There are some patterns that you just know you’ll be making variations of for years. With its straightforward construction and season-spanning style, Paper Theory’s LB Pullover is one of those patterns that sewists of any level will benefit from having in their pattern collection.

Like many of us, I’ve had to practice a bit more frugality in purchasing sewing items recently but this has equally encouraged me to dig into my fabric stash and think about how can I use those larger pieces of leftovers. I had less than a metre of Atelier Brunette’s sweatshirt fabric sitting dormant in my stash, not quite enough to accommodate the pattern, but I thought given the pullover’s roomy fit, I could make some tweaks.

I sewed a wintry LB Pullover (pictured below) in sherpa fleece earlier this year, given this was my first attempt at the pattern, I erred on the side of caution with the sizing and sewed a size 12, which was a little too big for me. So, for this version, I figured I’d save some space by downsizing to a 10. After having cut the bodice pieces, and narrow neck band (B) I was left with minimal fabric for the sleeves but managed to cut pieces that resembled the sleeve shape, and although a little wonky, you can’t really tell when I’m wearing the jumper!

The pattern instructions are straightforward, not super detailed, but if you’ve made similar clothing before you’ll be fine.

I joined all the seams on my overlocker, then used a ballpoint needle and zigzag stitch for the hem and the sleeves. If you don’t have an overlocker, you can use a zigzag stitch or a French seam on your sewing machine. Just remember to practice on a piece of scrap fabric first to get your machine settings right.

I love the boxy, cropped shape of the pullover. I’m a high-waisted trouser gal so this top is ideal. You can also make the top in knit and woven fabrics giving you plenty of options.

If I were to make any adjustments to the pattern next time, I’d narrow the neck band slightly. Other than that, I’m happy with the make and think I’ll get plenty of wear out of it on cooler summer days.

Have you made the LB pullover? What did you think?