Sew comfortable jackets, pullovers, and hoodies for girls with our PDF sewing patterns. Our collection includes zip-up hoodies, pullover hoodies, casual jackets, sweatshirts, and cozy outerwear. Each instant download pattern features detailed instructions with color photos, plus options for different pocket styles, hood variations, and closure types. Create outerwear that fits perfectly - customize length, sleeve fit, and details for growing girls. Whether you need everyday hoodies for school, cozy pullovers for play, or casual jackets for layering, find patterns for every skill level. Download your pattern and start sewing today.
Girls live in hoodies, pullovers, and casual jackets - they're the go-to outerwear for school, play, and everything in between. Store-bought options rarely fit well, wear out quickly, and cost $30-60+ for quality pieces. When you sew girls' hoodies and jackets, you create durable pieces that fit perfectly, feature pockets and details she'll love, and use soft fabrics in her favorite colors. Customize length as she grows, add fun details like color-blocking or appliqués, and make outerwear tough enough for active kids. From everyday hoodies to cozy pullovers, casual zip jackets to sweatshirts, sew a collection she'll reach for constantly.
Zip-up hoodies: Front-zip hoodies with separating zippers - easy on and off, adjustable warmth, and perfect for layering.
Pullover hoodies: Classic overhead hoodies - cozy, casual, and essential for every girl's wardrobe. The most popular hoodie style.
Sweatshirts and pullovers: Casual pullover tops without hoods - comfortable for school, play, and everyday wear.
Casual zip jackets: Lightweight zip-up jackets without hoods - perfect for transitional weather and layering.
Fleece jackets and pullovers: Extra warm options for cold weather - cozy fleece perfect for outdoor play.
Hoodies are non-negotiable for most girls - they wear them constantly. Ultimate comfort: Soft, cozy fabrics feel good all day. Perfect for lounging, playing, and everything in between. Practical warmth: Easy layer that works for varying temperatures. Put on when cold, take off when warm. Hoods provide: Extra warmth for heads and ears, protection from light rain, and a cozy place to hide when shy. Pockets: Essential for carrying treasures, snacks, fidgets, and keeping hands warm. Easy independence: Girls can put on and take off hoodies and pullovers themselves - no help needed. Versatile styling: Works with everything - over dresses, with jeans, over leggings, with skirts. School staple: Most girls wear hoodies to school multiple times per week. Having several in rotation is essential.
Simple pullovers and hoodies make great beginner projects for sewists comfortable with knit fabrics. Why they're beginner-friendly: Straightforward construction with minimal pattern pieces. Knit fabrics are forgiving of small mistakes. No buttons, buttonholes, or complex closures (except zippers on zip-up styles). Small size sews faster than adult garments. Girls are forgiving about imperfections in casual wear. Start with: Basic pullover sweatshirts without hoods - simplest construction, quick to sew. Progress to pullover hoodies - adds hood construction skill. Then try zip-up styles - introduces zipper installation. Skill building: Learn to work with French terry and fleece, construct hoods with proper shaping, apply ribbing for cuffs and waistbands, and install separating zippers. Our beginner patterns include hoodie and pullover options designed for new sewists.
French terry: The most versatile hoodie fabric - medium weight with loops on wrong side, soft and comfortable, works year-round, and durable enough for active kids. Perfect for most hoodies and pullovers. Sweatshirt fleece: Brushed on wrong side for extra warmth and coziness - ideal for winter hoodies and cold weather pullovers. Heavier than French terry. Polar fleece: Very warm and cozy for coldest weather - makes excellent winter jackets and pullovers. Anti-pill fleece lasts longer. Athletic moisture-wicking knits: For active girls who need breathable layers - works for sporty hoodies and pullovers. Ponte knit: More structured knit for dressier casual jackets - holds shape well while providing some stretch. Cotton jersey: Lightweight option for spring/summer hoodies - breathable and comfortable but less warm than French terry. Rib knit: For cuffs, waistbands, and neckbands - provides nice finished edges with good stretch and recovery. Match to main fabric or use contrasting colors. Quality considerations: Choose fabrics that survive frequent washing, resist pilling, maintain softness, and hold their shape. Girls wear hoodies constantly and wash them frequently.
Hoods make hoodies special. Basic hood construction: Two hood pieces sewn together at center back, attached to neckline with proper shaping. Takes practice but becomes straightforward. Hood features: Drawstrings let girls adjust fit and tightness - use cord stops for easy adjustment. Lined hoods feel more finished and comfortable. Single-layer hoods are simpler to construct. Hood sizing: Should fit comfortably over head without being too tight or too loose. Test fit during construction. Safety note: Some schools prohibit drawstrings in young children's clothing. Consider removing drawstrings for school hoodies or use tie alternatives. Hood variations: Pointed hoods add fun detail (like animal ears), oversized hoods create cozy feel, or cropped hoods sit closer to head. Practice tip: Make practice hood from cheap fabric before working on actual hoodie - understanding 3D shape helps.
Kangaroo pockets: Large front pockets across the belly - the most popular hoodie pocket style. Perfect for warming hands, carrying small items, and hiding treasures. Easy to construct. Side seam pockets: Hidden pockets in side seams - more discreet than kangaroo pockets. Great for jackets and dressier pullovers. Zippered pockets: Secure pockets for valuable items - phones, money, keys. Popular with older girls. Ribbing details: Ribbed cuffs, waistbands, and neckbands create professional finished look and keep warmth in. Contrasting rib adds style. Color-blocking: Use multiple fabric colors in one garment - sleeves different from body, contrasting hood lining, or geometric color blocks. Appliqués and embellishments: Add her name, favorite characters, or fun shapes. Embroidery or fabric appliqués personalize hoodies. Thumb holes: Small openings in cuffs for thumbs - keeps sleeves in place and hands warm. Very popular feature. Details make it special: Handmade hoodies with custom details become favorites she wears constantly.
Zip-up styles require separating zippers. Choosing zippers: Separating zippers (bottom comes completely apart) in appropriate length. Plastic coil zippers are lighter and less expensive, metal zippers are more durable and stylish. Match zipper color to fabric or use contrasting zippers as design element. Installation tips: Practice on scraps before installing on actual garment. Use zipper foot for clean, straight topstitching. Pin carefully to ensure even alignment. Topstitch both sides evenly for professional look. Common challenges: Keeping zipper tape straight while sewing, ensuring both sides match at top, and creating smooth zipper placket. Takes practice but becomes easier. Worth learning: Zipper installation opens up many pattern options. Zip-up hoodies are popular and practical - easier to put on over hairstyles, adjustable warmth, and no struggling with overhead pullovers.
Girls grow fast, so accommodate growth in hoodies and jackets. Length adjustments: Add 1-2 inches to body and sleeve length - cuff them now, uncuff as she grows. Longer hoodies work as tunics over leggings. Generous fit: Hoodies and pullovers should be comfortable and loose - not tight or restrictive. This built-in ease accommodates growth. Adjustable features: Drawstring hoods and waists adapt to size changes. Ribbed cuffs and waistbands provide some give. Sizing up: Many parents make hoodies one size larger - cuff sleeves and wear slightly oversized, then fits better next year. Body proportions: Tall girls need extra length, athletic builds need more shoulder room, and slim girls might need slightly narrower widths. Expected wear: Well-made hoodies in quality fabrics can last 1-2 years with growth accommodation strategies. Girls often prefer slightly oversized hoodies anyway - the slouchy, comfortable fit.
Hoodies are essential school wear for most girls. School wardrobe needs: 3-5 hoodies or pullovers for weekly rotation - enough that she always has clean ones available. Mix of colors that work with her pants and skirts. Practical features for school: Easy on/off without help, machine washable and durable, pockets for school supplies and snacks, comfortable for all-day wear, and appropriate coverage (check school dress codes). Popular colors: Navy, black, gray, and burgundy work with everything. Add a few in her favorite colors or fun prints. Durability matters: School hoodies get washed 1-2 times weekly and worn hard. Choose quality fabrics and reinforce stress points. Cost savings: Handmade hoodies cost $8-15 each versus $25-50 for quality store-bought. Make several for less than buying 1-2.
Spring/Fall hoodies: Medium-weight French terry works perfectly - warm enough for cool mornings, breathable for warmer afternoons. The most versatile weight. Winter hoodies: Heavy sweatshirt fleece or polar fleece for cold weather. Layer under coats for extra warmth. Make slightly roomier to accommodate layering underneath. Summer hoodies: Lightweight cotton jersey or thin French terry for air-conditioned spaces, cool evenings, or sun protection. Year-round basics: Medium-weight French terry hoodies work 9+ months of the year in most climates. Make these first. Climate variations: Hot climates might need only lightweight options. Cold climates need heavier fleece hoodies. Make appropriate weights for your location. Layering strategy: Hoodies layer beautifully - wear alone in moderate weather, over t-shirts in cool weather, under coats in winter. Versatile pieces that work across temperatures.
Girls are hard on hoodies - reinforce for longevity. Stress point reinforcement: Double-stitch pocket openings and corners, reinforce zipper ends on zip-up styles, backstitch hood seams well, and secure ribbing attachment points. Quality construction: Use appropriate stretch stitches or narrow zigzag, serge or finish seams to prevent stretching, and use quality thread that won't break. Fabric choices: Choose quality fabrics that resist pilling, maintain softness through many washings, and hold their shape. Anti-pill fleece lasts much longer than cheap fleece. Proper ribbing: Good quality rib knit for cuffs and waistbands maintains elasticity longer. Cheap ribbing stretches out quickly. Realistic expectations: Hoodies get worn constantly and washed frequently - even well-made ones eventually wear out. But quality handmade hoodies typically outlast cheap store-bought versions significantly.
Store-bought hoodies and pullovers create frustrations. Quality pieces are expensive ($30-60+) for garments girls wear out quickly. Nothing fits quite right - too short, too long, wrong proportions. Cheap options use thin fabrics that pill and lose shape after a few washes. Limited color and style options, especially in extended sizes. When you sew girls' hoodies and jackets, you get perfect fit and proportions for her body, exactly the length she needs with room for growth, soft, quality fabrics that last, fun colors and prints in her favorites, custom details like pockets and color-blocking, and durable construction that survives active wear. Cost savings are substantial - handmade hoodies cost $8-15 in materials compared to $30-60+ for quality store-bought. Make an entire hoodie wardrobe for less than buying 2-3 store-bought. Plus handmade hoodies often last longer with better fabrics and construction. For tall girls, petite girls, or athletic builds, sewing provides perfectly fitting hoodies that are comfortable and flattering.
Let her help choose fabrics and details - she'll wear hoodies she helped design. Use ballpoint needles for knits and change them frequently. Use stretch stitches or narrow zigzag - never straight stitch on knit fabrics. Add extra length to body and sleeves for growth. Practice hood construction on scraps before making actual garment. Use quality ribbing for cuffs and waistbands - cheap ribbing stretches out. Test zipper installation on scraps if making zip-up styles. Don't stretch fabric while sewing - let machine feed naturally. Reinforce pocket corners and stress points. Choose quality fabrics that resist pilling and maintain softness. Make slightly oversized for comfort and longer wear. Consider thumb holes in cuffs - popular feature. Add fun details like contrasting hoods or color-blocking. Press seams as you sew even though it's casual wear - looks more professional. Take photos of her wearing handmade hoodies - sweet memories. Make matching hoodies for siblings or friends. For detailed hoodie construction tutorials, visit our sewing blog for comprehensive guidance.
How long does it take to sew a girls hoodie?
Simple pullovers take 2-3 hours. Hoodies with hoods take 3-4 hours. Zip-up hoodies take 4-5 hours. Small size means they sew relatively quickly once you're familiar with construction.
Are hoodies good beginner projects?
Simple pullovers work for beginners comfortable with knit fabrics. Hoodies with hoods are intermediate due to hood construction. Zip-up styles are more advanced due to zipper installation. Start simple and progress gradually.
What's the best fabric for girls hoodies?
French terry is most versatile - works year-round, durable, comfortable. Sweatshirt fleece for winter warmth. Polar fleece for coldest weather. Choose based on your climate and season.
How much fabric do I need?
Varies by size and style. Simple pullovers need 1-1.5 yards. Hoodies need about 1.5-2 yards. Add 1/4-1/2 yard for ribbing. Each pattern includes detailed yardage charts.
Can I add a hood to a pullover pattern?
Yes, though it requires some pattern modification skills. Easier to choose patterns designed with hood options. Our blog has tutorials on adding hoods to patterns.
How do I keep ribbing from stretching out?
Use quality rib knit fabric, don't overstretch while sewing, use appropriate stretch stitches, and choose fabrics with good recovery. Cheap ribbing loses elasticity quickly.
Should I size up for growth?
Yes - hoodies work well slightly oversized. Make one size larger, cuff the sleeves, and she'll grow into it. Girls often prefer looser, comfortable hoodies anyway.
