, there is no size chart or finished garment measurements chart. If you want to know finished measurements for say, the sleeve, you’ll need to measure the pattern pieces and account for the seam allowances.
My sweatshirt is sewn exactly as is, with no changes made to the pattern pieces created from my measurements. To be honest, it felt a little strange giving up some of that control and trusting technology to account for adjustments I almost always make like a full bust adjustment or narrow shoulder adjustment. I’d say it turned out pretty great for my first go! The fit looks similar to that of the model, and its very comfortable to wear.
I can’t decide if my sleeves are too short—on the one hand, I did do my measurements myself so I might have goofed up my arm measurement, and on the other hand I’m also so used to sleeves being too long on me that perhaps now a good fit just feels too short but is actually fine. This is one time where I would’ve liked a finished measurement chart to see what kind of fit I should expect from my pattern pieces. But again, I always had the option to measure my pieces in case I wanted a little more control over the finished fit.
Besides custom fit technology Fayma also offers some really unique designs, and I can definitely see myself using their patterns again in the future. If you’d like to try out Fayma’s new way to sew custom clothes, you can use the code MEGMADE25 for 25% off your purchase in the Fayma shop. I’d love to see what you pick out!
