Being locked inside the past few months with plenty of time to kill, many have reached for their sewing machines. Fall is fast approaching, and those sewing skills you’ve been learning are preparing you for the best season to sew in— Fall! Outerwear can certainly be daunting to sew, but we’re here to help! Keep reading to find out which outerwear is trendy for Fall ‘20 and include tips and tricks for sewing the styles.
Anoraks & Parkas
A weather-resistant hooded pullover that is often lined with faux fur, featuring drawstrings at the cuffs and waist and is suitable for extreme temperatures. Closely related to the anorak, a parka is a weather-resistant jacket lined with faux fur that reaches the mid-thigh in length. A parka has a full zip while an anorak does not.
Fabric Suggestions:
Tips:
- Opt for a walking foot if you’re using a thicker fabric for your anorak/parka, which will make sewing easier.
- A lot of topstitching is usually required for outerwear, so take your time with it.
- Use high-quality grommets and snaps for your parka that will last.
Blazers
A blazer is a less casual form of a suit jacket that is typically unlined and unpadded. Blazers have become increasingly popular for women’s apparel and can be styled for business and casualwear.
Fabric Suggestions:
Tips:
- Use tailor’s tacks for fabrics prone to unraveling.
- For beginners in the outerwear department, start with solid and darker colors when sewing blazers; this will help to hide minor imperfections.
- Make a muslin prototype before using your actual fabric to complete your project to iron out any fit issues or tricky maneuvers.
Capes
A cape is a sleeveless outerwear piece that drapes across the arms, back, and chest. Capes are close cousins to ponchos, made with a more structured and warm fabric. They typically have an open front that’s secured by closures. Capes vary from short to mid-thigh length.
Fabric Suggestions:
Tips:
- Choose a lining that you don’t mind peeking through as you wear your cape.
- Drafting a pattern for a cape is similar to the pattern used to make a circle skirt. Use a mockup material and place it on a dress form to eliminate extra fullness.
- To make the process easier, consider splitting the front portion of the cape into two panels.
Faux Fabric Outwear
Jackets made with faux fabrics are great statement pieces for any occasion that provide a lot of warmth. Fur, feathers, and leather are sure to be the most trendy faux fabrics for outerwear this fall.
Fabric Suggestions:
Tips:
- Mark the nap for fur, suede, and feathered fabrics
- Use small nips to avoid cutting the pile, or cut from the back with a razor knife
- For thick fabrics like fur, use a zig-zag stitch along the edge while tucking in any fur
- When sewing with leather, use a roller foot to keep it from sticking to the throat plate
- Use a longer stitch length for leather to make seams that are strong and secure
Puffer Jackets
A quilted jacket filled with down feathers is often referred to as a down jacket. Puffer jackets are excellent insulators that come in different thicknesses to help keep you warm. A thin puffer is perfect when paired with a shell, while a thicker puffer is suitable for wearing alone.
Fabric Suggestions:
Tips:
- Choose a pattern with a looser fit and simple silhouette to make the sewing process more manageable.
- Buy a quilted fabric or make your own using our DIY puffer jacket post as a guide.
Outerwear is time-consuming, but the result, if done with care and done correctly, is definitely worth the time spent. Don’t be bummed if we aren’t able to go out and about like normal— You can wear your cozy coats on walks, to the store, or even during a fashion show in your home. Which of this season’s trendiest outerwear are you planning to sew for the chilly months ahead?
