I loved my original Awesome Blossom Hoodie so much that I decided to make myself a very special version using my own handspun yarn. Around that time, Briggs & Little released the gorgeous new Mulberry colorway in Country Roving, and I couldn't resist. I split the roving into five strips, spun each one individually, then plied two strands together to create the perfect yarn for this project (you can see a glimpse of the process below).
The finished yarn turned out closer to a bulky weight than the worsted-weight yarn used in the original pattern, but I was determined to make it work. To complete the color story, I spun a coordinating variegated yarn from Malabrigo Nube in Zinnias (658). I fell completely in love with the color combination, and once I saw how beautifully the heavier yarn transformed the design, I knew it deserved to become a pattern of its own.
While I loved everything about the original hoodie, there were two features I always wished it had: a zipper and roomy pockets. Since I was already redesigning it for bulkier yarn, this felt like the perfect opportunity to rethink the construction from the ground up. That decision led to several other improvements, including a new shoulder and sleeve shaping that creates a more natural fit while reducing underarm bulk.
The Awesome Blossom Zip Hoodie is designed with versatility in mind. In addition to the signature floral motifs, the pattern features a full-length zip-up front, optional hood, and your choice of knitted or crocheted finishing for the cuffs, hem, and neckline. Choose between a classic crew neck or a cozy turtleneck, make either the short or long version, or easily customize the body length to create anything from a cropped jacket to a longer everyday layer. The newly shaped shoulders follow the natural curve of the body for a comfortable fit with less bulk under the arms, making this the most customizable design in the Awesome Blossom collection yet.
Although the signature flower motifs look much like those in the original Awesome Blossom designs, they were completely reworked for bulky-weight yarn to maintain the same finished square size and proportions. I also replaced the original Join-As-You-Go method with my Braided Slip Stitch Join, creating a beautiful braided seam.
While my handspun version inspired the design, I also wanted to create a sample with commercially available yarn. Noro Tsuido (24 Aisai) was the perfect choice for a cozy, rustic feel with its rich tweed texture. For the contrasting sections, I used three strands of Berroco Lanas Light, worked with the Navajo chain plying technique. This clever method creates a bulky-weight strand from a single ball of Sport-weight yarn, eliminating the need to manage three separate strands at once. The same approach works beautifully with other Sport-weight yarns, making it easy to customize the hoodie with yarn you already have on hand.
For this sample, I intentionally made an oversized version with plenty of positive ease for a relaxed, cozy fit. Shown here in size XL and the long length, it's perfect for layering over a windbreaker or lightweight jacket when the weather cools down.
Last but certainly not least is my favorite customization... a cropped, hoodless version with just three flower motifs along the center back. This sample has a more modern, casual look and shows just how easy it is to personalize the pattern. I used Sirdar Jewelspun With Wool Chunky in Precious Reef (204), paired with Diamond Yarns Traditional Chunky in Coral (1819) for the contrasting accents. I love how the self-striping Jewelspun creates a completely different personality while still highlighting the signature floral motifs.
Whether you spin your own yarn or choose a commercial option, the Awesome Blossom Zip Hoodie adapts beautifully to a wide range of fibers and color stories. Bulky-weight yarn makes it a fast, satisfying project, and the flexible construction lets you tailor every detail. Each version I made has its own personality, proving just how versatile this design can be. I hope it inspires you to explore your yarn stash, play with color, and create a hoodie that feels uniquely yours.
