The second October hits, I switch into Outerwear Mode. Jackets and coats are my absolute favorite things to sew and they always end up being my coolest projects. For this one, I chose to use the free moto jacket pattern I made a few months ago, with just a few alterations.

Fabrics & materials used:

• 3 yards Faux Leather Bonded to a Cream Shearling
• (1) 20″-22″ Separating Zipper
• (2) 9″ Light Gray Metal Closed Bottom Zipper with Metal Teeth 
• Wrights Black 1/2″ Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape
• Dritz Heavy Duty Snap Plier Kit and/or Heavy Duty Snaps

Unfortunately, this pattern is no longer available, but you can find another free moto jacket pattern here!

This version of the pattern was made using size XL, but always make a muslin and do a fitting before getting started with your real fabric.

For starters, this new bonded faux leather/shearling from Mood completely eliminated the need for a lining. I skipped all of the lining and facing pattern pieces, which are mainly piece numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 16, and 22. I cut one of the collar, and only 2 of each of the sleeve pieces. The only thing I did face was the bottom waistband.

Because the sleeves aren’t lined, I did a simple rolled hem and slip-stitched them to the shearling side. You can faintly see where the stitches lay in the the photo above.

To reduce bulk, I chose to keep the zippers exposed. This kept me from having to fold the thick faux leather over and top-stitch, which probably would have looked odd.

I was worried about running into a similar problem while sewing the shoulder extensions, so I sewed piece #10 to #21 with the shearling sides together. I then covered the raw edge with some black bias tape.

Part of me wishes I had run into the bulk issue a little sooner because adding some bias tape in a contrasting color could look really cool are certain seams; maybe in a matching gray or a vibrant red.Alas, there is always next time! I really want to try this project in one of Mood’s other bonded fabrics, like this metallic silver faux fur/fluffy white fur. How cozy would that be?