Let’s begin our deep dive into the new STUDIO collection with the most eye-catching design, shall we? The show-stopper if you will. I adore the Ruby Overalls so much and I can’t wait to show you why. If you would like to see an overview of the STUDIO collection, check out this post here.
Overview
The Ruby Overalls are fun to wear and quick to sew! Ruby features an elasticated back that creates shaping at the waist while still being comfortable to sit and move around in. Two lengths are provided so you can make cropped pant Ruby Overalls or summer shorts! Ruby includes the option for overalls hardware buckles or you can simply sew the straps into the bib and step in and out. Anchored inseam pockets make Ruby both functional and fashionable. This pattern works well in many different types of fabric, from flowy rayon challis to structured denim. Make your dream overalls with Ruby!
Fit
Ruby includes sizes 0-34 (up to a 62” / 157.5 cm hip). This pattern is designed to be comfortable and easy to throw on. Overalls hardware is optional and a low back allows enough room for you to step in and out of Ruby. The straps are simply sewn into the bib and bib facing, or you have the option to leave the front straps loose and install overalls hardware. The Ruby waist is cinched in with an elastic back and the legs are wide.
Construction
The Ruby bib is finished with a facing that extends down to the waist. This facing is then topstitched to create a waist channel for the elastic. It also catches the top of the inseam pockets, too. Truly magical!
Ruby is designed to have an elastic back and a flat front, but you can easily modify it to have a full-elastic waist if desired. Simply feed elastic through the whole channel instead of only the back! The elastic back cinches Ruby in at the waist without causing discomfort. It also creates a cute blousing effect at the back bib of the overalls.
Ruby is fairly simple to sew and does not take long to make. The front and back pieces are all-in-one from the bib to the hem. A serger is not required but will be handy for finishing the side seams and inseams of the legs. A zig-zag stitch can be used here instead if needed.
Views
There is both a shorts and cropped pant view provided for Ruby. The cropped length can easily be lengthened to the floor for full pants. View A of Ruby has the straps sewn into the bib while view B features the overalls hardware. Either strap style can be paired with either pants length. We love cuffing our Ruby shorts and a nice deep hem is provided.
Fabrics
I love a pattern that can be made in many different fabrics. Ruby was initially designed with medium weight wovens in mind. Fabrics like 6-7oz linen and cotton twill. I was delighted to discover that Ruby also works exceptionally well in light weight fabrics like rayon and lighter cotton or linen, as well as heavier weight fabrics like bull denim and corduroy. I would caution against fabrics over 10oz in weight as the elastic back becomes quite difficult to sew. I am particularly smitten with my rayon pair because they are just so comfortable and perfect for the warmer months ahead! I think I see a rayon shorts version in my future.
Ruby vs Yanta
If you have sewn our Yanta Overalls before, you may be wondering—how is Ruby different? Well, let’s get into it. Ruby has a sleeker appearance and can be dressed up in flowy fabrics or with the right accessories. Yanta is more casual and has a more work-wear aesthetic. Ruby has a cinched waist while Yanta has a loose waist. Ruby features hidden inseam pockets while Yanta has many visible patch pockets. Ruby has wide legs and Yanta has tapered legs. Ruby is also easier to sew than Yanta, so it is a better choice for confident beginner sewists.
Well, there you have it! Both are excellent patterns and offer different takes on the overalls look.
Final Thoughts
I love Ruby quite simply because it is so much FUN! Fun to wear, certainly, but also really fun to sew. This pattern has satisfying construction techniques and our signature robust instructions so you can sew Ruby with confidence. I love that this design is a year-round wardrobe workhorse. I wore my bull denim pair through the fall and winter and now I can switch to my rayon pants and cotton shorts versions. I see so many more Ruby Overalls in my future!