A Checked Overshirt

When I received this black and white checked fabric from Fabworks, I thought it would make a great autumn over-shirt. The lightly brushed fabric has a soft handle and combined with the scale of the check is perfect for a casual garment.

My immediately thought was The Hooded Overshirt, I like the length and the curved hem shirt tails. However, a hood in this fabric might be too heavy, I preferred the idea of a regular collar. Rather than just do a pattern variation for this Journal, an additional pattern piece and instructions have now been added to the pattern so there is the option of collar or hood for this style.

I decided against the bellows pockets and chose flat pockets, omitting the insert pattern piece but still retained the pocket flap. As you can see I chose to cut the pockets on the cross - the fabric is stable enough to allow for this. The idea of trying to pattern match the check across pocket and flap with the main garment was too much! I also cut the placket on the cross, I chose not to interface this as I really didn’t want any stiffness but this is a matter of preference.

The finished garment is warm and cosy, and will look good worn over trousers or with thick tights, once the weather is cooler.

The fabric is the Liquorice Plaid from Fabworks available here