Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Chic Knit Jacket

Threads #191, June/July 2017

A fashionable cardigan jacket has been a wardrobe staple for decades and today is worn in settings from professional to dressy to weekend casual. Now you can make a designer jacket from a knit fabric, combining the style and versatility of a structured jacket with the comfort of a sweater. I’ll show you how to adapt a basic T-shirt pattern to create a jacket that rivals costly examples by names like St. John, Escada, and Missoni. You’ll learn how to select a suitable knit fabric, which interfacings to use to support it, how to install a back half lining, how to finish the jacket edges, and how to enhance the garment with statement-making trims.

Find an ideal textile

Upper back liningThe key to a great-looking and long-wearing knit jacket is a well-chosen fabric. Look for one that is substantial so it can support the weight of trims and pocket welts. Good options are Ponte knits, medium- to heavyweight double knits, boiled wool, and stable sweater and novelty knits. Textured knits confer personality and style to this jacket. Stay away from stretchy, open knits. You will need approximately 1-3⁄4 yards of 60-inch-wide fabric (for extra tall or sizes 24 and up, you may need more).

The jacket includes an upper-back lining that supports the garment and makes it easy to slide on and off. Purchase 5⁄8 yard of silky woven fabric: It can be silk, rayon, or polyester in any color or print you like.

Jacket on a dress formSupporting materials are essential to prevent stretching and distortion at stress points. I recommend Perfect Fuse Light fusible interfacing, and SewkeysE 1-1⁄4-inch-wide Knit Stay Tape, and 1⁄2-inch-wide Woven Stay Tape (PamelasPatterns.com).

If you plan to add faux welt pockets, you need a 12-inch by 5-inch rectangle of woven or knit fabric for each one. 

Opt for…

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More