Bolero pattern

[cherinyc]

I have sewed very simple items - out of regular non-stretchy fabrics, but I've always steered clear of anything that would require stretch (like your Bolero) because, well, having bought a sewing machine - thinking "umm, I don't really know how to use it, but I'll figure it out" I don't know what your supposed to do to accomodate for the stretchiness. There's a different method though, right? A different stitch or something?
If I could figure out that part I would gladly make my own arm or leg warmers. I could have so many color options that way.

What's the trick? and does anyone know if they make cycling specific patterns out there?

-signed
cheri, the girl being too lazy to google it herself

[SouthernBelle]

Cher, there are several different avenues to accomodate the stretchiness in knits. Many machines come with a special stitch for that purpose. Or you can use a slight zigzg stitch.

On the polar fleece, since the areas I was sewing didn't have to really stretch much, I just used a larger stitch and stretched the fabric with my hands fore and aft as it went through the feed dogs.

There have been cycling specific patterns posted here before that you could probably find with a search. The pattern I used, actually came with several pieces, but I only used 2, the front and back. It's a pattern for a bolero or shrug to be worn over real clothes. You could make it sewing 5 simple seams, but I did 8 as I did a seam finish on all but the underarm seams.