Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter X 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

Riffs on a Trusted Pattern: A Jeans Jacket in Linen

In Michigan, Labor Day signals the end of summer. It could be 90 degrees and dripping with humidity, but it’s the last summer weekend. This past year, it was cool, a bit rainy, and feeling fall-ish. The weather had me thinking about more transitional garments and, probably the most versatile garment ever made is the oldie-but-goody jeans jacket. That stalwart of many wardrobes was the inspiration for my ninth riff on the Fit for Art Patterns Tabula Rasa Jacket (TRJ).

Fit for Art Pattern Tabula Rasa Jacket envelope, black jeans and scissors on a gridded cutting mat

Solving a fabric shortage

I started, as I usually do, by scrounging around in my fabric stash. I found a large scrap, maybe 1/2 yard, of a heavyweight linen that was leftover from a pair of jeans I made in 2021. There wasn’t enough for my desired jacket, so I kept searching. I found one or two other contenders, but kept looking longingly at the black linen. After a few more unsuccessful passes at the stash, I wandered around the Web to see if I could find the same fabric again and, at that point, it occurred to me that I had only ever worn the jeans one time. I obviously never picked them. Hmmm, this project was turning into a remake as well as a TRJ riff.

Pattern layout

I pulled out the jeans and started arranging my pattern pieces to see if I could make this redo work. I needed the fronts, back, side panels, sleeves, some pockets, and a collar. When I was more confident that I could squeeze out the pieces I needed, I chopped off the jeans, opened the inseams, and started to lay out my project in earnest.

Cut pair of jeans lying on a gridded cutting mat

 

Fortunately, my jeans were of the wide-leg variety. One leg became the back with the flat-felled outseam positioned at the center back. The other leg turned…

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

Discuss

  1. [email protected] | | #1

    When will we be able to read your next installment? Hope nothing is wrong.

    1. jclegg | | #2

      Hello Sewerlibn71,
      Becky posts a new installment to her "Riffs on a Trusted Pattern" series each month. We are really enjoying this series! Check back for her tenth installment on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Thank you.

  2. [email protected] | | #3

    Thanks. Will Becky post the 11th and 12th installment in January and February? I didn't see posts for October and November so that is why I am asking. Thanks! Mary J.

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