Jalie Yoko is a square-shaped loose-fitting top with a roll-neck, drop shoulder and semi-fitted sleeve. You can also easily turn it into a tunic or dress by adding length at the hem. It is made for light or medium weight knits with good drape and 40% stretch in both the width and length. Suggested fabrics include rayon or bamboo blends, sweater knit, and stretch velvet. I chose a super bulky, wool sweater knit with less than the recommended stretch but it was still a success!
This free pattern comes in an amazing 28 sizes from age 2 to women’s 2XL. It is available as a layered PDF file so you can print just your size. A separate copy shop (A0) file is also included. I would usually get the A0 size printed rather than print and tape together a load of pages but this time I didn’t want to wait so I chose to print the pattern at home. This was easily one of my more successful pattern piecing attempts as all the pages effortlessly lined up and the guidelines and instructions were super clear. Jalie recommends trimming the pages before piecing but I printed the pattern on thin paper and taped the pages to a large window so I didn’t need to trim them to line them up.
I made a size S (34″ bust/28″ waist/37″ hip) with size T sleeves and I am 5’5″ and measure 33″/28″/38″ with broad upper chest/shoulders. I sized up on the sleeves due to the thickness and lack of stretch of my fabric. It was a thick wool sweater knit from Ray Stitch with close to the required horizontal stretch but only around half the vertical. I didn’t need to make any changes to the pattern to mash the sizes other than marking size T notches onto the size S body pieces so that I could line up the sleeves correctly. I also tried on the collar before attaching it to the body just in case it wouldn’t fit over my head!
This is a super easy pattern to follow with simple, clear instructions. In fact, there are only 9 steps! One of the things I love about Jalie is that you can download the pattern instructions BEFORE purchasing the pattern so here are the Yoko instructions for you to take a look at. I chose the Yoko because I wanted a simple pattern that would showcase the wonderful sweater knit I was using. I had originally decided against the pattern due to my fabric not meeting the recommended stretch and definitely having no drape but it worked out just fine.
I absolutely LOVE my snuggly bear of a top but if I made another from a bulky or loosely woven sweater knit I would consider widening the 1/4″/6mm seam allowance especially on the neckline. I had to go over a few spots twice with my overlocker as I didn’t quite catch all the layers the first time.
This pattern is perfect for all levels of sewing ability and I recommend it especially for beginners as it’s such a quick, satisfying sew. It doesn’t require an overlocker to sew and you don’t need to worry about setting in sleeves or even sewing around curves. If you can sew a straightish line you can make this! Oh and did I mention it is free?! So what are you waiting for? Head on over to the Jalie website to download your own copy of the Yoko.