THE SHORTLIST: COATS
![THE SHORTLIST: COATS](http://thefoldline.com/cdn/shop/articles/Screenshot_2024-05-25_at_11.56.48.png?v=1716634798&width=1500)
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The heating isn’t on quite yet but the evenings are getting darker, signalling one thing – it’s time to start thinking about sewing a coat, of course! If you love to sew your own clothes you may be considering sewing outerwear for the first time and be on the hunt for a little inspiration. There are so many ways to go so it can be a little daunting committing to a pattern. Sewing a coat will take time, so you want to be sure you’re picking a coat you will love wearing for years to come.
If you are planning on sewing a coat for the first time, I have some great suggestions for you. The main thing is to have a go. Sewing a coat is just a series of steps like every other project you have completed and you absolutely can sew a coat! So now onto the coat sewing patterns…
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If you plan on tackling sewing your own coat for the first time, this little lot fits the bill.
- Tessuti Fabrics Torino Vest – looks great worn over chunky sweaters and the overlapped and raw edges make for a quick and easy sewing project.
- Melilot Marte Coat – has an oversized fit, dropped shoulders and hidden pockets in the side seams. It’s unlined so is a good choice for your first coat project.
- Tessuti Fabrics Berlin Jacket – a collarless, longline style that’s the perfect pick for your first coat. Check out the reviews to see how it turned out for Fold Line makers (spoiler alert… pretty great!).
- The Avid Seamstress Wimborne Coat – a simple cocoon shape with dropped shoulders that will be easy to sew and wear.
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Capes are pretty cool. You will carry yourself in a certain way when wearing one of these.
- I AM Patterns Harry Cape – is fully lined and is easily slipped on and off using the four buttons on the front button placket. There’s also an adorable mini version for kids and teens.
- Trend Patterns TPC3 The Cape – probably the chicest of the bunch. The longer length is great for an elegant evening look.
- Liesl + Co Stroll Cape – fastens with buttons (or snaps) at the sides and the front, so it’s easy to take on and off. You can also make a matching children’s cape using the Forest Path Cape.
- Fibre Mood Harlem Cape – a poncho-style cape that looks great in quilted fabric. The designer has kept cyclists in mind with a back that’s slightly longer than the front.
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Does anyone else like to make sure their coat can accommodate a chunky jumper? It’s a key consideration for me when picking a coat.
- Tessuti Fabrics Richmond Coat – a modern classic style that is full-length – great if you wear midi-length dresses and skirts. The dramatic, tapered sleeves provide a cosy feel and easy layering over your favourite chunky knit.
- Merchant & Mills Sanda Coat or Jacket – a fabulous pattern. The oversized shape provides plenty of space for a jumper and that rolled collar is a really chic detail.
- The Modern Sewing Co. Darcy Coat – is probably my favourite on the list due to its oversized shape for jumpers and that stunning collar with a nod to vintage coats.
- Trend Patterns TPC28 Oversized Coat – features beautifully shaped, puffed, bracelet-length sleeve with a deep cuff. Perfect if you love wearing blouses, dresses and jumpers with big, puffy sleeves!
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Another detail that I can’t resist is a good old hood. Here are my top picks for fellow hood lovers.
- Tessuti Fabrics London Coat – This oversized and unlined coat should be a fairly straightforward sew as the seams are overlapped and edges and hems left raw, so no finishing is required!
- Bara Studio Alma Parka is a modern take on the military parka style that features a cosy padded lining.
- Jennifer Lauren Handmade Willa Wrap Coat Hood Expansion Pack takes the Willa Coat to a very chic place. The dreamy hood has been inspired by the dramatic hood on 40s and 50s coats and ponchos.
- I AM Patterns Rê Coat is a classic duffle coat loaded with the elements. It will be worth the effort and you will learn loads in the process of making it.
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What do you get when you cross and coat with a cardigan? A coatigan that’s what! The comfort of a cardigan with the warmth of a coat… what’s not to like?
- Megan Nielsen Hove Jacket and Coat – you might think you know the Hovea pattern, but did you know it makes an excellent coatigan? Choose the lined coat with a collar band and belt version.
- Sew Over It Jessie Coatigan – this is a popular choice with our customers. It’s a quick make, that has no closures but can be wrapped closed and secured with a belt if you prefer.
- Sew Me Something Bianca Coat – features a dramatic shawl collar that drapes into a waterfall front but still feels like a relaxed coatigan.
- Style Arc Sigrid Knit Coat – my favourite of the lot, this longline coat has generous patch pockets and is super stylish.
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Kate shared the news in Sew the Trends: Autumn that tie-waist coats are all over the high street this season so I have some fab options for recreating the look.
- Style Arc Ormond Coat – has a gorgeous statement tie-waist belt that ties from the side seams so you won’t lose it!
- The Assembly Line V-Neck Coat – is a lapel-less coat with minimalist, clean lines and slight A-line fit. It’s really stylish.
- Vikisews Martina Coat – features a lovely notched collar and closes with four sew-on snaps. This results in a really clean finish.
- Bara Studio Terry Coat – is a minimalist dream. The simple belted shape looks great in brightly coloured boiled wool to give your winter wardrobe pop.
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If you prefer a clean neckline without fussy collars, why not go collarless with one of these chic patterns?
- Merchant & Mills Strand Coat is a simple unlined coat where the side seams have been brought to the front and feature clever little side pockets.
- Papercut Patterns Nova Coat – if you only own one coat pattern, this could be it. This pattern is a cult classic in the sewing community with its dramatic cocoon silhouette and angled seaming.
- The Maker’s Atelier The Atelier Coat – is the epitome of sophisticated, pared-back glamour. It would be a lovely coat for more dressed up or smart occasions.
- Style Arc Adelaide Woven Jacket – a stylishly chic boxy jacket that will make any outfit cool. I love the optional patch pockets.
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I’ve got another hybrid garment for you – the shacket. The shirt jacket looks great in a warmer wool fabric.
- Vikisews Ingrid Jacket – this modern style looks really cool in a checked wool fabric. It is a perfect addition to a casual winter wardrobe.
- Style Arc Logan Shacket – a popular pattern that looks great in a cosy boiled wool fabric.
- Sewing Patterns by Masin Jameela Jacket – works just as well in cosy boiled wool as it does any mid-weight woven fabric. That makes it a versatile pattern to have in your stash.
- Fibre Mood Rya Shirt and Coat has been a firm favourite with the sewing community. It’s a very cool shacket.
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If you lean towards classic styles, you can’t go wrong with a double-breasted design.
- Sew Over It 1960s Coat – perfect if you like vintage vibes. The sleek 60s shape with a neat pointed collar and the centre back seam should help with fitting.
- The Maker’s Atelier Classic Coat – does what it says on the tin. A classic single- or double-breasted coat with set-in, two-piece sleeves and welt or patch pockets that is well worth the sewing effort!
- Style Arc Beatrice Pea Coat – is a classic double-breasted pea coat that has a two-piece collar and all the other delightful details you could hope for from a pea coat.
- Bella Loves Patterns Traveller Coat – is a great pattern to test out your tailoring skills with. You will learn so much from couture expert, Isabella.
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If you walk on the smart side, a tailored design is the way to go.
- Maison Fauve Tigris Coat – if you fancy sinking your teeth into a coat project this autumn, this is a masterpiece in the making. It features an officer’s collar with a crossover fastening, welt pockets at the bust, patch pockets, and a vent at the back.
- Liesl + Co Chaval Coat is a fully lined, menswear-style coat that will teach you some nifty new sewing skills without overwhelming you.
- Itch to Stitch Lagan Coat – has front and back princess seams and cup size options for a great fit. It’s an elegant style is suited for everyday wear as well as for a more formal event.
- Atelier Jupe Alex Coat – features a large collar and lapels, seams at the front with the pockets worked in (so clever!), and a back vent for a sophisticated finish.