I had wanted to sew myself a romper for a very long time. I own one from a store, but I find the back length doesn't suit me well and I keep pulling the shorts up... needless to say, I don't wear it much 😂. 

The arrival of the cha coud patterns and its beautiful collection of jumpsuits and rompers gave me the perfect opportunity to test these models and prepare a pretty holiday outfit! 

I hesitated between the different models because several called to me. 

I finally gave in to Agathe and I'll explain why, here we go!

The model

Agathe is a jumpsuit both suitable for everyday wear and holidays.

It consists of a polo placket with hidden buttons down the center front and features 2 chest pockets, 2 pockets on the front of the shorts, as well as an attached belt.

The shorts of the jumpsuit have a straight cut. They have clips at the back to adjust the waist and small pleats on the front at the bust. 

Agathe is perfect for preparing for spring and the arrival of summer!

Depending on the accessories and fabric choice, Agathe can also be worn in winter with tights and a nice pair of boots. 

Practical information for sewing Agathe

Agathe is available from size 34 to 48 in printed and PDF formats in our shop. 

Seam allowances are included, which is always a welcome time saver.

For the A4 PDF version, the pages join edge to edge! This is very convenient as there is no need to fold or cut the seams. 

It is suitable for intermediate-level sewers given the few technical stitches that require precision. I do not recommend it as a first garment to sew, but if you have already made a few, it will be a nice challenge. More experienced sewers will enjoy creating beautiful finishes like the hidden button placket. 

The recommended fabrics to sew Agathe are: light gabardine (Atelier Brunette's light will be perfect), chambray, denim, linen, tencel, Japanese fabric with body... The fabric needs to have structure for this pattern. Avoid viscose and fluid fabrics.  

In the seamstress's basket

To sew Agathe, you will need:

- 1.70m of fabric with a 1.40m width (1.90m for sizes 42 and up)
- 6 blouse-type buttons
- 50cm of bias tape
- good quality matching thread
- matching serger cones (optional)
- 1 belt loop with a 5cm opening (optional)

Optional but very useful: the buttonhole ruler and chalk marker!

My supplies

A year ago, I brought back in my luggage a coupon of 2m of Japanese fabric with a camellia pattern in red and pink on a black background. I completely fell for it in the haberdashery! So, I ordered from our suppliers an equivalent in different background colors because flowers are life!

I selected a black gütermann thread, black cones for the serger, buttons from my personal stash 15mm in diameter (black with burgundy reflections), and a 20mm black bias tape for the neckline. 

Finally, for a complete piece, I find that this romper is really economical in fabric and supplies! 

Technical points

As I mentioned earlier, Agathe is classified as intermediate level because it includes several technical points:

- assembly of patch pockets (bodice and front of shorts)
- topstitching
- assembling the crotch
- assembling button plackets and clipping
- applying invisible bias tape
- making buttonholes and attaching buttons
- hemming. 

Nothing insurmountable, it’s true, but these different steps require precision and rigor. 

My sewing experience

So I sacrificed that famous 2m coupon without making a toile because I didn’t have time before my vacation. It was risky, but sometimes you have to live dangerously 😂 I slightly undercut the hips while keeping size 34 for both top and bottom, relying on the fact that the shorts were quite loose. I still measured the hip measurements on the pattern to confirm this choice.  I’m glad I didn’t! The jumpsuit fits me like a glove!  

The back length, which I usually have to shorten since I’m only 1.53m tall, didn’t need to be modified. I could have done it when assembling the top and shorts. 
Cha coud patterns are designed for a height of 1.65m; if you are taller, don’t hesitate to lengthen the bodice.  

As for assembly, I loved it! The pieces fit together very easily, everything falls into place. I really liked the style of the bust and shorts pockets, which add a real plus to the look of this jumpsuit. I chose to topstitch all the pockets with two seams and reinforced the corners. 

The hidden button placket requires precision and allows for a very beautiful finish. I sewed on my 6 buttons as indicated, and it’s perfect for keeping my garment secure.

I didn’t make the belt in the same fabric; I "borrowed" the black one from my kimono, which I think really highlights my waist. 

I was as happy to sew it as I was to slip it into my suitcase and wear it in my favorite country, Japan. 

I love it and I know I’ll make more! Can’t wait to cut out the second version! 

Do you also like the pattern? It makes me want to try other Cha coud patterns. All PDF patterns are available in our webshop, along with some of the printed patterns. Feel free to take a look, there are gems!

So, get your needles ready!