How to Sew a Winter Coat

Winter coats are expensive. If you have at least moderate sewing skills you can sew your own winter coat. In the process you may be able to save yourself some money. And if you would rather not make one for yourself, you can certainly make one for your children and save money there.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Buttons

Prepare to Sew

1. Take careful measurements of the bust, waist and hips. Take the hip measurement about six to eight inches below your natural waistline.

2. Locate a pattern. For your first attempt at a winter coat, look for a simple pattern that has few seams. Patch pockets are easy. Look for a coat with a simple collar or even no collar. Pull the pattern directions out in the store and read them to make sure you understand how to do each step.

3. Choose your fabric. Use the pattern back as your guideline as to how much fabric to purchase. Also follow the pattern guide to select the appropriate lining fabric and interfacing. Don't forget to purchase buttons or a zipper as well.

4. Pre-wash the fabric. If it is machine-washable, put it in the washing machine at the recommended temperature. Dry it according to manufacturer's directions with a fabric softener sheet.

5. Lay the coat fabric on a clean, flat surface such as a large table. Place the pattern pieces on the fabric according to the pattern guide. Pin them in place.

6. Cut the fabric out. The pattern should allow a 5/8-inch seam. If it doesn't, be sure to do so. Mark any features such as button placement, pocket location and darts with tailor's chalk or tailor's tacks.

7. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the lining fabric. Keep the pattern pieces together with their respective pieces of fabric until you are ready to use them.

Sew the Outside of the Winter Coat

8. Re-read the pattern directions carefully. The following steps may vary in order depending on the pattern you choose. Follow the pattern directions carefully.

9. Prepare the pockets. If you have a pattern with patch pockets, they go on first. If you have side seam pockets, they go in when you sew the side seams.

10. Sew the back seam. Sew the shoulder seams. Backstitch each seam as well. Remember to sew right sides together. Press all seams open as you go.

11. Adhere the interfacing to the collar pieces. Also attach it to the front facing pieces. Put the collar pieces together. Sew the collar onto the coat.

12. Finish the side seam pockets if that is what your winter coat has. Sew the side seams.

13. Carefully follow the pattern directions to sew in the sleeves. Make sure there are no puckers on the caps of the sleeves. If there are, rip the stitches out and re-sew the seam.

Finish the Winter Coat

14. Construct the lining. If your coat doesn't have a lining, you can skip this step. Attach the lining to the exterior fabric.

15. Try on the coat. Make sure it fits properly. Make any necessary adjustments.

16. Mark the hem length and the sleeve length. Sew them in place.

17. Make a practice buttonhole in a scrap of fabric. When you are confident you have the buttonhole process perfected, make the buttonholes. Sew on the buttons.