How to Make a Suit Blazer Jacket

Blazers can bridge the gap between formality and informality.

There is some dispute as to the origin of the type of jacket that is known as a blazer. According to some sources, the term originated aboard the HMS Blazer in 1837, as the name for a type of uniform jacket. Others say that it originated as the name for the "blazing red" striped jackets worn by the oarsmen of an Oxford rowing team, while a third school of thought says the term came from the fact that such jackets were often "emblazoned" with a patch having a coat-of-arms upon it. A blazer is somewhat less formal than a matching suit coat and somewhat more formal than a sport jacket. Blazers almost always have metal buttons, are often made of a single color, and feature patch pockets rather than welt pockets.

Things You'll Need

• Commercial blazer pattern
• Muslin for fitting shell
• Fabric marker
• Fabric for blazer
• Fabric for lining
• Other notions called for in the pattern
• Metal buttons

Instructions

1. Choose a commercial pattern for the blazer. Purchase fabrics and notions following the recommendations that come with the pattern as well as using the stated amount of fabric called for on the back of the pattern envelope.

2. Pre-treat the fabrics. Take the fabrics to a local dry cleaner for pre-treatment -- the completed blazer will be a dry clean-only garment because of the call for lining, interlining and interfacing. Always pre-treat fabric in the way that the completed garment will need to be cleaned. Press the fabric before laying it out for cutting.

3. Cut out the tissue pattern pieces and pin-fit them to check the fit. Make any pattern alterations before cutting. Use the muslin to make a test garment. Use the fabric marker to mark any needed alterations.

4. Lay the pattern pieces out on the fabrics and cut out according to the pattern instructions.

5. Follow the pattern instructions to make the blazer. Press all seams after sewing, and trim seam allowances as well.

6. Once the outer shell of the blazer is complete, construct the lining. Join the completed lining to the blazer.

7. Try the jacket on to mark the hemline and to mark the placements of buttons and buttonholes. Sew the buttonholes first and then add the buttons. Cuffs have no buttonholes, but there are usually two to four decorative buttons on the cuffs.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a sturdy fabric; wool and wool blends are traditional for winter; linen is the usual choice for a summer blazer.

• Choose a color that can be worn with several colors of trousers.