Happy new year! This is my first make of 2023 and I am so pleased with it. I lengthened our Jackson Pullover into a cozy dress (or maybe a sack?). I added our new Jackson Hood Expansion pack to create this amazingly comfortable hoodie. Yes, it is as awesome as it looks.

You can grab the Jackson Tee and Pullover pattern for 20% off for the month of January! We have the new hood expansion pack available for free for newsletter subscribers, too. Sign up here to get access!

If you want to make a lengthened Jackson like this, I recommend a fabric with at least 20% stretch both vertically and horizontally. You will want this stretch for when you move around in the garment. I used black sweatshirt fleece from Blackbird Fabrics. It is quite thick and it has about 20% stretch in both directions. 

To lengthen the pattern, I cut and added length at the lengthen/shorten lines. You can add as much or as little as you like! If you want lots of room around the calves, you can flare out the sides slightly as you lengthen. 

I lengthened the kangaroo pocket 1” (2.5 cm) since it is not being sewn into the hood hem. I wanted to make sure I had seam allowance to turn under along the bottom.

I used ribbing for the cuffs and hem band, so I did not adjust the hem band to match the added width at the hem. This ribbing was so stretchy, I knew it wouldn’t be a problem. 

Sewing this pattern hack is very straightforward. The only change is folding under and topstitching the bottom of the kangaroo pocket. Everything else is the same as the instructions!

My favourite thing about this make is the little pop of leopard print. I knew I wanted to throw a contrast lining in the hood and when I saw this scrap of leopard in my stash I knew it was perfect! It takes this make to a more streetwear level, and I love the contrast with the black. I also used the leopard print to make a drawstring tie for the hood. I just sewed a long strip with right sides together and then turned it inside out. 

I’ve dubbed this my “house hoodie” because I want to wear it all the time. I usually wear a “house dress” at home. Something loose and comfy that I can relax in. This is my winter version! It also works a treat for walking the dog on cold winter nights. 

Don’t forget, you can grab the Jackson Tee and Pullover pattern for 20% off for the month of Janurary! We have the new hood expansion pack available for free for newsletter subscribers, too. Sign up here to get access!