The Rattlescale Raincoat Free Sewing Pattern

Ready to dance in the rain with grace and style? Turn the dreary forecast into a time to shine with The Rattlescale Raincoat free sewing pattern! Crafted from a striking python-print vinyl, this cape-style coat wears a mandarin collar, wide sleeves, and hidden buttons to keep the front looking clean. As you customize your raincoat to suit your preferences, consider how small details like button placement or decorative topstitching can enhance its aesthetic appeal. Embrace the opportunity to add your personality to the project, whether it’s through bold colors or playful embellishments.

By selecting a high-quality vinyl fabric that ensures durability and functionality, you can create a raincoat that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well in wet weather conditions. The water-resistant properties of vinyl make it an ideal choice for outerwear projects, offering protection from harsh climates while maintaining a stylish appearance. When grey clouds roll in, don’t let them dampen your spirits nor your style; The Rattlescale Raincoat free sewing pattern offers a ray of sartorial sunshine!

Purchase Products Used Below:

• 3 yards of Python Scales Lightweight Translucent Vinyl
• 6 each of Italian Slightly Tinted Transparent 4-Hole Plastic Button – 24L/15mm
• 1 spool of  111 Clear 250m Gutermann Invisible Thread
• 1 each of Clover Wonder Clips – 50 pcs
• MDF367 – The Rattlescale Raincoat sewing pattern (Free download below!)

Alternative Recommended Fabrics:

• Water Repellent
• Aloe Vera Infused
• Swimwear
• Nylon

Step 2

Right sides together, sew the 2 front bodices to the back bodice at the side seams with 1/2″ SA.

After sewing a seam, place the seam line on the edge of a flat surface, such as a table or countertop, and use your fingers to gently press the seam allowances open. A wooden clapper is a specialized tool used in sewing to flatten seams without the need for an iron. After sewing a seam, place the seam line on the edge of a flat surface and press the wooden clapper firmly onto the seam allowances. If you don’t have a wooden clapper, you can use heavy books as an alternative by leaving them in place for several minutes to allow the weight to flatten the seam. Handheld steamers can be used to apply steam to seams and help flatten them. Hold the steamer several inches away from the seam line and gently pass it over the fabric to release steam. Use your fingers or a wooden clapper to flatten the seam while it is still warm.

Step 3

Sew a basting stitch 1/4″ on both sleeves across the top of the rounded sleeve cap. Sew from one side of the underarm to the other side, do not backstitch, and leave long thread tails without snipping them yet.

Step 4

Using a regular stitch, sew down the inseam of both sleeves with 1/2″ seam allowance.

Step 5

Pull the thread to lightly gather and ease the top of the sleeve cap by the shoulder.

Step 6

Align the inseam of the sleeve to the side seam of the bodice, then use wonder clips to attach the armhole of the sleeve around the armscye of the bodice, right sides together.

Step 7

Sew the sleeve all around with 1/2″ SA and be careful of sewing any puckers or gathers.

Step 8

Refer to the notch marks when making the front plackets. First, fold the edge of the fabric over to the first notch, creating the 1/2″ SA. Next, fold that first notch mark over to the third notch mark to create the 1″ placket. Sew along the folded edge to keep the placket and seam allowance in place.

Vinyl fabric doesn’t fray like traditional fabrics, so you may not need to finish the edges or seams. If you choose to finish the edges or seams, either sew a rolled hem, or consider using bias tape or seam binding made from a similar vinyl fabric to maintain the water-resistant properties of the garment. Use techniques like topstitching or binding for a polished look and added durability.

Step 9

Sew the two collar pieces together with 1/2″ SA starting up on one side, across the top, and back down on the opposite side. The bottom is left open to then be sewn onto the neckline of the bodice.

Step 10

Trim the seam allowance, especially around the corners, to reduce the bulk when you turn the collar right side out.

Step 11

Attach both layers of the collar’s bottom and sew from end to end along the neckline with 1/2″ SA. Sew the collar with a stitch-in-the-ditch after, making sure you sew with seam allowance facing down to keep the collar standing up.

Step 12

Use an erasable marker and a measuring tape to mark the placement of the buttons and buttonholes. Start at the collar and measure about 3 – 4″ of spacing in between.

For this pattern, the buttons get sewn to the inside of the placket to create an effect of a hidden closure at the front. Since this was sewn with invisible thread and invisible buttons, it is not noticeable at the front. If you are creating the hidden closure and you are using other colorful threads or fabrics, consider adding the buttons before the folding over the button placket. You can use a thread and needle to sew them by hand, or use a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine to sew in place.

Quality tools can make a significant difference in the outcome of your projects and make sewing more enjoyable. To achieve professional results, invest in essential sewing tools for sewing vinyl such as a good quality sewing machine, machine needles, measuring tape, wonder clips, and sharp scissors. Medium-weight vinyl is usually easier to work with for garments like the Rattlescale Raincoat, so consider the weight and flexibility of the vinyl during your hunt. Look through the options that Mood has to offer for vinyl fabrics that are specifically designed for outerwear or raincoats!

Thank you for sewing The Rattlescale Raincoat free sewing pattern, and make sure to share your version and use the #Madewithmood to inspire other creators! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see where your creativity takes you.