Why did I add a front zipper to Jalie’s Laurent hoodie?  I have 3 reasons:

1. I wear glasses and don’t like to pull anything over my head.
2. Even though I’m not fussy about my hair, I hate messing my “do”.
3. Because I can, lol, and as a teacher, it became an opportunity for sharing more of my skills.

Here’s Jalie’s description: 

A staple pattern that includes an easy-to-sew, relaxed crew-neck tee and pullover (sweatshirt / jumper), with many options. Choose between short or long sleeve, neckband or hood, topstitched or banded hem, optional kangaroo pocket, in regular or cropped length.

This pattern has become a favourite of mine, sewing for me, hubby, grown children and getting ahead for our Quinte West Adopt a Child Program this coming winter.  With 28 sizes and so many options, this is a staple in my sewing room.  Here’s a link to another post about Laurent.

I teach this Jalie pattern online using Zoom, and cover all the variations in four 1-hour classes. 

I thought adding a zipper would be a great add-on, skill builder.  Then one of my students mentioned that with the zipper opening, the neck seam was exposed, so I added a knit binding.  Another add-on skill builder.  

So down another Rabbit Hole I went!

The front pattern and the hood pattern both needed to be altered to accommodate the zipper. And zippers come in definite sizes.  Then the construction order changed a bit, and extra steps needed to be taken. 

Then came the neck binding.  

Add a Front Zipper to Jalie’s Laurent on YouTube

The entire process became quite technical, so I created a 22 minute video that I uploaded to YouTube.  Click here. I’m learning to use some of this new technology by trial and error, so if you watch it, please be kind. 

The next step was to write a printable tutorial with all the video information detailed in the same order.

All that information is included as a downloadable PDF, buy it here for $5