As the days are getting shorter and the nights are drawing in, my mind has turned to Autumn / Winter sewing. The first category that occurs to me is coats and jackets. To date, I must admit that I haven’t sewn that many pieces of outer wear but that needs to change!
These types of patterns may seem daunting at first but once you read through the instructions, most of the skills are only what you would use in any other garment. If there are additional steps such as bits of tailoring, welt pockets and adding shoulder pads, then instead of fearing them, lets view those as an opportunity to grow and develop our sewing practice! None of these patterns are particularly new but I think that generally coats and jackets stand the test of time more so than other garments. So, not in any order of preference…..
What are my top five coat patterns for women?
A gorgeous mac / trench coat pattern which has lots of lovely features such as a tie belt, epaulettes, a vent, pockets and large lapels. I bought this e-Book a while ago but haven’t made this up as yet but its definitely on my to-sew list. As it comes as part of the eBook, it’s a PDF pattern and it says that its aimed at more experienced sewers in sizes 8 to 20. Fabric suggestions are gaberdine, denim, cotton sateen, etc This is a really smart coat which I can see myself wearing to any work trips that I have to go on for my day job!
This comes in two different versions but my pick is the raincoat. I would definitely wear this out on rainy days walking my dog, Pepper! Its fully lined and comes with a hood, pockets and storm flaps. It’s a really practical pattern which I can imagine I would get a lot of wear out of. I would make it in a waterproof fabric such as waxed canvas and it can be either hip length or longer and is available in sizes 6 to 20.
This is a utility jacket style pattern which has two different types of pockets, a draw string waist and press-stud fastenings. It can be made from medium weight fabrics including cotton drill, twill and stretch denim and comes in sizes 6 to 20. I really like the relaxed but stylish look to this one and the fact that it cinches you in at the waist. It’s a great everyday jacket that I would wear to nip to the shops for errands or on a walk in the countryside.
As the name suggests, this is more of a vintage style but I still think it can look contemporary, particularly version two which is the jacket (as opposed to a longer coat in version 1). Fabric options are heavier weight wools, jacquards, tweeds and it comes in sizes 6 to 20. Its fully lined and gives you the opportunity to practice using tailoring interfacing and shoulder pads if you would like. I think I would make mine in a navy blue colour boiled wool!
A stunning (faux) leather jacket pattern which can be bought alongside an online course for extra support in sewing it up. Aneka from Made to Sew is an absolutely fantastic sewing teacher and although I haven’t yet purchased this pattern/course, I am sure (from past experience) that she will hold your hand throughout this process. The pattern itself is a double-breasted jacket with an asymmetrical zip, zip fastened cuffs and fully lined. Paxton is available in two different size ranges and can be sewn in wool, boucle, tweed, leather or faux leather. This is such an amazing pattern and I must get round to trying it soon! I would absolutely wear this on a night out with friends.
So there are my favourite coat and jacket patterns for this current Autumn / Winter 2023 season. Do you have any others that you would add to the list? If so, comment below so I can check them out!
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