My Raglan Love Affair

Edited: The Hey June Lane Raglan has been updated as of February 25th, 2015.  You can see my review of the new version here.  Patterns for Pirates also has a new slim fit raglan option.

I think I could wear a raglan everyday.  If you know me, you might think that I actually do.  I have long sleeve, short sleeve, three-quarter sleeves, sweatshirts, hoodies, and even a sweater knit version.  They are so fun to mix and match fabric and to add fun details like kangaroo pockets or floral bias trim neck binding.  I’m a stay-at-home mom so my ‘work’ outfits are usually all about comfort.  Because of that, I mainly sew casual clothes for myself and save the fancy stuff for my girls (less fabric, time, and let’s face it- they’re WAY cuter to sew for).

 I rarely sew a pattern over and over.  I love to try new designs and pdf designers do a fine job of keeping me busy with the latest and greatest patterns.  I only have a handful of patterns I pull out time after time.  The Lane Raglan by Hey June Handmade and the Pattern for Pirates Raglan are two of those patterns.

My raglan love affair began with this Lane Raglan from Hey June Handmade.  Adrianna posted a similar version somewhere and I just had to copy it.  I had this yummy mustard stripe french terry from LA and this gorgeous Liberty bias trim I picked up when I was in London.  This is a size medium and I rolled the hems and tacked them up on both the sleeves and the bottom hem.  This fabric has very little stretch and the medium is a nice roomy fit.

This lightweight jersey version with stretch lace sleeves was next.  Again a size medium with bands this time.  While I love this one, the lace is heavy and pulled the neck way too wide for me.  With a little help from the ever amazing Diana, the neckline is better and she converted me to using a much shorter neckband than what the pattern calls for.   Duh, it’s been a game changer keeping my under-things in check.

Now enter Patterns for Pirates Raglan Bundle Pack.  Holy cow, do I love this pattern!  That button-up cowl with those big ‘ol wood buttons is pretty fantastic.  The options with this pattern are endless.  This is a non-stretch sweatshirt fleece in a size small.  It’s a little snug and I think I’d go up a size next time I use fabric this stiff.

Then I had to make a sweater-knit version with the ruched cowl and thumbhole cuffs.  Doesn’t get much comfier than that and it’s so much more chic than a standard hoodie.

Not that I don’t love me a good hoodie.  This version was actually made by my swap buddy, Jessie, for a monthly sewing swap I do.  It’s pretty awesome and I sure lucked out that month.  Not only did she send me this amazing version but she also tucked in two fun short sleeve versions as well.

Speaking of short sleeve versions, the one on the left is a cotton lycra blend with no bands and the side seams contoured in.  That super cute vinyl is from Sew Fancy iron-on vinyl on Facebook. The one on the right is a jersey knit with a banded bottom and the sleeves brought in a bit.  All of my P4P versions are a size small.  The pattern is very roomy and relaxed and I’ve never felt the need to go up or down a size except when using sweatshirt fleece.

One of my newest favs is my Raspberry Creek Club Fabrics Lane.  If you’re anything like me, your Instagram and FB feeds are full of floral sleeved raglans right now.  You better believe I’m whipping up my own as fast as I can.

Now for a couple side-by-sides.  The Lane Raglan has a slimmer fit, hugging your curves more and creating them where you need them.  The new improved Lane now has a hood and thumb hole option which totally elevate the pattern.  And you can add the cute pocket out of your favorite fabric scrap, too! The P4P is loose and grazes those curves you might want to hide and offers more options than the Lane.  The P4P with add-on pack offers multiple sleeve and hem lengths, elbow patches, a hood, cross-over funnel hood, funnel collar, button up funnel collar, ruched funnel collar, cowl neck, kangaroo pocket and thumb hole cuffs- phew!

The Lane hoodie is on the left and the P4P on the right.  Don’t mind my angry gangster face, that’s totally how you’re supposed to act with your hood up right?!

These are french terry versions.  I know they can’t all be my favorite but these are way up there.  The french terry is from Raspberry Creek Fabrics as is that amazing quilted knit (I had just enough left over from this dress). The P4P is on the left (size small) and the Lane is on the right (size medium).

Now these are cotton jersey versions of both in size smalls (I made the P4P version on the right for my own swap partner).  It’s easy to see the more relaxed feel of the P4P one on the right.  The angle of the sleeves are very different and each will flatter different body types.  I’ve got a smaller chest and I don’t mind the shaping of the P4P but my friend Emily swears by the angle of the Lane to flatter her curves better.

The P4P is on the top and the Lane is on the bottom.  The sleeve angle of the Lane slims her so much, don’tcha think?  I’m amazed at how different these look on her.  She’s kinda famous for her Lane obsession but when it looks that good on you I’d make a closet full too! Thanks for letting me share these, Em!

And finally to prove just how versatile these patterns are…

My most worn raglan this summer- a Lane rashguard.  I followed this tutorial from Dandelion Drift (she used the Hey June Union St. tee for hers, another great pattern) and added a padded shelf bra.  I used the small pattern size and brought in the sides to be snug and prevent it from creeping up while swimming.

So, if you read this post hoping I’d tell you to get one or the other, sorry!  I love both patterns and think you NEED both of them in your life pronto!  They both have different looks and options and will flatter your body in different ways.  A cozy P4P cowl neck for the cooler weather ahead would be perfect.  A sexy lace sleeved Lane for date night might wow your hubby and convince him to let you buy ALL the fabric to make a million more.

So, do you have a favorite?  A new one I should give a try?

I need to mention that I am in no way affiliated with either Patterns for Pirates or Hey June Handmade.  I think both designers just get women and you can’t go wrong with any of their patterns. Pick up these patterns here and here and feel free to look around a bit.