The Zadie Jumpsuit

May 11, 2020

Another one ticked off that UFO/ISO/WFH list. Here’s my Zadie Jumpsuit, that globally beloved pattern from Paper Theory Patterns. Despite having owned the pattern for ages, I only just cut this one out in the lead up to isolation. I had originally planned a bright spring/summer linen version but then the bright days of spring/summer both came and went. I came across this cotton/linen called ‘End of the Line‘. It’s pretty similar in weight to a lightweight denim which made me think that a trans-seasonal Zadie was probably, and imminently, more the jumpsuit I needed in my life.

My initial plan was to cut this out with stripes running horizontally across the bodice and vertically in the pants, but this fabric is sold in 88cm panels so it was just easier to work within the panels and not think about how and where to incorporate the panel marker, cute though it is. Depending on your size, you’ll need 3-4 panels for Zadie.

Unquestionable bonus of making such a well-loved pattern is the enormous (and enormously valuable) pool of reviews, suggestions and tweaks that other Zadie makers have so generously shared.

Many noted to size down if you preferred a closer fit, which I did, by two sizes. I did some rough pattern measurements against my body and also ended up going with the tip of many to shorten the rise, which I did, by one and a half inches. Likewise, to shorten the bodice, which I also did, by one inch. FYI, I’m 160cm (5′ 3″).

Zadie’s neck edge is finished with a visible bias binding but I wasn’t loving the look of the diagonal bias stripes so I just flipped the binding to the inside.

So that Zadie, she is cute and very comfortable and I’m now fully on board with the major Zadie love that’s out there for her. And no matter that we’re about to hit cold winter because Zadie works just as well when paired with a Monroe Turtleneck too.

I can see how and why this is such a popular pattern. It’s a very straightforward sew with excellent drafting and instructions, and the more relaxed style eliminates any of the major fit issues that you might normally associate with a jumpsuit pattern. Oh, and those pockets!