Cosy but Cost Effective Clothes
We keep being reminded that staying warm is a luxury and that we all need to start tightening out belts. So we have collected some patterns and paired them with fabrics that are both cosy and cost effective, in the hope that it helps all of us to make warm clothes on a budget this winter.
Warm Accessories
Accessories are a great place to start, firstly because they can keep you warm and secondly because they don’t tend to use a huge amount of fabric. These also might be an idea to keep note of because they would make really great gifts later in the year.
Cosy fleece hat
Thread Theory Haslam Hat at The Foldline
Navy Blue Polar Fleece and Brushed Cotton Tartan Orkney
According to science, you lose the most amount of heat from your head, so you will definitely need a hat for the winter months. This hat by Thread Theory can be made with any type of fine fleece and then lined with something cosy like a flannel. In fact a great way to make anything warmer is by lining it with brushed cotton or flannel fabrics; even better our latest ones are just £8 per metre.
Fingerless Gloves
Missmaimy beginner's sewing fingerless gloves
Browse our cosy fleece fabrics and sweatshirt fabrics
Aside from that, as we are all working from home now, has anyone else found that their keyboards are cold? Well how about whipping up a few pairs of fingerless gloves? Again these gloves would be perfect made in fleece, sweatshirt or Ponte de Roma. And since they only need a tiny bit of fabric, it could be a way of using up scraps from another project. These can easily be worn under many jumpers and other layers but still mean you can type and do other work. Even better this pattern is free, so very cost effective.
Cosy Hood
The Foldline Melilot Knut Hood Pattern
This cosy Knut Hood from Melilot Patterns, would good for keeping cosy as it can easily be made from a remnant as it only needs 80cm. But not only that, it will add an extra layer to a winter coat you already have, and can be layered up with scarves; and as it is a hood, it’s another way to keep your head warm.
Warm Clothing
Layering up with clothing is the best way to keep warm whether you are outside in the elements or sitting still working indoors. To try and keep this as cost effective as possible we have looked for patterns that are either free or have been best sellers in the past, hoping that you may already have them.
Free Patterns for Warm Clothes
Coatigan
Sewmag's Free Coatigan Pattern
A coatigan (which is a fabulous cross between a coat and a cardigan) in our cosy bouclé fabric would be just the thing to keep warm this winter.
Although it needs 2.5m of bouclé, the pattern is free keeping it cost effective. The great thing about a coatigan is it’s like a dressing gown you can leave the house in. And it will it keep you nice and warm in the process.
Jersey Dress
Another great free pattern handy for layering up to keep warm is this jersey dress from Peppermint Magazine. This can be made from sweatshirt fabric or even fleece. This can worn with a long sleeve top underneath and then tights or leggings underneath - a great working from home outfit.
Peppermint Mag Jersey Dress Pattern
Browse our jersey fabric and fleece fabric
Patterns You May Already Have
You get a really good feeling when you use something from your stash to make a garment you will wear multiple times: now both of these patterns have been very popular so you may have them already. So this is your reminder so you can whip up another in something really warm and cosy to get you through the winter.
Marlo sweater pattern at The Foldline
would look great in our French Navy Bouclé
This Marlo cardigan has been popular for quite a long time, and members of Team FG have made it in various different fabrics as an easy throw on with jeans and a t-shirt underneath to create those all-important layers. The favourite fabric Team FG have used for this is our bouclé; not only is the bouclé super warm, as it is 100% polyester it will also dry very quickly after washing. We are currently planning on making another in the French navy bouclé to wear through the colder months.
Sweatshirt
Tilly & the Buttons Billie Sweatshirt and Dress Pattern
When it’s cold you simply can’t get enough sweatshirts in your life, and again this has been an incredibly popular pattern. Furthermore, it can be whipped up very quickly for when a cold snaps arrives. It can be made with some of our sweatshirt fabrics or a simple fleece. One Team FG team member has recently made it from our latest leopard print fleece keeping both warm and chic.
Making Warm Clothes on a Budget
If you've been inspired to make a cosy winter wardrobe which doesn't have to cost the earth, feel free to browse our winter collection and discover the budget-friendly fabrics which are both cosy and great value. Alternatively, call the shop for advice on fabrics to use with the patterns featured above. Happy Sewing!
