Blue Striped Halifax Hoodie

Back in May when I was evaluating my handmade wardrobe, I concluded that I needed more comfortable basics in my wardrobe. Right after that Adrianna was kind enough to send me a copy of the Hey June Halifax Hoodie to try. I purchased the Union St. Tee (also from Hey June) last year and have used it multiple times since then, so I was excited to try this pattern as well.

Adriana has a knack for designing comfortable, wearable, casual sewing patterns—perfect for stay-at-home moms or for weekend wear. If you need patterns for wardrobe basics for women or girls (sweatshirts, tees, leggings), definitely check out her pattern shop.

The Halifax Hoodie pattern has an impressive number of options! You can combine the options in many different ways. There is a hoodie, funnel neck, or scoop neck option. You can add a kangaroo pocket to the pull-over version, or make it with a front zip. There is also a version with a twisted side seam. I chose to make view B, which is a scoop neck pull-over with the twisted side seams. I made a size small, which is my typical ready-to-wear size.

I used a striped french terry fabric that I purchased from Hobby Lobby. They rarely have apparel fabric, so when I saw this a few months ago I grabbed a couple of yards, knowing I would use it when the weather cooled off. I think it’s a cotton/poly blend, but it’s the right weight and drape for this pattern.

The accent fabric is light gray baby rib knit. I looked for a long time for something that would match the blue stripe. I searched thrift stores for old t-shirts I could cut up and use, but didn’t have any luck there. Then I ordered some blue rib knit that was too light, tried tea-staining it darker, and finally gave up. Dark heathered navy blue is hard to match!

I also wanted to highlight the twisted seam. I considered using a contrasting dark fabric, but with the trouble I had matching that blue…rotating the back pattern piece to make vertical stripes ended up being the best way to do that. Since the vertical stripes wrap around the waist, I was also hoping for a slimming effect. Sometimes horizontal stripes can create the illusion of wideness that isn’t there. I think this works well to combat that effect. Not only that, I didn’t have to try to match the stripes perfectly!

The pattern instructions are excellent. With this many options, sometimes patterns get really confusing. I found that the directions were clear and easy to follow, in spite of the many options. There is also a chart with page numbers for printing so you don’t have to print pieces that you don’t need.

Overall, the Halifax Hoodie is a great pattern. I’m sure I’ll wear this often, and I have plans for another one (or more!) soon. I love the funnel neck option and want to try that, and who doesn’t need a classic hoodie?

My parents used to laugh at me in high school because the majority of my clothing had blue stripes. Funny how I still go back to my old classics…