The Kendrick Overalls by Hey June Patterns

I didn't know I needed overalls in my life again until Adrianna started showing sneak peaks of the Kendrick Overalls on her instagram (@heyjunehandmade). I had overalls several years ago and while they were comfy and cool (mostly temperature cool, not necessarily stylishly cool) one truly unflattering picture my parents sent with our family Christmas card in like 2001 is burned in my mind. However, these overalls are not that unfortunate pair!



The Kendrick Overalls are a high waisted cropped wide leg pant OR fitted skirt with or without the bib. So basically they are four patterns in one! The bib isn't the standard overall bib I think of (you know, that boxy thing) but they have darts and fit and flatter the body.

Let's talk about the high waisted thing for a second. I had always shied away from them because they felt weird on me or I felt like I looked weird in them or the pockets are unflattering or the tapered legs were gross on me etc., etc., etc. I am also less toned in the middle since having children. However, sewing has changed all of that! I can blend sizes if I need, eliminate wedgies, change length! The crazy thing is I hardly had to do anything to this pattern to make it fit how I wanted! I scooped out the seat 1/2 inch (normal for me and I'll add another 1/8th inch to my next pair) and I used smaller seam allowances in the side seams, which was super easy because there's a one inch seam allowance at the outer seams included in the pattern. A simple baste fit was all I needed to get my ideal size!

Like all Hey June patterns there are excellent illustrations and instructions and the option to print in layers or at a copy shop. The Kendrick Overalls come in sizes 2-22. They are drafted for non stretch wovens. I always appreciate the professional finishing instructions and the helpful notches to line up pieces. There are also different pocket options and a pocket stay, which is the best! So sleek! And the pocket bags don't flip out!

I sewed the overalls first. I used a denim with a tiny bit of stretch from a local store (like maybe 1% spandex or about 5% stretch) that went out of business. I sewed a size 10 based on my measurements. The rise in the final version has been raised an inch from this version. I scooped out the seat 1/2 inch, which is normal for me. I also used a 3/4 inch seam on the out seams. I have been wearing these a lot since finishing them and decided I needed to loosen the straps a little more so the seat feels more comfortable than these pictures. It's kind of a fine balance with the straps- a little too loose and they like to slide off my shoulders (again, NORMAL for me. I have never found a purse that actually stays on my shoulders unless it's a cross body style) or a little too tight like when I took these pics. The straps do remind me not to slouch, so that's another unforeseen plus.









I sewed the skirt next in a non stretch somewhat light canvas from IKEA years ago. Since it feels amazing when standing or walking but is a little snug for my preference when sitting down for long periods of time, I think I overfit it a little. I also may have been counting on this fabric to relax a little like denim does but it doesn't. It's a good lesson for me. Anyway, the skirt came together beautifully and easily. I chose not to topstitch with contrasting thread (or even topstitch thread) to make it a little less casual. I adore the slit detail in the front and the chunky hem. I will likely lower the top of the slit a little on my next pair (personal preference) and consider grading the waistband out to be more comfortable for my shape.











I'm planning to batch sew a few pairs of wide legged, full length trousers in a navy twill and dark denim and/or pink denim.

(Overall pics paired with an Aurora Tee minus the long sleeves. Skirt paired with a Union St Tee. Pics by my nine year old).

Make sure to check out the tester round up too! So many amazing makes and pictures!

And here's my (aff link if you'd like- no additional cost to you).



Thanks for stopping by!