The Zadie Jumpsuit Sewing Pattern Review

This is my very first Zadie Jumpsuit, and while the make was pretty straightforward, there were a couple of sections that made me do a double-take. Luckily, this pattern is a community favorite so there were a lot of suggestions, sew-a-long’s, and tips to help me out. I almost ignored the first suggestion from everyone which was to size down (some suggesting up to two sizes) and I’m glad I did because boy does she have some ease! For reference, my measurements put me at a 14 and I sewed up a size 12. I probably could have gone down one more size, but with holiday snacks already making an appearance in my home….yeah, we’ll stick with the 12, haha!

The second area that tripped me up a bit was the pocket install. I wasn’t quite sure how to fold them inside after attaching, but a quick check of Brittany J Jones’s sew-a-long on YouTube really helped me out there! I’ve also never done a bias binding around a neckband to finish it off, and although the curves were a bit weird, it came out great and I really enjoy the detail!

In fact, this is one project I’m pleased that I took the time to experiment with a few different seam finishes. I don’t own a serger/overlocker, so I’ve been making a point to slow down a bit more with my sewing projects to make their guts look as pretty as the outsides. I typically use a French Seam so nothing new for me to learn there, but I also tried out turned under seams along the crotch seam and felled seams at the waist. Were these the correct seam finishes for where I applied them? Who can say? I mean maybe you can, but I can’t so good enough is good enough for me! I’m actually quite proud of how the insides look and I’m really looking forward to learning a bit more about different finishing techniques to try with future makes. They were both super easy, just a bit time-consuming. I think the end result was worth the extra effort though. What do you think?

I can absolutely see why this sewing pattern is such a fan favorite. As soon as I put my Zadie on for a final try on hot off the machine, it was pretty hard to take it back off again. I love the relaxed silhouette throughout the legs and how easy-to-move-in it is. The look is completely modern with a casual-cool feel. Definitely, one of those pieces you could wear to a coffee date with your best friend or put on for a Netflix binge on the couch. Let’s be honest, the majority of us are really only doing the latter these days, so it’s uplifting to be able to wear something that’s comfortable but still makes me feel like I accomplished something and actually got dressed for the day. I’m already planning out a linen version (maybe black, but I’d also love a forest green) and maybe something in a bold print just for kicks.

Have you made the famous Zadie Jumpsuit for yourself? And did you sing your own remixed version of “Zadie, Zadie, Married Lady” instead of “Sadie” from Funny Girl like I definitely did? (10 out of 10 recommend, btw). I’d love to hear from you if you did, so feel free to drop me a line below!

QUICK + DIRTY DETAILS:

PATTERN: The Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory

FABRIC: Robert Kaufman Washed Cotton Chambray from Minerva Crafts (gifted)

SIZE: 12. Based on my measurements, I should have made a size 14, but I made the choice to make one size down after reading several reviews.

• B: 38”
• W: 31″
• H: 40″
• Height: 5’4″

KNOWLEDGE OBTAINED: New seam finishes! Bias bound, tucked under, and felled seams!!

Happy making!

-XO-

Caley