
Would you believe it’s been almost 10 months since I made this sweater and I’ve only just got around to blogging about it! It was when I was still healing from my back fractures and was desperate to do something creative, so slowly but surely in tiny little blocks of time (backache permitting), I chipped away at this project. And when it was finished I didn’t feel like taking photos or writing about it so it just got hung in the wardrobe waiting for the colder weather to start again.
So here we are… but enough waffling on…let me tell you about my Vogue 1635 sweater with sleeve zip detail. (I don’t think it’s available on the main Vogue/Simplicity/McCalls etc. website but there are lots of options elsewhere on the internet)

It’s been a good long time since I used a Vogue pattern, but this design piqued my interest as I’m a sucker for a zip detail and I love how it runs right down the full length of the sleeve.
The fabric I’ve used is a very soft sweater knit from Croft Mill bought late in 2023. I think it’s a kind of jacquard weave that is super cuddly in texture. As I was mulling over my project I saw a few ideas on Pinterest that showed grosgrain ribbon or some type of banding sewn onto knitwear, so I thought I might give it a go myself.
I sourced my ribbons from VV Rouleaux and my zip came from eBay and once I had everything I needed I got to work.
The pattern comes in two size groups, XS, S, M and L, XL. I graded my pattern from M at the hips to S across my armholes and shoulders. I also added a bust dart to help the front hang nicely (something about my rounded upper back seems to have a knock-on effect on the way tops hang at the front). Then I did my usual forward shoulder adjustment which meant also moving the seam for the zip on the left arm forwards a little too.

The main construction bits went together smoothly, but of course, the time-consuming parts of the project were installing the zip and sewing on the ribbons. This was by no means easy and I ended up hand sewing a lot of the ribbon. To add to the difficulties, I realised my zip should have been a bit longer as it didn’t reach the end of my sleeve. I got inventive and inserted a bit of extra black ribbon at the bottom of it. I think it looks okay, ๐






Despite the trials and tribulations of construction and then the sweater getting a sabbatical hanging in my wardrobe for a few months, I do indeed love the result and I’ve been wearing it a lot (got it on now typing this actually). It’s lovely and snuggly-soft and quite warm too, plus the length works with both slim and wide-leg trousers.
You know, I’m feeling quite pleased with the project/style choices that I’ve made and then sewn over the last year. It’s like something clicked with me about my personal style and lifestyle so I’ve loved wearing what I’ve sewn. It’s quite a nice feeling and I hope I continue in the same way this year. How about you? Have you been happy with your memades lately? Let me know in the comments and I hope you enjoyed reading about my new sweater.
See you next time!

That sweater look lovely the zipper detail lifts it to something really special. The animal print is a great idea too. It goes with so many things and always looks a bit luxe. I love reading your blog – always interesting. Thank you for sharing ๐
Author
Ahh, thank you so much, Rebecca. ๐
What a lovely and interesting make! Iโve been sewing up a storm here making simple skirts and tops to suit my now casual lifestyle. Adelaide (where I moved to two years ago) is much more casual than Melbourne and retired life is also casual. And it is hot here. Top 35 today. I havenโt sewn much in the past few years. 2024 only saw one skirt and a tshirt. So this years challenge is to spend 25 minutes a day (25 for 2025) sewing. But of course once you start much more than 25 minutes is spent. And summer clothes are quick โบ๏ธ. And I have been repeat sewing – 3 skirts, 3 tops, 1 pair of shorts. All from stash fabrics too. Though I may have bought one metre (remnant) teal denim for $6 – about 3 pounds . Wasnโt my fault – I had to pop into Spotlight to buy thread and the denim jumped out at me ๐.
Author
Thanks ever so much, Vicki! Interesting how you’ve transitioned your sewing to suit your new lifestyle. It takes a bit of getting used but once you get the hang of it it’s fun and you can create interesting casual clothes. I’ve been repeat sewing a fair bit too (as you’ll see in next weeks post). And I don’t blame you at all for taking that denim home with you from Spotlight, teal denim sounds gorgeous!
Love Your sweater. The interesting and elevated look. Also that neck line. I have similar in a bought velour sweater, but unable to release it when I am too hot.
Always appreciate Your posts and unique sewing.
Currently I am refitting or donating my clothes due to some weight loss and the fact that many donโt suit my lifestyle.
Author
Thank you so much, Pat. Ah, yes, being able to undo the zip on this collar is nice for cooling off when the need arises.
Good luck with refreshing and altering your wardrobe items, it’s bound to feel great sorted.
Hi Diane, great post! I have this pattern, you prompt me to look through my fabric pantry for a fabric fit. Since I have short arms, hopefully won’t have the zip length issue. Is it easy to get on and off?
I’m happy to hear you are making things you like! And I’m happy to say my 2024 projects are all things I like to wear! Strange it took a while, but I think my fitting work contributes to it. Here is 2024’s list, if you are interested:
– Closet Core Pietra pants, narrow leg, from lightweight railroad cotton denim
– Helen’s Closet Avery leggings, 2 pair, black
– Vogue 9122 dress, in a blue & white Aboriginal design cotton called “plum bush and water hole”, with flat red piping on all seams. Very flattering, I always get comments.
– Vogue 2686 elastic waist pants in brick red cotton fleece
– Helen’s Closet Elliot top to match pants above, brick red cotton fleece
– Vogue 6148 lightweight lined jacket, graphic black and cream fIowers cotton / linen canvas. This is on Pattern Review site. It was to see if I wanted to make a winter warm one – no.๐
-Vogue 7600 wide brim summer hat from black and cream canvas winter lining.
– Vogue 2450 red cotton flannel lined hooded vest
-Page hoodie, a Guthrie and Ghani kit. Blue grey cotton blend.
– Maison Fauve Cliff wool coat, a pea coat variation. This took all of December because it is a 2-way plaid with stripe, I quilted flannel -backed satin for fronts and back, made bound button holes,… I love this, fits great, and it is very warm! Finished Dec 31.๐
Author
Hi Heather! Glad you like my sweater. It’s just like any other sweater to get on and off as you can just undo the zip to give enough room for pulling it over your head.
I managed to find reference images for most of the patterns you mentioned. You made some super things. Some great practical styles in fun colours and the prints sound lovely. The MF coat sounds like a labour of love…flannel-backed satin and bound buttonholes, wow ๐
I see a typo – the hat has red cotton linin, not winter…. Several of these Vogue patterns are out of print.
Author
No worries. It sounds like a great hat. I could do with making a hat for my Greek holiday this year. If I can;t find that pattern, I’m sure I’ll find something else that would work.
I got chastised by the dermatologist for not wearing a hat with 4″ + brim! I forgot to add the Closet Core Sophie swimsuit that I made! Using their class.
Author
Well, I definitely would need chastising, I’m very lax about wearing a sunhat. That needs to change. Great that you made swimwear, that is not easy. I find it quite challenging, but satisfying to get the fit I want.
Hi Diane! It is fun to see you take on a Big 4 pattern, as that is not your usual MO. This is a very nicely detailed sweater: your two-tone grossgrain is perfect!
When you switched to stitching the trim by hand, was the problem due to stable/nonstretch ribbon applied to stretch knit, or???
Author
Thanks, Joan. Yeah, you’re right, I don’t often sew with the Big 4. Though my favourite wide jeans pattern is a Simplicity, pretty much everything else is Indie brands PDF’S.
You’re spot on regarding the applying of the ribbon. When I tried machine stitching the black ribbon, it was hard to stop it shifting on the knit even when I basted it in place. So I ended up doing tiny little slipstitches by hand for greater control.
A lot of details are easier by hand and often, better, yet I tend to resist, hoping I can learn more by adjusting threads, needles, tensions, diff. feed and successfully stitch by machine! After owning a serger for 25 years and a coverstitch machine for 3+, I still only feel fully competent on my sewing machine. I think that has to do with age of beginning something new??
Please let me know the # of your favorite Simplicity jean!
Author
Well, I still haven’t bought myself a coverstitch machine, so it sounds like you’re doing just fine (I can’t deny getting older does make it harder to take on new skill, hehe). That Simplcity pattern which I’m fond of and seems to work well for me is S8701