Jacket | Coat Patterns for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Makers

Click on the link above for a YouTube video on the patterns listed below.

It is cold, there is no denying this. If you live in the northern hemisphere winter is here, and if you sew its that time when you consider making a coat/ jacket. Also I want to point out a coat is a long clothing garment worn by either male or females. A jacket is a shorter and usually extends to the upper thigh. So…. If you are beginner it can be hard to figure out what is good and what you should stay away from as far as coat pattern goes. Here are some great patterns to get you started, build on your confidence and eventually level up.

Great for Beginners

New Look 6585 - This is a double faced coat so you do not need a lining for it. No sleeve heads no shoulder pads, no buttons. None of that! It is a great place to start so you get used to making a coat, it has a hood, raglan sleeves and it is easy to fit. You will need double faced fabric or you can even used a reversible fabric.

Simplicity S9388 - That all famous shacket pattern from Simplicity Its a great pattern to try out with a very loose fit, dropped shoulders, patch pockets and its unlined.

Friday Pattern Company - Illford Jacket is an unlined jacket with a few different lengths. It also has two different types of sleeves so you can do a more boxy sleeve or a sleeve placket with a cuff.

Intermediate Level

Simplicity S9187 - It is a relaxed fit jacket and coat with a shaped collar sleeve cuffs and pocket detail (aka side patch pocket) you can also do faux fur collar, cuffs and belt. This coat pattern is lined so this is a good one to learn how to line or how some people like to call it “bag’ a coat.

M8013 - I know this pattern has been around for a few years (since 2019) and its great if you are looking to make a lined coat and make sure your shoulders fit and all that good stuff. I suspect this pattern is about to go on sale because it’s on clearance right now as of today end of November 2022 so if you like it grab it. It has a detachable fur collar, it also has a collar with points (and if you have ever made a coat it can be tricky to make these look good… it really is all about practice) like making buttons per Jackie the designer at McCalls the jacket does have some overlap in the center front so you can either leave it without any buttons or you can just create a belt and close it that way.

Sew La La Patterns Zoe Coat and Jacket - What a great pattern to start kicking off the training wheels. The Zoe Coat is a loose fitting jacket with a straight bodice and dropped shoulders. It has three different lengths…. You can sew it lined OR unlined! You also have a few different pocket variations . You can do a patch pocket or a welt pocket. Again a nice coat for you to level up, no need to go crazy fitting things but you have some great options in terms of lining or leaving it unlined and you can also do a welt pocket if you wanted to expand on your knowledge. Double bonus the designer created a You Tube video for you to Sew along with her.

Advanced

Ready to throw the training wheels off into oblivion?!

Try M7694 - It is now out of print (but available as a digital file on the SomethingDelightful Website). But this is a Moto Jacket and a good one. It is a loose fitting lined Moto jacket with a front zipper, back yokes, it also has a collar with “pointy ends” and different pocket variations. One that happens to be a welt. You also get to practice some top stitching.I have made this pattern and instructions are top notch as they are from palmer pletsch.

Butterick B6385 - This pattern is still in print. you will have to fit this coat but it’s beautiful. It is a fitted coat with princess seams, back yoke, two = pieces sleeve, coat and pocket variations. It also has welt pockets. I know Whitney from TomKat Stitchery has done a pretty extensive sew along for this one, so if you are looking. for a little bit of guidance along the way… this is a great coat to learn and really practice those skills that you have learned along the way such as welt pockets, lining your jacket