Boiled wool sewing looks so professional!

I am delighted with my new cosy coat. I had boiled wool to use & after looking at various options I came back to the first I found – the Berlin Jacket. I just love the effortless style, and it’s designed specifically to use with boiled wool – the fabric edges are left exposed, so it needs a fabric that doesn’t fray.

I’d read that boiled wool was really easy to work with, but I had no idea. So simple, no seams to finish, and the edges are best left exposed. It behaves so well, barely moving, and yet even though it’s bulky, I didn’t have issues getting it through my machine – I just used the walking foot attachment. It does leave quite a lot of fluff behind, but that’s the only downside. And oh my, I made a coat (jacket?!) in three hours! I’m not a fast stitcher by any means, but this is a lovely quick sew.

There are a few things that made this pattern different to others I’d used. For example, for most seams, you overlap the edges by 1cm, rather than sewing right sides together – this is how you get that lovely raw edge finish. When cutting too, you mark notches with chalk rather than cutting them, as the seams are exposed. This also means ensuring that your cut lines are nice and neat. I used my rotary cutter, and trimmed a few small sections that needed tidying up with my fabric scissors.

I made the size medium, based on my measurements, which were pretty much spot on. The pattern uses metric and I do my measurements in imperial, but I just used Google to convert them! It fits really nicely, with room to wear a cozy handknit jumper underneath. It is a little too long on my 5ft2″ frame, I can only just reach the pockets, so that’s the only adjustment I’d do if I made it again.

The pattern instructions are very clear, with good quality photos for each step, so I think even a beginner could tackle this pattern.

It is just so cosy to wear. I can’t stress that enough. It’s great for autumnal days when it’s not too breezy. The fabric is lovely and soft, and I just love the colour. If I had endless time and resources, I’d make one in every colour ?