Have you seen Jalie‘s latest **and FREE** release, the Yoko? I’ve made three (technically five, I’ll explain in a bit) and can see even more hitting my machines soon!
The Yoko is a square roll-neck top. Simplicity at it’s finest making it 1. a very quick sew and 2. easy fitting which means it’s perfect for gifting people you’re not certain of their size.
I made these Yokos for my daughters with a very significant difference from the pattern as written: I made them oversized and lined them to make a super cozy blanket jacket!
The outer fabric is cotton velour, and the lining is cotton sherpa. Both fabrics are from Nature’s Fabrics. You might have noticed my affection for cotton velour in several Pixel Pullovers I made. Those are so squishy and perfect for a cozy clothing hug!
Arden chose the colors for the velour – cherry red for herself and raspberry for Hadley. I love how bright and rich the colors are against the winter foliage at the park near our house.
They’re made six sizes larger than their measured size: I made size R when they measured L. This added enough ease through the body that they can pull their knees up inside for extra warmth. It’s like walking around with a blanket around you that doesn’t fall off or drag on the ground. I used the sleeve length from the size L so the arms wouldn’t be dragging past their knees, though!
To line it I had to change the construction just a bit. First, I made two of each top: one in the outer velour fabric with the 1/4″ seam allowance the pattern calls for. Then the fleece lining I used a 3/8″ seam allowance so they would fit inside each other better.
Once I had the outer and lining sewn, I put the outer inside the lining with right sides together and sewed the bottom edges together. Then pull this right sides out through the neck opening.
For the sleeves, I cut the lining short by the hem allowance. Then I turned the outer fabric to the inside over this cut edge and sewed it down with a multi step zig-zag.
I didn’t line the roll neck as it would have been too bulky and the sherpa didn’t have the necessary stretch. I added that last and sewed it to both necklines at once just like the instructions.
These blanket tops were warm enough to walk down the street to the park without any additional layers. It’s unseasonably warm at 40°F, but still windy and chilly enough that you’d want a coat. I wore the unmodified Yoko I made for myself and was a little cold! I had planned to have Arden take photos of me, but it was a bit hectic with the dog and two kids and everything else. I’ll get photos sometime soon and share those in a separate post!
We took Laser along and visited the ducks and geese at Verona Park. I love having a wonderful park so close to our house. Laser loves getting to meet all the dogs in the community – that’s what he’s got his eye on in this photo.
Be sure to pick up your free Yoko and share your makes with the Sewing With Jalie community on Facebook, or on Instagram with hashtag #jalielife.
Outfit Details
Pattern: Jalie Yoko – FREE!!
Fabrics: Cotton Velour and cotton sherpa from Natures Fabrics
So clever! These will be great in the cold winter!
Good grief!!! They are WONDERFUL. I often read your BLOG – have been for several years. I love watching your beautiful daughters grow up. They are adorable, and you’re fortunate to have such willing models. Thank you for sharing this fabulous idea for the Yoko pattern. I downloaded it a few days ago, and then it slipped away from my “sewing” brain, but now it’s back. Thank you!