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Opal: FreeSewing's Opal Overalls

New Opal pattern
No line drawing (yet)

Designer Notes​

Opal is my third design. Like my first two designs (Shelly and Onyx), Opal has been designed to address my sensory needs. Overalls are loose, practical garments that don’t cause the sensory issues that jeans cause, but are still a sturdy, practical garment that can be worn over other sensory clothes.

The lack of side buttons is due to these sensory issues - the garment is intended to be drafted loose enough to fit over the hips, and omitting the side buttons makes for a more comfortable garment, as well as making the overalls quite a fair bit easier to draft and make.

The fabric crossing over on the back bib adds strength and is a look I really like, which is why I drafted it that way.

Opal’s name is in keeping with the gemstone theme of my designs.

Thrunic

What You Need​

To make Opal, you will need the following:

  • Basic sewing supplies
  • Between 1 - 3 meters (1.1 - 3.3 yards) of a suitable fabric, depending on size and style (see Fabric options).
  • (optional) Fasteners to attach the straps to the front bib. I make my overalls using tack buttons on the bib, and a buckle and slider on each strap.
warning
  • Long legs and a looser fit will increase fabric requirements. Pockets usually can be fit on the otherwise wasted portion of the fabric, and don’t change the fabric length requirement.
  • A pair of shortalls for a typical adult will need about 2 meters of fabric.

Fabric Options​

This pattern is designed to work with denim, but should work with most woven fabrics.

Cutting Instructions​

  • Cut 2 front parts
  • Cut 2 back parts
  • Cut 1 bib part
  • Cut 1 waistband part
  • Cut 1 bib placket part
  • Cut 1 bib pocket part (optional)
  • Cut 2 slash pocket parts (optional)
  • Cut 2 pocket shield parts (optional)
  • Cut 2 back pocket parts (optional)
  • Cut 1 carpenter pocket part (optional)
  • Cut 1 2nd carpenter pocket part (optional)
  • Cut 1 hammer loop part (optional)

:tip When cutting out two, you can cut them good sides together. However, when working with fabric with a pattern, I prefer to cut them individually to finely control the pattern matching.

When you cut them individually, remember that they need to be mirror images of each other. So flip either your pattern or your fabric over when cutting the second one. :::