Believe it or not, the Long Line Jacket started out life as the Everyday Chic Dress. I’ve always thought there was a lot of mileage in just chopping a dress up the front to wear it as a jacket – what could be simpler?
So, last year I posted some basic instructions as a free pattern hack. But although the jacket was much admired at shows, my instructions were not often used, and I realised that what you sewists really wanted was a proper pattern. So, here it is!
The Long Line Jacket is a gently fitted long jacket with deep pockets and raglan sleeves. It has an Empire Line waist point and the bottom hem sits mid-thigh, with the option to extend the length. This one below is a good 10cm longer than the length provided by the pattern, whereas the one that appears on the cover is how it actually comes.
My front cover version uses the reverse side of a medium weight denim (11oz denim) from Fabworks. I have also used a wool/silk furnishing fabric as the back of the pockets for a little flash of loveliness. (For info: if you want to do this feature on the pockets, this particular pattern piece uses 0.5m of fabric. It’s a great way of using up beautiful scraps!)
There is no fastening. I always prefer an open jacket for the flattering vertical lines it gives. But, if you are keen to fasten it then a hook and eye could be used at the Empire Line seam, or, if you have some experience, a zip could be added between the facing and outer.
This picture here, on the right, proved to be one of my most popular images on Instagram ever. This jacket works so well with a really dramatic fabric and the pattern matching is not difficult across the Empire seam.
The giant geometric embroidery on this one is so eye catching. It would make a perfect wedding outfit with a plain coloured dress underneath. Millions of people have asked me where this fabric is from but I’m afraid I can’t remember. It had been sitting in my stash for at least a year before I used it.
Most medium to heavy weight fabrics will work for the Long Line Jacket. It would be lovely in a wool or mohair for Winter, but wold work equally well in a heavy linen for Summer. It could look fabulous in corduroy or suiting fabric and simply fabulous in a velvet for a show-stopping theatre outfit.
Happy sewing!
