This cap-sleeved jacket was inspired by Threads article Artistry by the Strip; the article appeared in the Feb/Mar 2012 issue. The Butterick pattern number is 5214 and is a Retro pattern from 1947. The silk-linen blend had a distinct woven-in stripe. To create the background fabric, I cut strips on grain and on the cross-grain, in varying widths. I sewed one of each together to create a strip, which I then sewed onto a backing fabric in parallel rows. To create the leaves, I cut wide strips on the bias, and then joined them to create a chevron. I traced the leaf design on the back, centering it over the seam so the stripes looked like veins. Next, I used China silk to back each leaf and stitched on my pencil line. I slit the silk and turned the leaf. Each leaf was sewn on by hand; I worked with each pattern piece separately. When most of the embellishment was completed, I sewed the garment and then added some leaves and stems over the seams. Darts were disguised by placing stems, cut on the bias, over them. I modeled this in the 2016 American Sewing Guild’s style show in Indianapolis this past July.

Threads Recommended Products

Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Style Arc, Hendrix Coat

The Hendrix coat sewing pattern from Style Arc is an unlined, panelled design with long two-piece sleeves, a button or snap front, and optional top-stitching. It features binding along the neck, hem, and sleeves, along with angled patch pockets and dropped shoulders. Recommended fabrics include wool, linen, faux fur, or velvet, with fabric estimates and trim details provided for sizes 4-30.

Buy at Amazon

McCall's 8241

McCalls Sewing Pattern 8241 Tops A (XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL). McCalls-8241-A

Buy at Amazon

Know Me 2064 Vest and Jacket

Know Me patterns offer stylish and versatile designs, including the ME2064 rain jacket, which combines a cropped jacket and a vest that can be worn together or separately. The boxy-fit jacket features a hood, snap closure, and multiple pockets, while the vest has a zippered front and cargo pockets. This sewing kit includes templates, fabric recommendations, and instructions for sizes 44-52, proudly made in the USA.

Buy at Amazon

Butterick's Retro '47 5214 cap-sleeved jacket is embellished with 55 appliqued leaves.

The back is embellished with appliqued leaves and with dangling two-sided leaves.

This detail shows the background fabric that was constructed by cutting strips of fabric on the grain and crossgrain and then was sewn to a backing fabric. It also shows how I used the woven-in stripes to mimic veins in the leaves.