Gymnastics Outfit with Thread Faction Patterns

If you are looking for some new, fun, modern, simple knit patterns to sew for spring and summer, then you definitely need to check out the latest pattern collection from Thread Faction Studios. In celebration of their latest designs, I'm participating in the Thread Faction SS2016 Blog Tour and sharing how I put together three patterns to make this terrific gymnastics outfit for my daughter.

Disclosure: The patterns and some fabric used in this post were provided to me free of charge in exchange for participation in the blog tour. All statements made in the post are my honest opinions.

Keep reading for more information on these patterns as well as how you can win some fabulous prizes!

Ella takes gymnastics and has recently outgrown all her leotards and other gym outfits. When Liz from Thread Faction first asked me to join her blog tour, I immediately thought these three patterns from her Spring/Summer 2016 collection would be perfect for Ella's new gymnastics ensemble.

The shorts/bloomers are Pattern #103, the tank top is Pattern #104, and the mesh cover up is Pattern #105.

All three patterns are so, so easy to sew and fit great! Plus, I am super-duper impressed with the pattern details, instructions, and overall appearance. Each pattern includes both metric and imperial measurements for sizes 2-10 and even provides excellent instructions and graphics showing you how to blend sizes if necessary. There's also an awesome page and photo that explains different types of knit fabrics. I definitely learned a few things from that page alone!

First, let's discuss Pattern #103--the shorts.

While these are great for gymnastic's class, they are also the ideal bloomers to wear under skirts or dresses for girls who love to do cartwheels or crawl on the floor no matter what they might be wearing! To sew this pair in a size 8 and the colorblocking on the top, I used a mere 1/2 yard of stretch knit fabric from Ann Kelle for Robert Kaufman called Circles in Indigo.

These shorts have a high (but not too high) elastic waist and only side seams. The wide leg bands are comfortable and make sure that little girls stay modest and keep their private parts all covered even when they are active! The style of these shorts is similar to a pair of panties but with a much more relaxed, loose fit.

All parts stay covered even when doing a backbend!

Next is Pattern #104--the tank top.

The tank top is my daughter's favorite piece from this ensemble. Long after gymnastics, she was still wearing it with a casual pair of denim shorts and flip flops.

The tank is sewn here in a size 7 and again using only a 1/2 yard of stretch knit fabric from Ann Kelle for Robert Kaufman called Anchors in Indigo. As I mentioned before, I used the coordinating Circles fabric to colorblock the top half of the shirt. While the cut lines are not offered in the pattern, Liz does include two pages of tips and graphics with suggestions on different ways to colorblock this piece making this pattern great for using up odd cuts or scraps of knit fabric!

The back of the tank is a racerback style. Somehow, I managed not to get any pictures of the back except for this glimpse of it while she is about to do a cartwheel. This style definitely adds to the comfort of the top and prevents the shoulder straps from slipping at all.

Lastly, Pattern #105--the high/low hem mesh top.

When I decided to sew this ensemble for a gymnastics outfit, I envisioned Pattern #105 as a cover up piece Ella could wear but that wouldn't make her hot. While shopping on the Fabric Mart website, I came across this fishnet fabric and knew it was the perfect fabric for this outfit!

I had never sewn a garment with mesh fabric before, so I researched online and asked my Facebook readers what the best way for me to finish the seams would be. As I suspected, French seams were the way to go, and the fishnet/mesh fabric was no problem to sew. I only wish that I had increased my seam allowance by about 1/4 inch when cutting it out though! Lesson learned!

This top would make a great cold weather cover up as well if sewn in French terry or sweatshirt knit. It's on my to-do list for winter for sure!

There are 8 patterns in all in the new Thread Faction SS 2016 Collection, and I wish I could have sewn each of them for the tour! In addition to these 3 patterns, there are 2 dresses, a skort, a romper, and a pair of shorts. The entire collection of 8 patterns is just $28 or you can buy the patterns individually for $8 each.

Now, I promised you more info on prizes! Simply click the link to read all about the Thread Faction Pattern Tour Giveaway Details and to enter for a chance to win fabric from some amazing shops.

In addition, I'll be picking one winner for a pattern of your choice from the Thread Faction collection. Simply enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below, and I'll pick a winner on June 6th, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to visit all the stops on the Thread Faction SS2016 Blog Tour for more inspiration and pattern hacks!

5/26/2016 Nap Time Creations   Miss Castelinhos   Swoodsen Says   Needles to say
5/27/2016 Made By Sara   Sew Not Perfect   Hello Holli   Whisk 'em
5/28/2016 House of Estrela   Made By Amanda Rose   Max California   Brave Fabrics
5/29/2016 Create 3.5   Bless by Tone   The College Seamstress
5/30/2016 Ma Me Mi Mo   Paisley Roots   Skirt Fixation
5/31/2016 SewVery   Rebel and Malice   Call Ajaire
6/01/2016 Better Dressed Child   Buzzmills   Handmade Frenzy
6/02/2016 Lamb and ewe crafts   All Things Beautiful   Pen, Seb & Rox

Have FUN sewing!