Has anyone ever sewn their own jerseys/shorts?

[Medianox]

Might be the wrong place to ask but I was wondering.
After doing some research, I sent for a pattern for shorts and a jersey (can be long or short sleeved). I am fairly crafty and can sew but was curious if anyone here had ever done this.
:)

[papaver]

euh no. :D

[spazzdog]

Good luck! The chamois in the shorts should be an interesting exercise...

Watch them thar' seams girlfriend!

spazz

[Medianox]

I don't know, maybe I just have too much time on my hands (yeah, right!;)) but I thought it would be interesting to try this. The same company that makes the pattern also carries the chamois/padding materials....but for the record, I'm gonna start with a jersey :).
In the best case scenario, the stuff will be custom fitted and original at least!

[badgercat]

I'm interested to see how this goes! Keep us posted. :)

[grey]

I love to sew - and would have a blast making my own jerseys! Send me a link to that pattern!

[shootingstar]

Here's a link to patterns: http://thegreenpepper.com/adults.html
Or a distributor which sells patterns, plus fabric and notions as 1-stop: http://www.seattlefabrics.com/

No, have not sewn cycling clothing. But then I blame cycling passion for diverting me from sewing enthusiasm :P..which I enjoyed doing alot of before. I did sew turtlenecks, polo knit shirts, tailored pieces of clothing which were far more finicky in finish and sewing finesse than a cycling jersey.

Cycling jersey should not be that difficult. Most jersey designs have relatively simple pattern pieces to put together. There is no tailoring, tons of interim ironing for seams and stiffening interfacing material involved. :)

If one knows how to do a clean zipper sewn in or more advanced, an invisible zipper (found on some pant or skirt designs) is nice, but not critical. The fabric for jerseys doesn't stretch much compared to other poly-knits..as found for cycling shorts or tights.

[wannaduacentury]

Might be the wrong place to ask but I was wondering.
After doing some research, I sent for a pattern for shorts and a jersey (can be long or short sleeved). I am fairly crafty and can sew but was curious if anyone here had ever done this.
:)

Not yet, but I would. I've sewn several clothing items this summer. Jenn

[Medianox]

I found the patterns at a site called the green pepper:
http://thegreenpepper.com/
Its on the adult pattern page...just "Women's Cycling Jersey" and "Oregon Racers" are the shorts.
I found a few sites for lycra and activewear fabrics too:
http://spandexworld.com/
http://www.fabric.com/apparel-fashion-fabric-swimwear-activewear-fabric-dryflex-high-performance-knit-fabric.aspx
Let me know if you also try to do this-with the right pattern and fabrics I think it would be a great project and totally do-able!
I'd love to customize the jersey (and shorts if I get the nerve to make those) and have a one of a kind outfit!

[alpinerabbit]

There was a lady called Mary on here some time, she did it. It's just that in the monetary sense it's probably not worth it...

[shootingstar]

There was a lady called Mary on here some time, she did it. It's just that in the monetary sense it's probably not worth it...

If one sewed more than 1 jersey same pattern style, it would probably work out to be under $23.00 per jersey (based on Seattle Fabric's discounted prices for their fabric) ..cost of pattern will go down if used more than once.

Of course, it doesn't include labour of oneself. but that's not really the point for those who are interested and enjoy creating something that doesn't disappear overnight from consumption.

If I used that logic..to constantly think of my own labour, I wouldn't have had a business-dressy wardrobe for over a decade..where my clothing fit me, with colours that I wanted and the compliments that I got because people could see how properly fitted clothing was if one knew how to adjust a pattern before cutting the fabric.

No different, from gardening...and then eating up all that hard work..in a few days. :)

[mthr3brghtys]

I've done it, actually the only jerseys I have are ones I've made. (That is until I finally break down and buy one of the TE jerseys this year, I love flourishes!)

I have the green pepper pattern, but found one I like better from a company called Jalie- you can find the pattern on the Seattle Fabric site - here's the URL. http://www.seattlefabrics.com/jalie_patterns.html#J2216%20Cycling%20Jersey%20with%20Shorts%20and%20Tights%20Pattern Cap sleeve, two pockets, side panels. Really pretty easy to do, the worst part is the slippery fabric issues - the zipper installation was different than I've ever done before, but went well. Also pretty easy to adapt the pattern if you want to make changes.

I made a pair last year, and will do it again this year - one for me and one for my the guy I ride with and he wears it as often as he wears the ones from his past teams so I suppose he can't tell the difference...

Finding the wicking fabric is always the challenge for me. I haven't tried ordering from Seattle Fabrics, but that's the plan for this years jerseys.

I haven't made shorts, although I have found that you can order just chamois on-line, I can't remember where right now but will see if I can find it.

Let me know what you come up with.

[Medianox]

If one sewed more than 1 jersey same pattern style, it would probably work out to be under $23.00 per jersey (based on Seattle Fabric's discounted prices for their fabric) ..cost of pattern will go down if used more than once.

Of course, it doesn't include labour of oneself. but that's not really the point for those who are interested and enjoy creating something that doesn't disappear overnight from consumption.

If I used that logic..to constantly think of my own labour, I wouldn't have had a business-dressy wardrobe for over a decade..where my clothing fit me, with colours that I wanted and the compliments that I got because people could see how properly fitted clothing was if one knew how to adjust a pattern before cutting the fabric.

No different, from gardening...and then eating up all that hard work..in a few days. :)

Yep. :)
Its more about the creative process for me (there is an artist lurking underneath my gainfully employed healthcare worker skin) than it is about saving money really. I love to make stuff-I knit, weave, make glass beads and jewelry, and do multimedia art projects like altered books and stuff. And I sometimes sew. LOL. I love biking but there isn't much that I can *make* related to it. I am working on a knitted woolen vest for the rainy season, but what I can make and use is limited....hence my interest in sewing the actual clothes I wear to ride.
If the fabric is found on sale then the savings is greater obviouslyand who doesn't love that, but the real attraction is having something original.

[dakay]

I have sewn my own shorts and jerseys. I have been very happy with the jerseys. The fit is great and I can do whatever I want with the style. They are long enough and the sleeves are a comfortable length. I usually add a zipper pocket for stashing my ID and some cash inside one of the back pockets. Wicking fabric isn't too hard to find, but I like colors that can be seen and those are hard to find.

As for the shorts. It's hard to find wicking fabric that has the stretch and weight that I would like. I have some from Seattle Fabrics that might fit the bill but I haven't tried it out yet. I have a chamois I purchased from Seattle Fabrics and that is no where near as comfortable as the ones in my purchased shorts. I have been wanting to try bibs but don't want to spend the money in case I don't like them. I've got a pattern and some fabric so I just need to get around to making them. The pattern has a piece for a chamois made out of polar fleece so I may give that a try.

Jerseys are easy to make if you are comfortable sewing with knits. A serger is a plus but not necessary. So go for it and have fun.

Kathy

[shootingstar]

I have sewn my own shorts and jerseys. I have been very happy with the jerseys. The fit is great and I can do whatever I want with the style. They are long enough and the sleeves are a comfortable length. I usually add a zipper pocket for stashing my ID and some cash inside one of the back pockets. Wicking fabric isn't too hard to find, but I like colors that can be seen and those are hard to find.

As for the shorts. It's hard to find wicking fabric that has the stretch and weight that I would like. I have some from Seattle Fabrics that might fit the bill but I haven't tried it out yet. I have a chamois I purchased from Seattle Fabrics and that is no where near as comfortable as the ones in my purchased shorts.
Kathy

Could you post a pic or 2 of your sewn cycling garments?

Medianox, I was feeling really guilty few wks. ago after hauling out my sewing machine and altering a pair of dress pants: I was underutilizing machine and my skills. (But then guilt feelings come up whenever I see my pile of art supplies and pile of canvasses of paintings. :o) I used love looking, imagining possibilities and selecting fabrics, etc. I still have over 150 different sewing patterns...:o
For certain sewing allows use of much higher quality of fabric for much lower price and finished garment lasts longer/is often more durable because the seams are stronger.

You could even try a fun cycling applique design on the jersey back pocket(s). At least the stitching of design would not be against your skin to bother you when cycling/moving around. :D

Or even better, sew some skorts for short rides..if you can ride shorter distances without cycling chamois..which I can. Not all skorts are designed for lycra/stretchable fabric.

For certain having done alot of sewing in the past, makes me a fairly picky/demanding consumer when I buy clothing and price that I am willing to pay/not pay.

[dakay]

Don't have any pics right now. Will take some when I get a chance early next week. My favorite is a red long sleeve jersey made of polar fleece. I would like to make another out of wind pro polar fleece as it is the wind that makes me cold.

Kathy

[solobiker]

I know Irulan does a lot of sewing. She has made some great things. I make quilts. I don't have the perceptual skills for sewing clothing:p

[wannaduacentury]

I know Irulan does a lot of sewing. She has made some great things. I make quilts. I don't have the perceptual skills for sewing clothing:p

I just finished a quilt top as well. It's batiks, very cheerful patterns and colors. Haven't found the backing yet, still looking on what I want. jenn

[shootingstar]

She has made some great things. I make quilts. I don't have the perceptual skills for sewing clothing:p

While I've been good at sewing and knowing how mentally visualize and to integrate different colours and textures in 1 imaginary harmonious outfit made real in sewn creations, I'm not naturally good for interior design.

Ever since as a child I enjoyed and seem to have a natural skill affinity to do 2-D artwork, for painting, paper arts (papermaking, printmaking), calligraphy, etc., but not for sculpture, carving nor pottery. It's all reflected to the courses I've taken over the past few decades.

I suppose I could consider jewellery making, but haven't tried that yet but shape, composition and colour continuously fascinate me. ...which is also why I do like cycling over all other sports. To me, it's ever changing in visual senses/interest while cycling along.

I recall we cycled by a burnt forest after a forest fire or snowshoeing in winery country in the wintertime...the landscape reveals completely different shapes, shadows and colours that one doesn't see under coverage of green foliage, etc.

[solobiker]

I just finished a quilt top as well. It's batiks, very cheerful patterns and colors. Haven't found the backing yet, still looking on what I want. jenn

I would love to see a picture of it.

[Medianox]

Thanks everyone for the tips and resources. There is another source for a pattern, a canadian site that I can't recall the name of right now...but I'll look it up later (on my way out the door to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium with the family for the day!)...It may take a while, but when I get the pattern, fabric and have sewn a jersey I'll post some pics!
Thanks all!

[dakay]

[QUOTE=shootingstar;454411]Could you post a pic or 2 of your sewn cycling garments?

I took a couple of pictures of a few of my jerseys that I made. I believe I used a Jalie pattern for the blue/white short sleeve jersy and a raglan sleeve pattern I drafted with Wild Ginger PatternMaster software for the other two. Hope this works.

Kathy

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[Medianox]

Those look really nice!! I think I'll invest in the Jalie pattern too (I ordered the green pepper one already).
You did a great job-thanks for sharing!
:)

[shootingstar]

Looks excellent, dakay. Even the elastic hemline on jersey looks pro. (And obviously you like a elasticized hemline. I'm not as keen...)

someone made a comment about dealing with slippery fabrics. For sewing accurate seam lines, do some quick large hand-basting on the pattern pieces that you need to sew together. Of course after the machine-sewn line is done, you remove the hand-basting threads. Not a big deal.

[dakay]

Looks excellent, dakay. Even the elastic hemline on jersey looks pro. (And obviously you like a elasticized hemline. I'm not as keen...)

someone made a comment about dealing with slippery fabrics. For sewing accurate seam lines, do some quick large hand-basting on the pattern pieces that you need to sew together. Of course after the machine-sewn line is done, you remove the hand-basting threads. Not a big deal.

I removed the elastic from the one jersey I bought that had it as it kept riding up. The jerseys I made are not tight so the elastic is just enough to keep the hem fitted, but not enough to make it ride up. The advantage of being able to fit as you sew.

Dealing with slippery stretchy fabrics is where a serger really comes in handy.

Kathy

[sarahspins]

I know I am digging this up from the depths, but I just made myself a couple of pairs of wool tights using the Jalie Long John pattern (no pics, sorry!) and I think they are going to work out really well. I also bought the cycling jersey/shorts pattern and made my youngest a tiny jersey and shorts using the smallest size on the pattern (the Jalie patterns all go from size 2 toddler to adult XXXL)... it's pitifully cute. I haven't made either for myself since I don't have enough of the right fabrics (well, I'm debating making a wool jersey, but still unsure). I made these from dry-tek that I bought thinking it was a different fabric (I wanted the other drytek, this stuff is thicker than I wanted)... and it was just enough to squeak out a pair of shorts and a jersey (which is why the colors don't match from top to bottom).

Yes - they are 6 panel shorts (and no seams on the inner thigh)!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4243601974_462fa888cb.jpg

Jersey front
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4243602136_15f687a346.jpg

and back pockets (why he needs pockets, I don't know, but it adds to the cute!)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4242828777_07c1ca53b3.jpg

They fit really well but I haven't had a chance to get a picture of him wearing them.. I can see all kinds of options for this pattern... making the top without pockets as rashguard shirts for swimming, or just as a cute top for the kids made from regular cotton knit. It's a very easy to sew pattern too if you skip the zipper... it takes longer to cut out all the parts than to put it together.

I need to order fabric and figure out what I'm doing about the chamois before I attempt my own shorts :)

[Irulan]

From my outdoor sewing site:

Jersey gallery
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/pgallery.asp

make your own bike shorts
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/shorts.asp

Jersey making tips - really good method for doing zippers...
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/jerseys.asp

You are basically screwed regarding chamois. The only aftermarket chamois are of the foam diaper variety. Yuck. I've experimented with making them from layers of polarfleece/ultrasuede but it's just not the same as a nice high tech commerical pad.

[sarahspins]

What about the ones from aerotech designs? Or do they fall into the 'foam diaper' category.

[MomOnBike]

The best reason I know to make one's own cyclewear, -heck, clothing in general - is to get something that fits in a style that is pleasing. Even back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth & I was skinny, no commercial clothing quite fit right, and in one way or the other lacked in the style department. So I learned to sew.

I haven't made any shorts or jerseys yet, but when I do, they will have the features I find useful, will be in the strong colors I favor and will fit over my hips. I'll post the results.

[Irulan]

What about the ones from aerotech designs? Or do they fall into the 'foam diaper' category.

http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/bikeshorts.htm
Well, what do you know. I've been looking for something like this for years. "crotch pads"? Who writes their copy?

this is the only one I've ever seen before.
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/cycling_crotch_pads.htm#seamless
It is nasty, don't try it.

[sarahspins]

Haha.. well thanks :) I was thinking I'd either try the black pearl pad or the tri pad... I'm not honestly wanting a ton of padding, just some extra help with moisture transfer and air circulation (I get sweaty).

I don't know how or why I stumbled across that before... but I did, and it was before the thought of making my own shorts crossed my mind (and I do intend to make some.. I'd love some longer knicker/knee-length style shorts without spending the $$$ on several pairs).

Most of the fancier looking ones from Aerotech seem to be made by this company.. http://www.elasticinterface.com/ Poking through the site I easily spotted the chamois used in my Cannondale shorts (I am seriously 99% sure it's the same one, and I know from the site that Cannondale uses their pads) - it's IMO a pretty nice chamois pad.. hopefully some of the others that Aerotech offers aren't bad either.

[shootingstar]

Your latest sewing creation sarahspins, looks great! I know I would omit the elastic at the hem of jersey since it never seems to serve any purpose for me.

[moderncyclista]

I wish I could sew. Mine would look a nightmare if I tried this. :D Fun to see other's doing amazing work though.