Sleeveless Amaranth Hack

The Amaranth Jacket and Pullover, and its included options, keep you warm and cozy (not to mention stylish!), but I couldn't help but do a small hack to the pattern to add some variety to my wardrobe.  

The built in ease of Amaranth makes it perfect for layering across multiple seasons, and I'm going to show you how easy it is to turn it into a sleeveless duster style outer layer.  

Materials Needed:

• The Amaranth Jacket and Pullover pattern
• Fabric of your choice (I upcycled a plush blanket)
• Optional: Fabric to make Binding or Bias tape.  You could also use twill tape here as well.  Since Amaranth works best with medium to heavy weight knit fabrics, the use of binding or bias tape comes down to personal preference.  My fabric was a bit thick so I chose to finish my seams with my serger/overlocker.

To complete this hack, you will cut the front hem line at either the high or low option and the front bodice should be cut as two mirror images using the Zip Up cut line.  We are of course going to omit cutting the sleeves, but you can still use any of the pocket options (side seam, patch, or kangaroo).  Lastly you'll need to cut either the hood or collar pieces.  

My version uses the patch pockets and collar neckline finish.

You will follow the original tutorial to construct the bodice and add your choice of pocket style. 

Continue construction until you have added your main hood/collar to the bodice and are at the steps for installing the zipper.  Don't worry, we aren't adding a zipper here but we do still need to finish the center front edges.  

Here is where you might need fabric for binding, bias tape or twill tape.  Again, because my fabric is a little bulky, I opted to serge the raw edges, fold over and topstitch them down.  Since knit fabrics don't fray, you can also leave them raw before folding over and stitching them down.  Just be careful not to stretch your fabric as you are sewing.  

Applying bias tape to cover the raw edges is another option to finish the inside.  

For Amaranth, if you are using a sturdier fabric such as fleece or sweatshirt with little stretch, you can use a woven bias tape. You can buy bias tape, or Make it Yourself. For a lighter weight fabric, you will be better off using a Knit Binding.