Clare Coat Pattern
The Clare Coat is a chic cool-weather staple. Featuring raglan sleeves and an unstructured A-line silhouette, Clare is a great introduction to the joys of coat making.
View A hits at mid-thigh, with a face-framing collar, princess seams, an exposed asymmetrical zipper and welt pockets. View B has a more minimalist vibe; a dramatic funnel collar, double-breasted, ends at the hip with inseam pockets and full-length sleeves.
Sizes: Currently available in sizes 0-20 only (PDF)
Recommended fabric:
- Body: Medium to heavyweight coating fabrics (ie: melton, felt, tweed and boiled wool). Bottomweight fabrics like denim, twill and canvas are also suitable for a lightweight spring or fall jacket.
- Lining: Silk, rayon bemberg, flannel backed satin (aka kasha).
- Interfacing: fusible weft interfacing. View A also requires 1/4yd (.25m) of horsehair canvas, sturdy muslin, or a heavier-weight interfacing to stabilize the collar.
See our guide to printing & assembling PDF files here.
View all sewing tutorials, videos and blog posts about this pattern here.
What a beautiful, beautiful pattern! It makes a gorgeous 60s-vibe coat that fits comfortably and flexibly, with a stylish silhouette and room to layer (or be pregnant) underneath. I have lost count of the compliments.
I used a PDF version of this pattern - 70 pages! - although the pattern actually came together very well and faster than I imagined. Following an Instagram trawl, I made my version 10cm longer in length to give more winter coverage, and I also made the pocket bags a bit deeper. As usual, the tutorials online were really helpful BUT I missed the instruction for the back pleat in the lining which meant I had a nightmare time trying to sew coat and lining together and it wasn’t until I got to the ‘centre hanging loop over back pleat’ that I realised the error of my ways. The sleeve pleats were marked as ‘pleat’ on the pattern but the back pleat simply had notches - having ‘pleat’ on the pattern would have been helpful. I used magnetic bag fasteners as I had no press studs and the country was in full lockdown, but these work well and I like the uncluttered front finish. I would echo the comments below about checking sleeve length - mine are just long enough.
Loving my snuggly coat now it’s finished!
This pattern has really good instructions. The on line sewalong is really useful and helps with fiddly bits. The only thing I would say is measure the arm length. I have long arms and could have done with not turning up the sleeve hem as much as the instructions say. Apart from that, it makes up a treat.
This is a really great pattern, like all closet core patterns. The clare coat is so unique and stylish and I get so many compliments whenever I wear it. I made mine out of quilted cotton twill rather than wool like must people do. If you are on the fence about size, I suggest sizing up to the bigger one. My coat is a teeny bit snug in the shoulders and arms and I wish I'd chosen the bigger size. I adore the funnel collar- it's perfect to snuggle into on chilly days. Overall a great sewing experience and wonderful pattern.
Great coat, easy to adjust for a perfect fit.
