DIY a cozy coat and master tailoring + coat making techniques!
Sewing Classes
Coat Making 101 | Sewing Class
CHOOSE YOUR PATTERN:
Includes your choice of the Phoebe Coat Pattern in PDF or print format.
Sew something beautiful, keep yourself warm, and learn something new with this introduction to tailoring! Start your coatmaking journey today and create a gorgeous coat you'll wear for years to come, with skills you'll return to again and again.
We believe tailoring is the apex of the sewing skill ladder, and we're here to help with the support and guidance you need on your coat making journey! Following along with our step-by-step video lessons, you'll learn everything you need to know to construct a professionally made coat from start to finish, from understanding coating fabrics and interfacings to detailed construction and seam finishes to sewing classic details like a notched collar and optional bound buttonholes.
Using the Phoebe Coat pattern included with your enrolment, Heather Lou of Closet Core Patterns approaches teaching in a fun and approachable way, breaking down each step into a digestible lesson everyone can understand. Regardless of your sewing level, you will learn the basics of tailoring and coat making from the comfort of your own home with lots of one-on-one help along the way!
Work at your own pace – anytime, anywhere, on any device – and learn how to sew a gorgeous coat from a respected sewing industry expert using a standard sewing machine!
View the Trailer:
You'll learn...
- How to find the perfect size for your body, grade in-between sizes, and make a test muslin.
- How to make basic pattern modifications with one-on-one fitting help from our team PLUS an in-depth downloadable Coat Fitting ebook to help you identify and solve any potential fit issues.
- How to choose appropriate coatmaking fabrics, linings, interfacings and supplies.
- Our favourite methods for prepping, marking, and cutting coat patterns, with detailed instructions on how to match checks and plaids.
- How to assemble two pocket styles, including a couture method for sewing lined patch pockets.
- How to fully assemble a coat, from sewing a two piece collar and stand, to constructing a crisp notched lapel and setting in sleeves.
- How to create the warmest coat ever with interlinings and Thinsulate.
- How to line your coat, including a magical method for quickly bagging a lining with a minimum of fuss, and professional pressing techniques for a beautiful end result.
- All our tips for sewing professional-looking details like buttonholes, buttons, and topstitching, including a bonus lesson on sewing couture bound buttonholes.
Included Pattern:
We're proud to include our latest coat pattern with your enrolment. The Phoebe Coat is a modern yet timeless cocoon stye coat in sizes XXS-4X with a dramatic notched collar and roomy fit. Available in two lengths, it will make a beautiful addition to your cold weather wardrobe.
Print patterns will be shipped directly to you. For instant gratification, choose a PDF pattern; see our guide to printing and assembling PDF patterns here.
Also Included:
- Access to our private students-only forum where you can ask for help, share your progress and meet new sewing friends.
- One-on-one advice and help when you need it! You can always count on a response from our team when you have questions or need support while sewing along with our classes.
- Our exclusive Coat Making Fitting Guide, a downloadable ebook to help you diagnose common fitting issues.
- Watch anywhere video lessons with closed captioning.
Class Benefits:
Meet Your Instructor
Heather Lou is the force behind Closet Core Patterns and Core Fabrics. As a pattern designer and sewing educator, she has been writing and teaching about sewing for over a decade, and has taught thousands of people to sew, both online and in sold-out sewing workshops across North America & Europe. Her work has been featured in Threads, Sew News, Seamwork, Love Sewing and Sewing World magazine.
With her contagiously positive attitude, Heather’s teaching style is fun, approachable, and filled with helpful tips and techniques to help you transform the outfits in your imagination into a self-made wardrobe you love — not one you’re limited to buying off the rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm psyched about making my own coat! How do I get started?
To get sewing, choose your pattern format at the top of this page to add the class to your cart. Once you check out, you'll be automatically enrolled in your class on our class platform called Mighty Networks. The link to login to the class will be sent to you via email. If you've chosen a PDF pattern, you can download your pattern immediately after checkout or from a link in your order confirmation email. Please check your spam folder if you don't receive it after finalizing your purchase.
When does this class start and finish?
The beauty of Closet Core Patterns’ online classes is that you call the shots on when they begin and end. Coat Making 101 is a completely self-paced online class, which means you get to decide when you start, when you finish, and how many times you replay it.
What will I need to get started?
In the class we’ll share a complete supply list, along with information about where and how to source everything on said list. At the very least, you’ll need a sewing machine, iron, coating and lining fabric, tailor's ham, interfacing, buttons, thread, and marking tool.
How long does the class take to complete?
It’s up to you! To give you an idea of how long the class is start to finish, the video runs just over 6.5 hours long and comprises 11 lessons total. Binge watch them in a weekend, or follow along while you sew your own coat. You can return to the class as many times as you’d like, and there’s no time limit for you to complete in.
How do I get my patterns?
You can choose your pattern in either a PDF format (which you can print at home or at a copy shop) or print patterns we'll ship directly to you. If you select the PDF format, you'll be able to download your patterns immediately after checkout, or by using the download link sent to you via email. Print patterns will be shipped in 5-10 days.
Can I use any coat pattern for this class?
We designed this course specifically for the Phoebe Coat Pattern, but if you are sewing a coat with similar details (ie. a notched collar, inseam or patch pockets and a full lining) you will certainly learn a lot about the construction methods and techniques needed to assemble your coat. If you have any additional questions, reach out to our support team and they can help your further.
How long can I access the class?
All day, ‘erryday. But for real, this class includes lifetime access. After you enroll, the class is yours, which means you’ve got unlimited access for as long as you like, across all devices for all of eternity.
Great instructions, beautiful silhouette. Works with large-scale fabric motifs due to the design of the pieces. I've already made up two and constantly get compliments.
I’m in the process of sewing the Jasika Blazer and am very pleased with how it is coming together. I made two small adjustments based on a muslin. The fitting ebook was very helpful. The tutorial along with the printed instructions are excellent. I’m using a charcoal midweight cotton twill with a Cupro lining both purchased from Core Fabrics. Actually can’t wait to finish this one and start another!
I have made this twice, once as short pajamas and once as long, both with piping. As with all the Closet Core patterns I have used, it is well drafted, with clear instructions. Altogether a very enjoyable sew. I would recommend the excellent online tutorial for sewing the collar and front facing which is the only tricky part of the construction.
I love this pattern! Not too many pieces and easy to cut out. Forgiving of small flaws since it's a bit oversized. Lengthened the torso a few inches. Good with high waisted pants or shorts. I have made the short sleeved version 3 times and now I am ready to try the longer sleeved version!
I love this website, the "models" are very appealing, each in their own ways. Much more relatable than most envelope patterns. Appreciate that. Thanks for the wonderful free pattern.
This is such a fantastic membership - the patterns are outstanding, the community supportive and the pattern fitting support worth the cost of membership alone. I love the themes of Crew membership and it's been helpful in building an intentional wardrobe. I have a goal each month to sew the gorgeous Core Crew patterns slowly and I am thrilled with the results (and my capsule wardrobe). If you're on the fence, wondering if it's worth it - go ahead and join. You'll be so pleased you did.