Fabric Suggestions for 150 Hungarian Szur

December 03, 2018

The 150 Hungarian Szur is a dramatic, mid-calf coat that was traditionally worn over the shoulders as a cape and lavishly decorated with cutwork felt appliqué. It can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was worn by Magyar herdsmen in Hungary. The geometric shapes of this garment make it an ideal canvas for other handwork techniques, as well as for handwoven fabrics, and hand felted fabrics. Our pattern includes instructions for a traditional and contemporary version, appliqué decoration, and historical lore about the Magyar.

Suggested fabrics: Heavyweight fabrics such as wool, felt, corduroy, or denim; also water-repellent microfiber for a raincoat. The Szur is traditionally made in felted wool with felt appliqués.  The applique felt should be somewhat heavier and stronger than craft felt (see suggested felt below).  

PLEASE NOTE: Fabrics used as examples in blog may go out of stock from store.  If link is invalid for specific product, there may be another fabric from the supplier that you can substitute.  These suggestions are based on fabrics that are in stock at the time the blog post is written!

Note that this coat can be made without the collar band and back and lapel for a simpler style.  Or, these elements can be made from different fabrics that compliment each other.  

Below we list some fabrics currently available that we think would be perfect for making this warm winter coat!

Stonemountain and Daughter has a variety of colors of high quality wool felt.  They have a large selection of colors - we liked this Spiced Cider below.  Look into these if you are interested in doing the cut felt work applique.  $23/yard

Here is a lovely and heavy wool/poly blend jacquard also from Stonemountain and Daughter which would make a lovely coat.  $20/yard

Here is an interesting fabric 100% wool denim from Vogue Fabrics. This would make a simple coat that would show off any embellishments and/or closures nicely. $12.29/yard

The Szur could also be a very cozy layer made in a polar fleece.  Michael Levine has a large variety of cheap no pill polar fleece. 

If you have the budget, Pendelton wool would be amazing!  I love this blanket weight wool. $92/yard

Also, if you are interested in the traditional look, it can be hard to find the closures that we suggest.  Etsy has lots of unique and beautiful toggles and closure notions.  And, Patterns of Time has a huge selection of amazing clasps.

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