Using a Jalie Pattern



During the 7 years that I've been sewing, I've used a few different types of patterns: contemporary Big 4, vintage Big 4 and various printed indie patterns and PDF indie patterns. However my recently-made leggings were my first occasion to use a Jalie paper pattern, which was a different experience for me. I though it might be interesting to highlight some of the main features which were notably different from patterns I had used before:

1. Each pattern has all the sizes: And I mean ALL, from kids to largest womens. There are up to 29 sizes in each pattern. This is great value, particularly if you think you might get use out of the kids sizes too.

2. The paper pattern consists of one large sheet of high quality paper: All the sizes AND instructions are on this sheet so you will need to trace your pattern.

3. The format is a bit disorientating: The instructions for my pattern were in one corner and were pretty brief. It felt like I was forever unfolding and refolding the big sheet to find information that I needed.

4. THE YOUTUBE VIDEOS: I was delighted (and relieved) to discover that Jalie have a Youtube channel with videos showing how to make their patterns. I don't think all their patterns are there but I highly recommend checking it out. The Cora leggings one was brilliant - I don't think I have sewn anything along with a video tutorial before but what I loved about it was that it was short, clear and to the point at just over 15 minutes in length. During that time, a woman called Jeanne (one of the founders of Jalie) demonstrates how to make the leggings. There is no unnecessary chat just the most straightforward of demos. I cannot praise this enough as it is really accessible and easy to follow. I'm pretty fussy about instructions but this was really clear. I think I might have felt a bit daunted if I had just had the printed instructions to follow but Jalie have done a great job with their videos.

Me in my Jalie Cora leggings

On Instagram I was told that the Jalie Facebook group is really helpful too and that the company founders often answer questions.

I have been so pleased with my experience with Jalie patterns and am keen to make more - they have a good range of sportswear and swimwear for women and men, in particular. Have you made a Jalie pattern before? Any thoughts or recommendations?

12 comments:

  1. I am a huge fan of Jalie! I have upteen of them to be honest and every one I've made up has worked out beautifully. I've watched many of Jeanne's youtube videos (the bomber jacket and Eleanore pull on jeans makes are amazing!) Jalie patterns are so practical - I find their garment designs fresh, practical (being garments we all wear everyday) and always spot on for me with fit. Great leggings by the way!

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    1. Thanks Kathleen, I'm looking forward to trying more of their patterns

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  2. I am a huge Jalie fan. It is worthwhile to photocopy or print out the instructions ( on the Jalie site) so you don't have to do the annoying fold and refold. Happy Sewing.
    Barb

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  3. Your leggings look great! I don't know if you remember but at the sewing day we had in Glasgow (last September?!) I was finishing sewing up the Julie drop pocket cardigan. It took me a year to sew that up as I was just using the instructions and found it a bit daunting when I first cut it out. If only I'd known there was a video tutorial available, I only found that out later via pattern review! I'd recommend it though as it's a great pattern, I'm planning my second version now. Oh and Katy who was also at that sewing meet up suggested to me I photocopy the bit with the instructions to avoid having to open it out/fold it up all the time - another good idea!

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    1. Yes I remember, it was a lovely pattern too. I think the video instructions made such a huge difference to my confidence about the pattern

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    2. yes I'm definitely going to check out the video when I make the cardigan up again.

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  4. Do you folow Two on, Two off? She is BIG fan of Jalie - http://twoontwooff.blogspot.ca/search/label/jalie

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  5. I haven't made a Jalie pattern but had a look at their website after reading the post on your leggings yesterday. I really like how the are so inclusive in their sizing and that they took the time to make videos too. I have heard good things about their trouser patterns so maybe time to check them out. Xx

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    1. Yes the sizing is brilliant isn't it? x

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  6. So good to know about the youtube channel. enjoy your leggings; does this mean you are a runner?

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Thanks for reading and commenting - I love to hear what you have to say