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.
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.
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.
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.
