Pared back sweatshirt and joggers

Last January I was lucky enough to be in Paris at the same time that Agnes B were selling off end-of-season sampling fabric and acquired some lovely viscose interlock jersey, perfect for sweatshirts etc.

It’s taken almost a year but I’ve finally got round to updating my gym wear. The sweatshirt and joggers pictured are the result: classic and pared back but with a luxurious feel.

The top is a version of the hooded Contemporary Sweatshirt and the bottoms a reinterpretation of The Classic Trouser to create a slimline jogger.

For both styles I used 28mm / 1 inch wide elastic for the waistbands and cuffs, a total of 3 metres for size 12.

For the top, I cut the pattern pieces for the hooded Contemporary Sweatshirt but shortened the top and sleeves by 8cm to allow for the simpler and narrower elastication.

I chose to omit the drawstring for the hood and made the hood slightly shorter in height to compensate - 4cm from the centre front, graduating to nothing by the centre back neck.

I constructed the top following the instructions given except for the hem and cuffs where I just made a simple turn to accommodate the elastic.

I finished all seams with twin needle stitching: for this I used a 4mm twin needle. I like the accentuated stitch effect, it adds a sophisticated finish to this simplified garment.

For the jog bottoms I used The Classic Trouser pattern with the following amendments: - on the front fold back the fly section for the zipper, on the back ignore the darts, add a depth of 6cm at the waist, back and front, to accommodate the elastic and finally I cut a rounded back pocket shape as this is easier in jersey. I kept the front inseam pockets and added 2cm to the height to ensure the top of the pockets are held in place when the waist is turned down.

I followed the instructions obviously omitting the zipper, and as with the top finished the seams with twin needle stitching. The elastic bands for the hem cuffs are 30cm in circumference enough to gather the leg, but not too tight to the ankle, when worn. At the waist and cuff I made a simple turn to hold the elastic in place.

The finished tracksuit is understated and has a slight retro feel as it looks so classic.