Finding sewing patterns that are *actually* cute is hard. If you're thinking about sewing your own coat this year, check out our roundup of the coat patterns we're drooling over for 2023:
The Cheryl Jacket
BY VIKISEWS
This is one pattern I've had saved for over a year now and haven't had the chance to try yet. I'm still not sure if I love it mostly because of the colour they used in the sample, but there's only one way to find out...
Our tips to make this project more beginner-friendly:
- Welt pockets are tricky, so you could make a classic patch pocket (sewn on top of the jacket) instead. If you're still working on precision, I'd recommend avoiding the welt pocket until you've had more practice.
- This pattern instructs you to quilt your own fabric first by sewing together an insulation layer and piece of fabric on either side. You can buy pre-quilted fabric (like this one) to save yourself a step.
- If your machine can't handle super think fabric, you could use snaps (which are hammered in) instead of buttons (which require sewing a buttonhole).
Checking out #vikisews_cheryl will be the final push you need to buy this pattern ASAP (it's sold per size to make sure you get the right one!)
The Arbor Jacket
BY MERCHANT AND MILLS
Can confirm - this jacket slaps. The pattern is super easy to follow and the fit is true to the size chart. I made this as a Christmas present for my partner and it turned out even better than I expected. If you're a confident beginner, this is the perfect jacket to challenge yourself with new skills like sewing buttons, a yoke, and a collar.
Our tips to make this project more beginner-friendly:
- I love how this turned out in wool, but I'd choose a lighter weight fabric next time, since some steps require sewing through 4+ layers of fabric.
- It's worth it to hand-base together the layers before machine sewing when you're instructed to in the pattern (at the sleeves and collar).
- If your machine can't handle super think fabric, you could use snaps (which are hammered in) instead of buttons (which require sewing a buttonhole).
Check out #mmarbor for a few more inspo pics.
The September Coat
BY MERCHANT AND MILLS
I had to include multiple photos of this one because you can change the vibe up so much depending on your fabric choice:
Waxed cotton = strolling through the English countryside in a light drizzle.
Linen = effortlessly chic mom running errands.
Canvas = I know how to change my own oil on the way to brunch.
(Please send me your hot takes so I can add them to this list)
Our tips to make this project more beginner-friendly:
- Honestly, this pattern looks pretty beginner friendly already! Patch pockets aren't too tricky and it doesn't look like there's any fancy finishing on the cuff.
- Swap out snaps for buttons if you don't want to mess with buttons or buttonholes.
- The instructions include how to make it with a lining vs. un-lined. Lining it isn't that tricky, but you could save some steps by making it unlined.
Looking at the tags under #mmseptember has confirmed I NEED to try this jacket.
The Leo Blazer
MAKE BY TFS
Blazers are jackets, right?!
I've been seeing this pop up on my feed a lot lately, and even though I never have an excuse to wear a blazer, I'm tempted to try this one - maybe in linen it would be more casual for every day wear...
I think the most challenging part of this project would be getting the fit right. I also don't think it would look as nice unlined, so you probably couldn't skip that step like you can with the other jackets in this list, so I'd save this project for when you're feeling confident.
Check out #TFSLeo to see others' makes.
The Midway Jacket
BY LES PERLINES
This dropped shoulder, loose-fitting jacket can be made cropped for longer for more of a shacket-style. It has tulip cuffs (adorable) and massive pockets (so useful).
Our tips to make this project more beginner-friendly:
- Same as the Arbor jacket above.
Check out #midwayjacket to see who's already made it!
The Adelaide Jacket
BY STYLE ARC
Our tips to make this project more beginner-friendly:
- The pattern includes options to leave out the pockets, so skip those if you're new to sewing and won't miss them for functional reasons.
- Skip the lining step as well if you want.
- Skip the buttons for more of a cocoon coat vibe.
- If you really want to cover your butt (not literally), choose a dark colour that will hide imperfect top stitching.
I'm loving the quilted variations people made of this coat - check out #adelaidejacket for more inspo.