THE SHORTLIST: JACKETS, JACKETS, JACKETS!

A few days of blue skies, lighter evenings, and daffodils can only mean one thing.. spring is on its way. A hopeful time of year as the garden starts to come alive. I don’t know about you but I’m sick of the sight of my winter coats and I start dreaming of jacket weather. I know many of you are thinking I| have jumped the gun, but trust me by the time you’ve picked your fabric, and made your jacket spring will have sprung.

With that in mind shall we get started? I’ve created a shortlist of our favourite jackets to get you excited for warmer days. Whatever your sewing level there is something here for you.

Workwear Jackets:

Starting with one of my favorite styles, inspired by men’s French workwear jackets. These jackets are unlined,  traditionally made out of a sturdy cotton with lots of handy pockets. They are timeless, fun to make and you’ll be great at topstitching by the end.

1. Jameela Jacket sewing pattern from Sewing Patterns by Masin
2. Unisex ZW Workwear Jacket sewing pattern from Birgitta Helmersson
3. Unisex Ilford Jacket sewing pattern from Friday Pattern Company
4. Sienna Maker Jacket sewing pattern from Closet Core Patterns

Pea Coats:

These are going to be on trend for spring. I love a pea coat, it’s a casual take on a tailored jacket and it’s a timeless piece that will never go out of style.

1. Pea Coat sewing pattern from The Maker’s Atelier
2. Cortland Trench sewing pattern from Grainline Studio
3. Suraya Jacket sewing pattern from Sew Over It

Trench Coats:

You can’t beat a trenchcoat and these are always in the shops in spring. This year they are oversized and boxy, imagine you have borrowed your boyfriend’s coat. If that doesn’t float your boat, then stick with a classic shape. This is another jacket shape that never goes out of style.

1. Isla Trench Coat sewing pattern from Named
2. Darcy Coat sewing pattern from The Modern Sewing Co
3. M8246 coat sewing pattern from McCalls
4. Sybil Trench Coat sewing pattern from Vikisews

Perfect for Beginners:

If you are new to the outerwear game, then welcome to your new favourite project! These jackets have been chosen with a beginner in mind. The reason that these have made the list is that they are unlined, have great instructions, and have few or zero fastenings.

1. Moss Jacket sewing pattern from Helen’s Closet
2. Nelly Coat sewing pattern from JULIANA MARTEJEVS
3. Solvi Jacket sewing pattern from Vanessa Hansen
4. Pona Jacket sewing pattern from Helen’s Closet

Shackets:

The shirt that can be worn as a jacket made in a heavier weight fabric than a standard cotton shirting. It can me made in anything from a winter coating fabric to a cotton twill. The options are endless, it’s the perfection option for someone who lives in casual clothing.

1.  The Olivia Coat sewing pattern from Juliana Martejevs 
2. Diana Coat sewing pattern from Lenaline Patterns
3.  The Logan Shacket sewing pattern from Style Arc

Quilted coats:

These are still in trend for spring. A lot of the shops have sleeveless options to wear as layering pieces. I’ve included a couple of options that have sleeves too. Without a doubt one of the projects I’ve worn the most. Go on you won’t regret it!

1. Hovea Jacket and Coat sewing pattern from Megan Nielsen
2. Irma Bodywarmer sewing pattern from Fibre Mood
3. Cheryl Jacket sewing pattern from Vikisews

Bombers:

Another style that is very much in this spring, slightly quilted, oversized, with a 90s grungy feel. These patterns would all work well just remember to size up if you want that boxy look.

1. 6489 jackets sewing pattern from Burda
2. Sport-Luxe Bomber Jacket sewing pattern from The Maker’s Atelier
3. Frida Jacket sewing pattern from Fibre Mood

Raincoat:

This is a big project to embark upon BUT you’ll learn so many fantastic new sewing techniques. As it never stops raining in the UK this wardrobe staple will never not be useful

1. TN31 Parka sewing pattern from Merchant & Mills
2. Jacques Raincoat sewing pattern from I AM Patterns
3. Kelly Anorak Jacket sewing pattern from Closet Core Patterns

Boxy Tailoring:

Another oversized trend is boxy tailoring which packs a punch.  Big shoulders, quite often double-breasted, and the perfect on-trend addition to your handmade wardrobe.

1. Riana Blazer sewing pattern from Vikisews
2. Fernanda Blazer sewing pattern from Vikisews
3. Heather Blazer sewing pattern from Friday Pattern Company

Cropped:

We love a cropped jacket, perfect for wearing with jeans as well as dresses. It really is a useful item for your wardrobe, and it elongates your proportions, so what is not to like?

1. Yanaka Jacket sewing pattern from Liesl + Co
2. Nancy Blazer sewing pattern from Vikisews
3. Surtout Coat sewing pattern from Ensemble
4. Poas Jacket sewing pattern from Itch to Stitch