Many of us own tried-and-true (TNT) patterns we love to make over and over again. I know I have a few, and out-of-print (OOP) Vogue 7234, printed in 2000, is my favorite jean jacket pattern. If you can find this pattern, I’m sure you’ll love it, too. It works for me because it has curved princess seams at the sides, in addition to other seams. Many of the current jean jacket patterns are straight, so they won’t compliment my curvy figure as well. I have lined this jacket and included a facing finish.

Years ago, I made a muslin, or test garment, to fine-tune the jacket’s fit. Though this pattern is recommended for stable knits or woven fabrics with stretch, the multiple seams have allowed me to make it successfully in fabrics without those properties. The description on the pattern envelope says it is a lined jacket, but there are no separate lining pattern pieces or illustrations on how to go about it. The included tops are the items that are lined, not the jacket. It’s one example of why it’s important to always study the pattern guide sheet.

No pattern drafting required

Threads readers and Insiders will benefit from articles written about how to make lining patterns to add linings to unlined jackets. I’d like to show you another way to use the original jacket pattern when the design includes front and back yokes. With this option, there’s no need to draft pattern pieces to fit into the front facings.

This is the Vogue 7234 pattern made in a beautiful matka I purchased at Gail K Fabrics in Atlanta. You can get a similar quality silk from B. Black and Sons online. I was able to find China silk in my stash that…