best motorcycle 2013: The Penny Coat

Clearly having a December baby comes with certain needs. A jacket for one. So back when I was on a jacket making roll (like the Michelle and the Desmond) I went ahead and made a quick and simple jacket for Penny, and then I just hoped it would fit :)

And lucky for me this sweet little jacket fit this sweet little baby pretty well. With a little growing room, so hopefully it will last her through the rest of the cold weather. The jacket is really simple and basic even if it is fully lined and has a collar. So I will walk you through the process on how to make one, and you can make one in any size. (and we can all laugh at how the newborn leggings are not even close to fitting that little girl)

To start you will use a basic bodice and sleeve. To draft this I used a newborn top as my guide and created the pattern. (if you need help with that check out this post) You will also need a collar but I explain how to cut that out later. The only changes you will make to your bodice is that when you are cutting out the front you will cut 2 pieces (4 total 2 for outer 2 for lining) But you want to extend the front out about 2 inches so it will overlap in the front when buttoned. Ok with all your pieces cut out we are ready to sew.

Start with your bodice pieces (shown is the lining) Sew them together at the shoulders. You will do all of these steps for the lining and outer pieces.

Measure the neckline and subtract 1.5 inches then cut a rectangle strip that length round the top edge. of both sides. You will cut two collars one for the outside and one for the lining, however I cut both of mine from the outer fabric.

Pin the collar to the neckline right sides together. The collar should be just short of the neckline on both sides. Sew in place. Again you will do this for the lining and outer jacket.

Then sew the sleeves into the arm curve. (for both lining and outer.

Then with right sides together sew from sleeve edge to armpit and then down the side.

Next with the lining and outer pieces which at this point should all be sewn up the same way, you are going to sew them together. To do this match right sides together and sew all along the outside edge leaving an opening so you can turn it right side out.

Then turn it right side out and top stitch along the same edge closing the opening in the process. You will notice the front overlaps nicely.

Lastly add buttons. I used fabric covered buttons to match the lining. The left ones are just sewn on and the right ones are functional so they also got button holes. Lastly turn the sleeves in to hem and you are done with a simple and cute little jacket.