It still may feel like summer, but in some parts of the world, folks are starting to (or will soon) feel a chill in the air. Insert obligatory Game of Thrones reference: Winter is coming! And that means coats and jackets are sure to be a necessity faster than you think!
Clockwise from top left: Michelle’s Clare, Manju’s McCall’s 7058, Jewel’s Camden, Sham’s Grace, Jenny’s Cascade, Andie’s Vogue 8346
Today I’m rounding up some coat and jacket sewing patterns perfect for the curvy lady to try this fall and providing links to some inspirational outerwear from our CSC community- we’ve got a few seasoned experts in our midst, particularly our Jenny, who has sewn herself a spate of truly excellent coats and our Michelle, who’s got a few killer coats under her belt, too. You can also check out Mary’s Curvy Coat Inspiration post to see if that sparks your coat-making fire.
Admittedly, while pulling together this post I learned that many of the coat and jacket options available in plus sizes fall into that sort of coatigan or waterfall jacket style, usually without closures. There are not many true tailored coat sewing pattern options for the curvy ladies. The coatigans and waterfall jackets are great for fall, but feel like a bit of a cop out on the part of pattern companies. What are curvy women supposed to wear when the temperatures really drop? I know I currently have less of a stake in this particular issue because I am living in Bangkok, but I grew up in Massachusetts so I know how rough winter can be. I can’t imagine clutching my waterfall jacket closed while trying to shovel New England’s ample snow from the sidewalk or facing down one of those bitterly cold wind tunnels in the city.
Anywho, gripes aside, here’s what I found! Let me know if I’ve missed your favorite coat pattern!:
Style Arc has a pretty wide range of coats, jackets and coatigans in knits and wovens up through size 30 (bust 58.25″, waist 50.5″, hip 61″). Check out Riley, Alegra, Estelle, Beatrix, Ingrid, Genevieve and Stella. Keep in mind that Style Arc has other buying options, too: Etsy for PDFs and Amazon for layered patterns in U.S. and U.K.
I struggled a bit to find examples of curvy ladies who’ve made a Style Arc coat, but have a look at self-proclaimed uber busty gal Shams in her Style Arc Grace coat, this review of the Romy Anorak, and Sue’s gorgeous Stella coat.
BurdaStyle has several coats and jackets in their plus size range, through size 52 (bust 48″, waist 41″, hip 50.5″). Take a gander at the Loose Jacket (Plus Size) 01/2013 #127, Coat with Slash Pockets 12/2013 #131, Camel Coat (Plus Size) 11/2013 #131, Belted Coat (Plus Size) 11/2015 #123, and Long Pea Coat (Plus Size) 11/2015 #124, among others.
While you’re at it, have a look at Laurence’s version of the Loose Jacket and Pimsy’s version of the Cocoon coat.
Colette has the Albion duffle coat (it’s technically a men’s pattern, but Colette claims it “transitions easily from menswear to women’s wear” and a quick search reveals many women have made it), as well as the Seamwork Camden cape. Colette has a few other outerwear patterns, but in their older, more limited size range.
Check out Jewel’s beautiful eggplant version of the Camden cape.
Butterick, McCall, Vogue and Simplicity: There are a handful of coats from the Big 4 that range into plus sizes, including, but not limited to the Lisette for Butterick B6244 and B6385, Butterick 6384, Butterick 6301, McCalls 7262, McCalls 7058, Butterick 5966, MimiGStyle for Simplicity 1016, Leanne Marshall for Simplicity 1254, Vogue 9156 and Vogue 8346.
Have a look at Michelle’s gorgeous Simplicity 1254, Andie’s stunning colorblocked Vogue 8346 and Manju’s beautiful basketweave McCalls 7058.
Hot Patterns has several jacket patterns in their collection, including the Plain & Simple Scooter Jacket and Car Coat, which looks like it could potentially be a good beginner coat for those dipping their toes in the outerwear waters for the first time.
Grainline Studio has a couple of coat and jacket patterns including the Cascade duffle coat and the quilted Tamarack jacket. They top out at a size 18 (bust 44″, waist 37″, hip 47″), but reliable CSC sources say the larger sizes have a generous amount of ease.
Check out Jenny’s classic Cascade and my horribly quilted but much loved Tamarack.
Closet Case Patterns: Last winter, Clare was sweeping the online sewing world. It only goes up to a size 20 (46″ bust, 39″ waist, 48″ hip), but might be easier to grade up for the curvy ladies because of its relatively simple lines. Check out Michelle’s stunning version.
Decades of Style has several gorgeous vintage style coat patterns that go up to size 46″ bust, 40″ waist, 49″ hip, including the Claremont Coat, Crossing Coat, and Parisienne Coat. I know Tanya‘s got her eye on the Claremont and it’s sure to be drop dead gorgeous!
Lekala and Bootstrap Fashion, both of which allow you to input your measurements in order to create a custom pattern, have a wide array of really interesting coat patterns with some really beautiful design details. Check them out here and here (although, inexplicably, the Bootstrap Jackets and Coats tab seems to have lots of tops/blouses mixed in).
Indygo Junction has a few simple coat and jacket patterns in their collection, including the Retro Raglan and the Sophia Swing Coat, which you might remember was reviewed by Pandora Sews here on the CSC.
Jalie has a handful of sporty outerwear patterns, including the Lined Parka, Multi-Sports Anorak, and Stretch City Coat.
What patterns did I miss? Any of these in your sewing queue?
Great stuff! Ignorant question: can any domestic machine sew thick coats? Is it all down to using the right needle? I have a couple of interesting patterns at home but every time I think about starting a coat project, I swear I can hear my Janome whimper from the other room…
This is the time of year I’m inspired to make a coat, but then I talk myself out of it, mainly fear of ordering all the coating materials and possibly making a not right choice. There is also the fear of not making it warm enough. Iowa winters are nothing to be joked about so I have real worries about making a coat warm enough for the weeks when the day time high doesn’t rise above 10 F.
It’s all a mental game and can easily and logically worked out. I have the V8346 and want to make a charcoal gray version with a frankly alarming shade of pink silk lining. I just to say I am going to do it.
Do it! Grey with an alarming pink lining sounds delightful!!
You should check out Gillian and Nicole’ new Facebook group, Sew That Dang Coat Already, a brand new support/motivational group for folks who plan to sew a coat but never do it!
Joined. I”m looking at fabric now. Including buying a new bolt of muslin so I can muslin this puppy, as I know it will need to be shortened.
Last year, I obtained the pattern for the Tabula Rasa Jacket: http://fitforartpatterns.com/product/tabula-rasa-jacket/. While it looks simple and boxy, the help for alterations is the best I have ever seen. That is saying a LOT because I am short and an “apple”, so I alter EVERYTHING. The fronts come in AB and CD sizes, straight or flare sides, and 2 multiple size patterns: XS to L; and L to 3XL. THE PATTERN PIECES HAVE PRINTED ON ALTERATION LINES! The website has free downloads to help with fitting. My life got super-busy last Winter so I did not get to finish as many garmets as I had planned. But I have my fabric, lining and muslin ready, I have read over all the possible alterations, and my sewing buddy is ready to help with the back. One of the developers of the pattern is a plus-sized, curvy woman so I am pretty excited about the potential of this pattern.
Interesting- I’ve never heard of this pattern company, I’ll have to check them out!! Thanks!
Thanks for this fun round-up. I’d love to make a coat, but I’ve been intimidated. But I’m inspired by a few easier-looking ones that you included. Some cute ones that you missed, which have been in the back of my mind for awhile, are the Waffle Patterns coats: http://www.wafflepatterns.com/collections/jacket-outer-patterns
Waffle Patterns does have some cute patterns- I didn’t include it because for many of their patterns the biggest size is still on the small size for the CSC, but they are quite lovely coats!
Yes, that’s a good point. Their largest size is just slightly too small for me. Another reason why I’m going to need to get more sewing experience under my belt before trying one.
Check out #1925 Barbara’s Trench at Silhouette Patterns, Inc. (www.silhouettepatterns.com]. This patter comes with separate pattern pieces for B, C and D cup, and runs from Full Bust 38″-54″. I highly recommend all of the patterns in this line, which all come with the B-D cup pieces in this nice size range. Just right for any Curvy Girl.
Another new-to-me pattern company-great, thanks!
Another new-to-me pattern company! Thanks! I’ll have a look.
Hi I have a muslin complete for the jalie city coat. Your post has inspired me to cut out the fashion fabric this long weekend. Thank you
Yes! Good luck with it! I’d love to see it- hope you share it with the CSC!
OOP Vogue 1476 (Issey Miyake) is a great pattern for us plus-sized women. If you choose your fabric wisely, the coat pretty much stays closed on its own (which really surprised me). I made mine from a double-sided wool (Prada, I was shocked to discover, especially at the price, which was around $40 a meter — it really must have been a mistake), camel on one side and navy on the other. I’ve worn the coat out in -10C weather with a dress and leggings, and a sweater under it and I was completely comfortable. I’ve got a another one cut out ready to be sewn up for a friend in a magnificent purple cashmere coating (probably the most expensive stuff I’ll ever sew). Oh, and don’t be deceived by the “advanced” rating. It’s a relatively easy sew, except for the enormous bulk of the fabric itself. The pieces are HUGE.
Sounds fabulous! A designer pattern and designer fabric… I bet it’s just lovely!
I have this one too and agree. It was perfect for Vancouver/Seattle winters and a great Fall/light winter coat. It can be closed with a brooch as well, which is a stylish look and makes it warmer. Abbey
I meant it is a great fall coat in colder climates 🙂 Abbey
I tried the Lekala hooded coat that’s pictured, but ran into trouble with the sleeves. At the time, I didn’t know how to do a large bicep adjustment on the two-piece sleeves and Lekala couldn’t seem to make them any bigger for me.
Oh no, I’m sorry, that stinks! I’ve been curious about Lekala- I haven’t tried it myself, but they do have some really interesting designs!
Butterick has a new one out under the Lisette label. It has three different collars to choose from and is a custom cup. The number escapes me but it is definitely for the curvy girl – and if we weren’t heading into summer, I’d be making one right now!
I did see that one- a cute, classic coat. The size range wasn’t as high as some of the other Lisette for Butterick patterns, but it does look like a nice coat! B6385, up to size 22. https://butterick.mccall.com/b6385
I made the Jalie City Coat and loved it. Thanks for this post Meg! I will be re-visiting this post often.
Good to know! That pattern is quite cute- I’m very tempted by it!
Hi, what kind of fabric did you use? I have the pattern but am a bit stumped on fabric choice for cold winters. abbey