I was thrilled when The Fold Line included a free download of Paper Theory’s LB Pullover pattern in their advent promotion last year. I’ve made their Zadie jumpsuit (twice!) and their Block Tee (formerly “Kabuki Tee”) as well and worn them loads.
I’ve heard great things about the LB Pullover, too, but I balk at spending £11 for a really basic pdf pattern. I will happily admit that I was wrong though – this pattern is well worth the full price, even with its oversized shape and simple lines. It’s easy to mess up the proportions of something so simple, but this is expertly drafted.
I wasn’t quite sure whether to sew this in a heavier or lighter weight jersey, but then I saw some charcoal horizontally ribbed poly jersey in my stash and had a lightbulb moment! I had bought a 1.5m piece from stitchodyssey’s instagram destash back in 2021 (originally from Stof & Stil) for £12 total, and it’s perfect here.
There’s very little stretch in the fabric despite it being a knit, so I had to be careful choosing a pattern (most of the reason why it hasn’t been sewn up before now!). The LB is so baggy that it can take a woven or a knit so it was the perfect fabric choice here. I used size 16, based on my Bust measurement, and it fits well.
The fabric itself feels something between a teeshirt and a sweatshirt – similar weight to my recent waffle jersey Gemma sweater.
Due to the simple lines, this is a ridiculously easy pattern to sew. It honestly only took me about ten minutes to sew together, I didn’t even look at the instructions. It’d be excellent for beginners, due to the simple construction and forgiving fit!
The pattern comes with a choice of two collars – one narrow and one closer to a polo/turtleneck. I chose A, the taller one.
I like this jumper, but I’m not in love with it – either the pattern or the fabric. It’s fine, and cosy, and very wearable, but nothing that particularly excites me… Though it is growing on me with each wear, so it might very well be a “slow burn” sort of garment! Now that I think of it, Paper Theory’s Block Tee was definitely a slow-burner for me, but came to be one of my favourite wardrobe staples over time…
