Sewing a Winter Coat: Tips and Tricks

The evenings are getting chilly and that's a good reminder that winter is around the corner and thoughts of sewing a winter coat come to mind.  There has been a lot of reflection on past coat projects.  Here are a few of my tips, thoughts and tricks for sewing a winter coat.  

It's an investment in both time and materials.  Take your time and enjoy the process.

• Invest in a clapper if you're working with wool fabric or if your coat has some tailoring.  It will make a difference to the quality of your pressing.

• A walking foot is worth every penny especially when it comes to sewing several layers together. 
• Do some research.  Check out the latest styles at the stores and then shop at the vintages shops to compare the differences.  Some vintage coats have some smart design features that you won't find in RTW and that you might want to adapt into your new winter coat. 
• Give special consideration to your interfacing.  Back-in-the-day, my home economic teacher taught us that your interfacing should be the same weight as your fashion fabric.  Let me just say she was right.     
• Consider how you'll use your new winter coat, are you able to stay warm while pulling off the latest Meahen Markle inspired look?  

• Or do you need something to fend off the below freezing temperature and mind numbing wind chills?  

• Adding an extra layer of warmth by underlining your coat could be an option that you might want to consider.  Although, I would like to avoid man-made fibres in my clothing I will admit that adding a layer of micro-fleece as my underlining fabric proved to be a way to stay warm during those brutal windchilled days.  It proved to out-perform cotton flannel and wool suiting as underlining fabrics.  
• Coating fabric is another consideration.  I like wool because of its anti-bacterial properties but it is also warm. Melton fabric is a traditional wool fabric know as hard wearing and both wind and weather resistant qualities.  Today, melton fabric is often found to be a blend of wool and polyester dismissing some of those traditional admirable qualities.  So read your labels.  But there are also speciality fabric that are designed to protect against the elements.  Before considering your fabric consider they lifestyle you lead.  

This will bring us to choosing your pattern.

Are you looking for a look that is comfortable and all about enjoying the great outdoor in the autumn months?  Or perhaps you live in a climate that evades the deep freeze and you can get away with this as your winter coat?  Lucky you!     

Minoru Jacket 

The Kelly Anorak Jacket

Then perhaps the Minoru Jacket by Sewaholic Patterns or The Kelly Anorak Jacket by Close Case Files might appear to your adventurous side.

Or perhaps something vintage?

There are so many options out there that can help you create a winter coat of your dreams.  I say, just go for it.  You'll be surprised just how rewarding it is to make a winter coat and it's really not that hard.  Just slow down and enjoy the process. 

Happy Sewing!