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DIY bike jersey

DIY cycle jersey

A few years back I got really into cycling as a form of training and not just for transport. First spinning, then short distance triathlons and in 2014 I did a 120K bike race for which I even bought a proper road bike. While there are plenty of nice looking bike jerseys out there to buy, I decided to try DIY:ing one. For fun and also for style, I really like retro looking jerseys and many designs today are just so busy when it comes to print and patterns and I wanted a more restrained classic design.


DIY cycle jersey

I drafted the pattern myself, using one of my Swedish pattern drafting books as a guide. I also added princess seams to avoid any side chafing. The only challenge was assembling the collar stand . Since the fabric is a really stretchy supplex knit I struggled with getting a neat finish on the collar, even though I did interface it with a fusible. In the end I had to resort to some hand sewing, just to make it look decent.
DIY cycle jersey

What I am really pleased about is the choice to add a mesh piece to help move away under arm moisture. This solution works so well. The back pockets are pretty straight forward, just attached elastic, folded the fabric and top stitched with zigzag stitches.

DIY cycle jersey

As for race biking, well that is on hold currently. I injured a calf/foot muscle 1.5 years ago and since then I can’t bike using bike shoes and have not been able to run either. I think the injury is on the mend now, but I’ve had several setbacks from returning to intense training too early, so I’m now scared to even try. All the biking I do currently is getting to and back from work using a regular bike, regular clothes and regular shoes, so for now this bike jersey is tucked away in my wardrobe. But hopefully in the spring I will be able to get back on my road bike.

4 Comments

  • Pam
    January 8, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    I love your bike jersey! Making on is on my to-do list too! It looks fantastic and so stylish!

    Reply
  • Kyle
    January 8, 2016 at 11:38 pm

    You make such great outerwear. Hope your calf mends/heals nicely!

    Reply
  • Amy
    January 3, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    Looks great! I also agree that many colors nowadays are pretty wild, and a retro muted one stands out!

    Reply
    • Johanna
      January 4, 2017 at 8:16 am

      Thank you! Yes it would be hard finding something like this in the stores these days. I’m all for prints and colours too, but I do have a soft spot for vintage looking bike jerseys

      Reply

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