Some of the most-worn pieces in our wardrobes are the simplest: a favourite T-shirt, an easy tank or a comfortable dress you reach for all summer long.
Our new hemp jerseys are perfect for creating just these kinds of garments. Lightweight, with a lovely drape, good stretch and excellent recovery, they're a pleasure to sew and wear.
We couldn't wait to get sewing, so the Maaidesign team put a few favourite patterns to the test. Here's what we made and loved!
Emma's Freddy Tee
Pattern: Freddy Tee by Sewing Machina
Fabric: Ocean Blue Micro Stripes Hemp Jersey
Emma loves the relaxed, boxy shape and the dropped shoulder of the Freddy Tee, which works beautifully with this super-soft hemp, organic cotton and yak blend.
She also loved the crew neckline, with the option to play with complementary or contrasting colours for a different look. For Emma, it's an easy, comfortable tee that fits straight into her everyday wardrobe.
Maaike's three makes
Maaike tried three different projects, showing just how versatile these jerseys can be.
Pattern: The Wardrobe Builder Tee by Wardrobe By Me - V-neck Version
Fabric: Hemp Blend Jersey in Natural
A tried-and-tested favourite, this V-neck tee has a relaxed finish. Maaike left the sleeves and hem unfinished for a more casual look that suits her chosen fabric beautifully. V-necks are a little trickier to sew, so this one is best for sewists comfortable with a bit more precision.
Pattern: The Bento Tee by Liesl + Co.
Fabric: Hemp & organic cotton jersey cream, brown and grey stripe
Quick and easy to sew, the Bento Tee is a great everyday basic. Maaike finished the hems with Maraflex thread (a stretch thread for your regular sewing machine) rather than re-threading her coverstitch machine. Of the three fabrics she tried, this hemp and organic cotton blend was her favourite for its colour, texture and stretch.
Pattern: The Bento Tee by Liesl + Co. hacked into a maxi dress
Fabric: Hemp and organic cotton jersey in Navy & off white stripes
One pattern, a few clever changes and a whole new garment! Maaike lowered the neckline, removed the sleeve (added ribbing instead), added a drawstring and included pockets positioned higher to avoid adding bulk around the hips and a couple of side slits for comfort and airflow.
The timeless stripes and lightweight fabric make this a lovely summer dress, and it used just 2 metres of fabric.
She also matched the stripes on both her tee and dress. It takes a little extra care when cutting out, but the result is worth it!
Sam's Diana Tank
Pattern: Diana Knit Tank by Style Arc
Fabric: Hemp & organic cotton jersey in Chocolate brown and Lilac
Sam had her V-neck tank sewn in around an hour. She loves the different neckline options and the simple construction: no fussing with neckbands or binding, just overlock and turn under.
The hemp jersey gives the tank a lovely drape and is lightweight and breathable for summer. Sam is already planning another, perhaps in teal green!
Jane's Easy Tee
Pattern: The Easy T-shirt by Wardrobe By Me
Fabric: Hemp & organic cotton jersey in cream, brown and grey stripe
With just two pattern pieces and a neckband, this is a lovely, straightforward sew. The relaxed shape and options for different necklines and waistbands make it easy to create your own version.
Jane loves the relaxed look and feel of the hemp and organic cotton jersey and how easily it fits into her existing wardrobe. Just the kind of everyday tee you'll reach for again and again.
What will you sew this summer?
From classic tees and tanks to a striped maxi dress, these projects show how easily hemp jersey can become part of your everyday wardrobe. The pleasure really is in the wearing... its hard to describe just how lovely and light these fabrics feel against the skin. Something you're sure to appreciate come the height of summer.
Explore our new hemp jersey collection and find your next summer sewing project.
Happy sewing!
The Maaidesign team
