I know, I know, it’s the end of February, why would any mentally healthy pattern designer launch a warm Winter coat so late? Well, personally, I think I’m early. Very early for next Winter. Good job, me!
I have been sewing Winter coats since I was a beginning seamstress, and I have always found it one of the most rewarding sewing projects. Firstly, I don’t think there is a single garment which is worn as much as a Winter coat. The average dress is worn, say, once a week. But a coat is worn day in, day out. Secondly, people consistently overestimate how difficult it is to sew a coat, so they tend to be incredibly impressed when they hear you made that coat yourself. Darn good ego-booster, that self-sewn coat! And thirdly, it’s just so much fun to surprise your daughter with a coat in a rather plain main fabric, but which had a spectacular lining inside.
On the other hand, sewing a coat takes quite a bit of time. I prefer coats to have facings on the inside, because it gives a professional finish on the inside and on the outside (as the lining isn’t visible at the coat’s edges). But working with facings means a number of extra pattern pieces to cut out and assemble. So for the Berlin coat, my aim was to reduce the number of pattern pieces, without sacrificing the professional finish with facings. For the design of the front, I started from the classic shape of the inside of a coat (with facings at the bottom and at the center) and then reshaped to lines so as to achieve a flattering and charming design on the outside. That way, the inside and outside are made from the same pattern pieces, saving many pattern pages to be cut and assembled. Do you recognize the shape of the outside front on the inside front?
For the back, I kept things as simple as possible: one pattern piece for the main coat, plus a little extra detail which can be left out just as well:
I also drew a second, very simple option for the front, with patch pockets.
As you can see, there are two nice and warm options for the neckline: a standing collar which protects your child’s neck from the cold, and a hood which keeps her head dry. The Berlin is also fully batted. So yes, a true Winter coat pattern, even though it’s launched at the end of the cold season.
These are some features of the pattern:
– digitally drawn patterns in sizes 1-12y
– very detailed instructions, with clear, digitally drawn illustrations instead of pictures
– can be printed at home on regular (letter size or A4) paper…
– … but you can also have it printed on two A0 sheets
– printing layers, so you can choose to print just the size you need (great time saver!)
– printing table for the eco-conscious seamstress
– special pointers for the beginning seamstress
– summary of the instructions for the experienced seamstress
– sizing table and a table with measurements of the finished coat
– detailed and very precise yardage tables and cutting diagrams for different fabric widths
– many tips for achieving a perfect result
– additional video links for some more difficult steps
– measurements in cm and yards/inches
Before I subtly direct you over to my shop, please allow me to thank the 25 wonderful women who tested this pattern for me. For many of them, it was their first time ever sewing a coat, and their detailed critical feedback helped me so much in creating a pattern fit for inexperienced seamstresses as well. And most of all, they were so kind, encouraging, and supportive, to each other and to me as well. So a heartfelt thank you to Annelies, Annick, Candy, Carrie, Charline, Christine, Elien, Elya, Emma, Gaby, Ilse, Ine, Karmela, Laura, Leen, Lies, Lucinda, Mei-Lyn, Merel, Michelle, Sane, Sharon, Sofie, Tiffany, and Zara.
A very special thanks to Mieke (Sisko By Mieke) who tested the very earliest version of the pattern, and provided me with many great pointers, feedback, and advice. And fun chats 🙂
Discount
You can buy the pattern here, in English or Dutch. Normal price is $9, but you can buy it for $7.90 until the end of the month (no code necessary).
Let’s end with some beautiful creations made by my testers.
From Iensel:
From Grace Yve Designs:
And from Little Bobbin Sewing:
On to the next pattern!
Materials used for cover versions:
– orange Italian wool and mint piping from Pieke Wieke
– grey wool from Den Boom (brick & mortar store)
– lining fabrics from Elvelyckan
– buttons and neon piping from Veritas (brick & mortar store)