Don’t know what to wear to the holiday festivities? Want to really wow the room without getting out of your comfy clothes? We’ve got the best of both worlds with our new Robin Jumpsuit Free Sewing Pattern: a chic 1970s-inspired jumpsuit that allows you to boogie all night in comfort. Made with our stunning Andreas Pleated Stretch Satin, the palazzo style pants are spacious, providing movement and ease. Pair this with an oversized blazer like our Nepeta Blazer Free Sewing Pattern and a pair of platform heels for a show-stopping look!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 2 yards of Andreas Burnt Orange Pleated Stretch Satin
- 1 Fall Orange Invisible Zipper
- 1 spool of 1800 100m Copper Gutermann Cotton Thread – Natural Cotton
- MDF335 – The Robin Jumpsuit Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
The seam allowance is ½” unless otherwise stated.
If you’re using pleated fabric, cut the fabric as it naturally lays unless otherwise noted. Do not stretch.
How to get started:
1. Fold the straps in half lengthwise and sew.
Note: If you’re using the pleated fabric, press the pleats out of the fabric so you can cut the correct shape.
2. Use a loop turner to bring the straps right side out. Press.
3. Sew the darts in the front and back lining, then press.
How to sew the top:
1. Right sides together, place the bodice self pieces onto their corresponding linings.
2. On the front pieces, arrange & pin the pleats at the top so the excess fabric fits onto the lining.
3. Repeat with the back pieces, arranging the pleats along the top edges.
Note: if you are sewing with a non pre pleated fabric, gather the fabric instead!
4. Sandwich a strap in between the two layers, with the front end 3/4″ away from the center front point on the front bodice, and the back end at the back bodice notch. Double check to make sure the straps aren’t twisted. Then sew along the top edges. Understitch.
5. On the front bodice pieces, sew the top half of the center front, right sides together. Trim seam allowance and press towards the lining. Understitch.
6. Turn right side out, then arrange & pin the pleats at the waist so the excess fabric fits onto the lining.
7. Right sides together, sew a front and back bodice piece together at the side seam, being mindful of the straps twisting. Repeat with the other side. Finish the seams.
8. Right sides together, pin the two front pieces at the center front. Sew together from the bottom to about halfway up. Trim seam allowance and finish the seams.
How to sew the pants:
Note: For this fabric I chose to sew a rolled hem to reduce bulk. Since I used a rolled hem foot attachment, I hemmed the individual pant pieces before sewing them together at the side seams. If your hem stretches out the pleats, simply press them back in place.
1. Right sides together, sew a front pant to a back, up the side and inseams. Repeat with the other leg. If you’re sewing a regular hem, do so now.
2. Sew the two legs together at the rise, right sides together.
How to finish the jumpsuit:
1. Right sides together, sew the back waistbands to the front at the short ends. Repeat with the lining.
2. Right sides together, pin the waistband self to the bodice self, lining up the side seams. Repeat with the lining, sandwiching the bodice between the waistband layers. Sew along the bottom edge.
3. Right sides together, pin the waistband to the top edge of the pants, lining up the side seams. Arrange the pleats evenly on the waistband. Sew, then finish the seam.
Note: if you’re using non pleated fabric, use gathers instead!
4. Sew the invisible zipper in.
15 comments
How much lining is needed for this pattern?
Hi Mari, 1 yard should be sufficient!
Will this work with a non-pleated woven fabric?
Yes! In the instructions when it says to “arrange pleats,” you’ll gather instead. Good luck!
Yessssssssss I love this!!!! Can’t wait to make it!
Is it possible to make the jumpsuit out of stretch satin without gathering? Or even non stretchy fabric and not have to gather?
Hi Yvonne! Omitting the gathers would require quite a bit of pattern adjusting on the bodice and pants. If you’re up for the challenge I say go for it! Just make a muslin first before sewing with your final fabric.
I am so excited to try this pattern. Thank you so much for providing this. I am between a 16-18 (I always have to adjust the pattern). I see your supply list says 2 yards however I can’t believe this is the same regardless of size. How many yards would I need?
Hi Toni, just in case you’re second guessing the yardage estimates, I recommend looking at the tiling layout on the download, and calculating your yardage from that. Use 8.5 x 11 for each page measurement. 🙂
The pattern says to cut 4 front bodice pieces in fabric, and another 2 in lining. Do you rally need 4+2=6 total, or should it be 2 fabric and 2 lining = 4 total? Also, what kind of material do you recommend for the lining?
Hi Naomi! Thanks for spotting that! You are correct…you should only cut 2 of the front bodice pieces, and 2 of the lining. We used the Granada Twill Acetate Lining!
Is it really 2 yds for any of the pattern sizes? I think I’ll need to adjust the pattern for a more custom fit and want to make sure I purchase enfabric.
These pant legs are very wide, so 2 yards is about right for this pattern! We also like to err on the side of caution and leave room for a mistake or two, since a lot of beginner sewists use our patterns. 🙂
Are these the only instructions for this pattern? I downloaded the pattern and it says to search MDF335 on this website but nothing comes up.
Also, are the straps the only pieces that need to be ironed flat before cutting out the fabric pieces?
Hi Jordann, yes the instructions for this jumpsuit are on this page. If you search on MoodFabrics.com it won’t yield any results, but if you search on moodfabrics.com/blog, it will!
If you’re using pre-pleated fabric, yes, iron the fabric for the straps first. But if you’re using fabric that doesn’t have pleats, just sew and press as you normally would. 🙂