Back-to-school season always means a major wardrobe refresh. Beyond the usual mad dash for new school supplies, shoes, and tees, I found myself scrolling through endless outfit inspo. That’s when the lightbulb moment hit: what everyone really needs for the cooler months is a cozy, fully-lined jacket. And if it can be crafted from plush corduroy and lined with soft, curly sherpa? Even better!
Inspiration Meets Utility
The idea for this jacket emerged from the depths of the internet, though it’s anything but a fleeting fashion trend. In fact, that’s precisely the point! This jacket was designed to be the ultimate everyday staple—versatile, practical, and the perfect cozy layer to complete a simple outfit of jeans and sneakers. We’re talking classic, reliable trucker jacket style built for real life.
My vision solidified after a quick (and inspiring!) trip to my local Fabricville. They had a stellar selection, but nothing beat the combination of a beautiful navy 6-wale cotton corduroy for the exterior and a dreamy, cream-coloured curly poodle fleece for the lining. For extra comfort and easy movement, I chose a smooth quilted lining for the sleeves. The whole look is anchored by rich, caramel-toned coat buttons. An absolute match made in fabric heaven!
The Build: Pattern Hacking & Hand-Stitched Details
To get the shape I wanted, I started with a Burda Style Magazine pattern (December 2017 issue), but it needed some serious personalization. I modified the pattern by:
- Removing the front and back yokes for a cleaner look.
- Replacing the standard in-seam pockets with stylish welt pockets on the front.
- Adding a functional flap chest pocket.
Assembly went smoothly, following the instructions with minimal deviation—except for one notorious culprit: the collar. That double layer of thick corduroy and fluffy sherpa simply refused to lay flat! My solution? I topstitched a crisp, decorative line close to the fold. It was a moment of necessary ingenuity, and it finally tamed the beast! What do you think of the result?
The detail I’m honestly most proud of is the hand-stitched buttonholes. Yes, it required patience, but their uniform shape and clean finish are those little details that really make a garment look truly custom-made. For the sewing connoisseur, this is where the work truly stands out.
The Verdict: Loved by the Wearer
By the time we got around to a quick photoshoot, the jacket had already been worn a few times—the true test of any successful make! My son has even relayed compliments he’s received on the jacket, which is incredibly humbling. More importantly, my family consistently prefers my home-made creations to store-bought options.
The final verdict on this navy corduroy jacket? Utter success! It’s warm, cozy, and effortlessly completes any casual look without screaming for attention. The quality of the Fabricville materials—sturdy, warm, and wonderfully soft to the touch—made this project a joy from start to finish.
If you’ve been thinking about a more ambitious project, consider this your sign to overcome that fear and take the plunge! The payoff is so much greater than you think. Happy sewing!
