We are big fans of transeasonal dressing at Paper Scissors Cloth. We love it for its aesthetic appeal but also for its potential as a more sustainable approach to dressing. Having clothes in your wardrobe that are more versatile allows you to wear them more, which allows you to invest in buying less and buying better. If you want to read more about why we love transeasonal dressing and some of our tips on how to do it successfully check out our blog post Are You Transeasonal?.
This blog is dedicated to showcasing sewing patterns that we think make excellent transeasonal garments. We currently stock a small, but select range of sewing patterns from designers who share our slow fashion ethos so it probably isn’t surprising that we have quite a range of transeasonal options to choose from.
Whilst writing this blog I realised that most of our patterns are not only versatile for season they are also versatile for occasion and style. Easily dressed up or down and able to adapt to different ‘looks’ depending on fabric choice and styling. This is exactly what we look for in a sewing pattern. Versatile, classic, timeless pieces are just good sustainable design.
So here is our list of Top 10 Transeasonal Sewing Patterns along with some eco-friendly fabric recommendations we think pair beautifully with each style.
1. Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory | UK 6-28
WHY WE LOVE IT
The Zadie jumpsuit has reached cult status in the online sewing community and we believe a lot of this has to do with its versatility. A relaxed silhouette and wrap front make it well suited to a wide range of body types. It also perfectly walks the line between causal and elegant, falling happily on either side depending on your fabric choice.
In terms of its suitability as a transeasonal garment, the Zadie is breezy for summer but in cooler weather can easily be worn with some base layers. Add a cosy jumper or jacket on top and you are good to go. Jandals or boots? Both would look great with this classic wrap jumpsuit.
OUR FABRIC RECS
Mara Linen Blend is a lovely mix of linen and Tencel™. Its slightly heavier weight lends itself well to cooler weather dressing but the fabric composition still ensures breathability on warmer days. Its interesting texture would give this classic pattern a lovely, elevated look.
Our Smooth Drape Twill is a versatile fabric choice that would elevate the Zadie and the Two-Tone Stripe Twill provides an opportunity to play with some stripes in a creative and subtle way.
2. Jesse Jumpsuit by The Modern Sewing Co. | UK 4-28
WHY WE LOVE IT
Keeping with the jumpsuit trend, this is another one ideally suited for layering. We love the more functional workwear vibe of this jumpsuit which would suit a variety of fabrics and could easily switch from casual daywear to elegant evening with the right accessories and shoes. Again its relaxed shape allows for plenty of layering options and the elasticated waist gives a bit of additional shape.
OUR FABRIC RECS
Our Organic Cotton Twill is perfect for a more casual workwear inspired look. As this is a cotton fabric we would layer it over a base layer for colder weather.
However, for a more elevated look we think our Smooth Drape Twill or Hoya Jacquard is the way to go. They would give this jumpsuit some instant pizazz but could still be dressed down during the day with sneakers, a warm jumper and jacket.
3. LB Pullover by Paper Theory | UK 6-28
WHY WE LOVE IT
This one is a classic for a reason. Endlessly versatile it can be made in both woven or knit fabrics. A loose boxy silhouette makes it ideal as a mid-layer garment and the simple design allows for lots of hacking opportunities.
OUR FABRIC RECS
This classic top pattern would work in most of our midweight fabrics but here are a few of our favourites...
Our Hemp + Lyocell Jersey is a beautiful weighty knit which combines the strength of hemp with the softness and drape of lyocell making it a great elevated basic. This could be worn as a base layer or even over a tighter merino in colder weather.
Soft Lima Knit is the ultimate in luxe comfort. Made with 100% Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Viscose this fabric has a softness, drape and sheen that can only be appreciated in person. Again, great as a base layer or worn over a tighter merino.
Our Organic Selanik Knit is a unique heavyweight organic cotton knit. We can imagine this making a lovely chunky jumper version of the LB pullover or a sleeveless vest for layering over a base layer and under jackets.
Our classic Hemp + Cotton Slub Muslin is the perfect mid layer fabric. Light and breathable enough to wear on its own during warm days but an ideal fabric for layering over something warmer when it's cold.
4. Zero Waste Block Pant by Birgitta Helmersson | XS-6XL
WHY WE LOVE IT
The zero waste block pant is the epitome of good sustainable design. Made using zero waste cutting techniques so you are left with no scraps, it is elegant, chic and modern. Available with a fly front hack for a more tailored look or a full elasticated waist for maximum comfort. The wide, loose legs are breezy for summer but you could easily slip a pair of leggings and/or boots under for cooler weather.
OUR FABRIC RECS
We love these in our Mara Linen Blend which provides just the right amount of structure and drape to show off the silhouette of this trouser pattern. Check out Kathryn’s ZW Block Pant version on instagram.
Our Hemp + Cotton Herringbone is a sustainable blend of organic cotton and hemp. The classic herringbone texture adds a cosy factor for winter whilst its fresh blue and white colour scheme would easily transition to warmer weather.
5. Spring Trousers by The Modern Sewing Co. | UK 4-28
WHY WE LOVE IT
Similar to the ZW Block Pant, the Spring Trousers have a high waist and wide leg which means they could easily fit a pair of tights, leggings or boots underneath but will also be cool and breezy in summer. The elastic back waist is perfect for fluctuating waistlines which is even more important during the season of comfort food and general hibernation and they just generally give us some serious Kowtow cool vibes.
OUR FABRIC RECS
For a more elegant look our Two-Tone Stripe Twill with its beautiful drape and subtle sheen would give this pattern a classy take whilst still being appropriate for warm or cold days. If it’s really chilly why not try a pair of long wool socks and boots underneath for extra leg insulation.
Or stick to a classic with our Organic Cotton Twill, available in a range of colours and perfect for a casual pair of spring trousers for summer or winter.
6. Thompson Coat by Daughter Judy | DD 0-20 and JJ 16-34
WHY WE LOVE IT
The Thompson Coat is just cool. Duster coat? Trenchcoat? Boxy workwear overcoat? Smock button up? All of the above is possible with this versatile pattern.
OUR FABRIC RECS
Sera Weighty Cotton Blend is the perfect outer layer fabric for warmer days but easily layered over base layers and jumpers in colder weather. The addition of Tencel™ boosts its thermoregulating abilities over a pure cotton drill.
Our Smooth Drape Twill would make an elegant lightweight over coat for warmer days while still being flexible and light enough to layer with a cosy jumper under a heavier weight coat for colder weather.
7. Over Shirt by The Modern Sewing Co. | UK 4-28
WHY WE LOVE IT
This is Hetty's top seller for a reason. One of the earlier ‘worker style’ jacket patterns to come about Hetty designed this to fit a hole in her own wardrobe and it has clearly resonated with the sewing community. The perfect outer layer for warm weather but equally easy to layer over when it’s cold.
OUR FABRIC RECS
Our Organic Cotton Twill is the ideal candidate, with its structured drape and utility vibe. But you could also try our Mara Linen Blend for a slightly more relaxed, rustic look.
Sera Weighty Cotton is another obvious choice. It has the perfect combination of softness and structure and its lovely washed appearance would give this shirt the perfect lived in feel for a workwear inspired garment.
8. Olya Shirt by Paper Theory | UK 6-28
WHY WE LOVE IT
Yet another cult favourite from the brilliant mind of Tara Viggo the Olya shirt is a modern twist on a classic collared shirt. Equally suited for wearing buttoned up or down as an over layer, its relaxed shape provides plenty of room for layering over warmer base layers.
OUR FABRIC RECS
The timeless prints in our Organic Cotton Oxford range are ideal for playing with the yoke detail on the Olya shirt. The cotton keeps things airy in warmer temperatures but these prints would look great peaking out of jumpers and cardis when temperatures drop.
The Two-Tone Stripe Twill is another great option for highlighting the details on this shirt and its 100% Tencel™ composition provides more thermoregulating abilities than standard cotton.
9. Celia Dress by The Modern Sewing Co. | UK 4-28
WHY WE LOVE IT
The Celia dress has all the markings of a timeless, seasonless garment. Its simple, relaxed shape makes it breezy in summer and perfect as a mid layer in winter. Simply adding the fabric belt immediately changes its silhouette or it could even be worn unbuttoned as a summer duster coat.
OUR FABRIC RECS
Our Hemp + Cotton Herringbone with a bit more weight and a classic herringbone texture would make a cosy mid layer dress for winter. The lovely blue and white colour combo means it would easily transition to a summer weight duster coat.
It’s hard to find patterns that don’t suit our Smooth Drape Twill. Cosy in winter layered over merinos and under jumpers and jackets or an elegant over coat or simple dress for warmer days.
10. Barons Dress by Daughter Judy | DD 0-20 and JJ 16-34
WHY WE LOVE IT
Dresses are ideal for transeasonal dressing, breezy when worn alone but easily layered over and under garments in colder weather.
The Barons dress has transeasonal written all over it, with its uncomplicated sihouette and built in ease. Lots of air circulation for summer days but easy to slip over some base layers in colder months, the Barons dress would suit a range of fabric weights.
OUR FABRIC RECS
Hoya Jacquard and Mara Linen Blend would both provide a balance of structure and drape and the textural details of these fabrics would be well suited to this simple, clean design.
Or for a more utilitarian feel, our Sera Weighty Cotton Blend which would still work for more mild summer days and definitely for cool weather layering.
The Wrap Up
So there you have it, 10 of our favourite transeasonal sewing patterns. This is by no means a conclusive list so be sure to check out our full range of patterns and collection of transeasonal fabrics for more ideas and inspiration. But perhaps the most important take home is that it’s always worth considering how a sewing pattern could be worn in different seasons. You may be surprised just how many patterns can be made transeasonal with the right fabric selection and a bit of creative styling.
‘Good design is sustainable design’ - Imran Amed (Editor-in-chief of The Business of Fashion)