January 26, 2022
The patterns in our Basics Collection are perfect as a base for creativity - from fabric selection to embellishments to styling - these patterns can take you in many directions. Today I am going to share a few ideas for creating and styling the Jacket and Tunic. And check out our Pinterest inspiration board for more ideas and to get your imagination working while thinking about what you want to make with these patterns.
Jacket
The Basics Jacket is short and boxy, has wide built-on sleeves, and is fully lined. The front and back are sewn as one piece, with a back seam, and there are pockets!
First, if your fabric has a large print or stripes/plaids, etc., you don't necessarily have to have the back seam. You can cut the front/back as one piece by placing the pattern piece on the fold (taking out the 1/2"/13mm seam allowance). Just make sure your fabric is wide enough to do this.
Fabric choice is another consideration for making this jacket. You can make this jacket out of everything from heavy-weight denim to light-weight silk chiffon. Medium to heavy weight fabrics, or fabric without a lot of drape, will give you a boxier look, a more utilitarian jacket (good for outerwear, work, etc.), and will potentially be warmer. Fabric with drape and lightweight fabrics will be perfect for warm weather, making a cover up, or as a daily-wear jacket.
For one of our samples, we made the Basics Jacket from a kantha cloth, lining it with muslin (cause kantha can be expensive to use for both outer and lining) and using the back-side of the kantha for the pockets. For a heavier jacket, lining with another section (or back-side) of kantha would be warm, cozy, and beautiful.
This jacket is also perfect for quilting. The two layers (with or without a layer or batting in between) make it a great choice for adding the interest and warmth of extra stitching for loft. Make it in solid colors or patchwork. Either would be beautiful. We saw several quilted jackets that inspired Esi to make one from linen scraps we had left over from other projects. She will have a blog post soon about how she made her quilted jacket. Check out the inspiration (Pinterest links) below and Esi's jacket.
Pinterest link (Eileen Fisher).
Pinterest link (Anthropologie).
Esi's quilted Basics Jacket
Finally, because this jacket is fully lined, it is very easy to make a reversible jacket. Esi has a blog post about how she made the jacket reversible using two beautiful organic linens.