How to Make a Dressage Coat
No article of clothing says "rider" like a well-constructed dressage coat does. This key element of riding attire looks similar in style to an old-fashioned tailcoat. Most dressage coats are lined and made of wools, wool blends or another suiting material. There are many styles of dressage coats that that will appeal to the taste and fit of the rider. A properly fitted dressage coat will look professional while allowing the equine rider to move gracefully on the horse.
Things You'll Need
- Suiting fabric
- Lining fabric with fusible interfacing
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Scissors
- Pattern
- Straight pins
- Six buttons
Instructions
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1
Request a written copy of the rules related to dressage coats in the competitions the rider intends to participate in. If the local rules that pertain to the rider aren't posted, attend a competition and make written notes about the styles observed. A dressage coat should not detract attention from the skill of the rider. Most local rules require dressage coats to be constructed of conservative colors. Using these guidelines, order an appropriate pattern. Gather the fabric, thread, buttons and other materials that will be required in order to make the dressage coat.
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Lay the suiting fabric on a flat surface. Set the pattern on top of the fabric and use pins to attach it. Follow the instructions on the pattern accurately in order to achieve the correct size. Dressage coats cannot be altered easily after construction so it is important to cut the proper size. A properly fitted dressage coat length will fall to the back of the knee while the rider is standing. Cut the sleeves to a length that will cover the arms while the rider is in the riding position. The bodice of the coat should be snug. After the correct size has been determined, cut out the fabric for the dressage coat.
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3
Lay out the fusible lining fabric on a flat surface. Lay the pattern on top of the fusible lining and attach it using pins. Follow the instructions on the pattern accurately to assure that the lining will match up to the suiting material.
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Set the fusible lining on the reverse side of the suiting fabric. Use a hot iron to bond the fusible lining to the suiting fabric.
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Use straight pins to connect the parts of the dressage coat that have been cut from the pattern. Connect the panels that will make up the bodice first. Turn the completed bodice inside out. Use pins to connect the top of the sleeves to the armholes of the bodice, with the inside of the sleeves facing out. Attach the collar and lapel to the bodice of the dressage coat.
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Attach the pieces of the dressage coat, leaving a 1/4-inch seam using a running stitch. Stitch the seams in the areas indicated in the pattern for the dressage coat. Stitch the hems of the sleeves and the hem of the bodice together using a running stitch.
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Sew the buttons to the dressage coat by stitching through the button holes and the dressage suit fabric.
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Press the finished dressage coat using a hot iron in order to make the seams crisp and flat.
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Tips & Warnings
Prior to constructing a dressage coat from expensive suiting material, make a sample from a less expensive material.
If piping will be included in the finished dressage coat, pin it into the seams prior to stitching them closed.
Using a needle that is not appropriately sized for the fabric weight can lead to a jam in the sewing machine or snagged suiting fabric. Use a needle that is appropriate for the weight of the suiting fabric. While standard sized needles will be effective on lightweight suiting material, a heavier suiting material will require the use of a stronger needle.
References
Resources
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