This is a hack I’ve been wanting to test out for a while. A simple raglan sleeve sweatshirt pattern, to my mind, had potential to be hacked into coatigan. And what do you know…
I’d been eyeing this cable knit jacquard ponte from Dragonfly Fabrics. When it arrived I wasn’t disappointed. Yes it is as soft, squishy and bouncy as it looks. The only unexpected thing for me was the reverse of the fabric wasn’t grey but a black synthetic mesh type affair. The best way I can describe it is a sandwich of layers. I’d been flippy flopping between a skirt, dress or jacket for this fabric. Once I saw the reverse I decided on the coatigan. Because of the warmth of this fabric and the underside, imho, lends itself well to outer garments as opposed to sitting in direct contact with the skin…
To work with…it’s delicious. My serger and standard machined uttered not the slightest resistance. It’s very stable and cuts and sews like a dream. No stretching, wavy seams, curling or skipped stitches. Up the stitch length on your standard machine and use universal or jersey 80/12 needles would be my advice. But the speciality needles are in no way necessary as this fabric isn’t the least bit tempermental
You can use any “loose/easy fit” sweatshirt or raglan sleeve pattern for this hack. The Linden would be a good choice. I happened to have the 2 Hour Top Pattern from Sew Different cut out so that’s what I used. I simply lengthened the front and back pieces, and the sleeves; then made up to this stage…
Drafted a facing for the neckline and opening…
Applied the facing RS together, turned through to the inside, pressed and top stitched down. The sleeve hems were simply turned and stitched. The main hem was finished in combination with the bottom of the facing in the same way as my shirt kimono for The Refashioners.
This make was very much me testing an idea out. So what I might do differently next time revolves mainly around the neckline. Sometimes when I’m experimenting I get carried away and don’t consider all the elements! For me the neckline is a little wide and a little low (at the back in particular) for this. Don’t get me wrong. It’s fine and I’ve worn it plenty since I made it. It’s just one of those “even better if” kinda things you know? And POCKETS! Why the hell didn’t I put in seam pockets in?? I have a little fabric left so I may go back this week and add on some oversized patch pockets.
In terms of variations, I’m thinking a gold zip right down the front would look ace. Add a hood…make a cropped version…anyway…I digress!
Back to the giveaway. Simon and Dorte at Dragonfly Fabrics are generously offering the following: First Prize: £25 to spend in their online store. Second Prize: A sewing pattern of your choice from their extensive range. To enter all you need to do is complete a super short survey then leave a comment here to let me know you’ve entered. (It’s really quick, I promise). What’s more, while the giveaway is running there’s 15% off all orders when you use the code DRESSMAKING at checkout.
Giveaway (and code) expire Sunday 29th November at Midnight GMT. Winners will be selected at random and notified by email.
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Code has been extended to 20th December.
Survey done!
I like the look of this material and can imagine it in a red shade for christmas, with a contrast neckline and belt; partnered with a simple top, fitted jeans and boots…
Done the survey! Your coat is amazing!!! I love that fabric so much! X
Completed survey 🙂
Survey done!
I’d been eyeing up that fabric and thinking of a skirt too but wasn’t sure how well it would work, so it’s good to hear your thoughts about it. I might have to think up an outerwear project for it instead!
Hi Portia,
I’ve completed the survey!
The fabric looks great and I love the coatigan 🙂 Specially the very neat finish!
Maybe I’ll give it a try soon.
xx,
Catia
I completed the survey.
Your jacket looks fine to me, but if you feel funny about the neck you could always sew on a knit finish, either handknitted or purchased. Of course that would result in something fussier, whereas this is nice and sleek as is.
I love your coatigan! Great fabric and dimple shape. My two favourite things!
Done the survey
I’ve entered, think I’ll have to spend the voucher on that fabric if I win!
Survey done. Brilliant coat. Love the material. I have lots of Dragonfly fabrics picked out for future projects already!
Survey completed. Love your Coatigan.
Just done the survey for Dragonfly Fabrics. What a lovely site!
Also, thanks for the coatigan hack. Can now do this without having to resew the neckline☺.
Survey completed ?
Done the survey. Your cardigan nooks great and needs to be copied!
Survey done. I think that fabric would be great with Grainline’s new Tamarac Jacket.
Love the coat! I also completed the survey.
Hi, I love this – so simple! I keep trying things like this on, but don’t really like how they look on me. I have completed the survey
Love this! Am tempted to make it myself with this mornings fabric purchase. I’ve put a put a link to your website from the 2 hour top post that you mentioned. Thanks for the promotion. x Laura
Love your hack. The fabric is a great choice. I’ve completed the survey and perhaps I’m lucky.
Entered!
I really like your jacket. I think patch pockets would look odd with the texture of the fabric. Would suggest you consider adding interior pockets instead of patch pockets. BTW – just completed the survey.
I completed the survey!
Survey done. THis looks so cosy! Great hack idea!
I completed the Dragonfly Fabrics survey – thanks for the chance to have a spend in their shop.
Done! I love the look of your coatigan, love a fast simple sew 🙂
i completed the survey, fingers crossed.
i have to try a coatigan as well, really love it!
Survey done!
I love the fabrics at Dragonfly – gorgeous prints and colours!
Louise
Survey done. Ace jacket, it looks very chic. I’ve got the linden pattern too and will try this hack.
OK survey done. Love this fabric and what you have done with it K xXx
Survey taken!
Your coatigan is so lovely, and that ponte knit looks like a dream to work with!
Just completed survey! Thanks for the post about this coat. I’ve never seen cable ponte before and am entranced. Just wish it came in more colors!
I’ve completed the survey. I’m going to get this fabric I think, I want something to make the MIY Parkwood cowl, this may work as it’s fully lined so the reverse wouldn’t be against my skin.
Just completed the survey! Lits of tempting fabrics and patterns there!
All done. Hadn’t heard of that company before. Thank you for sharing.
Survey done! Love the cable ponte!
I completed the survey!
Love the fabrics and the jacket idea. Wish the company had a US based location. The cost per yard plus shipping ends up pretty high relative to US based companies.
Survey completed. Thank you so much for flagging up Dragonfly fabrics I’ve never come across them before and their fabrics look lush.
Survey completed.
Très belle réalisation ! Very nice realisation!
Enter and have been looking at the gorgeous fabric on dragonfly. Hope I win!!
survey done!
Love the look. Survey done.
I would love to find a knit like that! I presume this is not an international competition?
Absolutely! You’ll have to factor in the shipping costs of course though which will give you less to spend…but yes 🙂
i think the fabric works perfectly for the pattern – looks great. I had taken the survey.
Survey done. I need to try this this weekend, I’m obsessed !
Done the survey. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Margaret x
Love the jacket. Survey complete, thank you.
Survey done. That cabled ponte looks so snuggly but very chic when made up as a coatigan!
Easy survey to complete. Love the coat.
Your coat has inspired me to try something similar – it looks like a great layer for this cold weather.
Survey completed too.
Survey done! Fingers crossed!
Great fabric! I entered the Dragonfly Fabrics survey. Enjoyed looking at the website.
I’ve filled it out! Also I am in love with this coatigan! Definitely feeling the Scottish chill so may follow in your footsteps.
Lovely. Love your casual style. When I first started following sewing blogs, I struggled a bit with the little girl look but like your grown up but relaxed look. I’ve done the survey
Susan that’s lovely! Thank you so much! Even when I was a little girl I couldn’t pull off the little girl look, lol 😉
Survey done! :))
Survey done. Well done with your experiment, looks perfect for this chilly weather.
Lovely coatigan! That fabric is gorgeous. Survey completed.
Survey done. Really enjoy reading your blog, have followed it for some time now and look forward to new posts. Fab use of textured ponte, very inspiring!
Made my day that, Jane! Thank you 🙂
Survey completed. Your coatigan is an inspired use of the fabric – I really like it!
it said that I’d already completed the survey – does that count?
I love the coatigan btw. I get cold very easily and making one of these would be a great solution. It would look okay being worn inside but be snuggly and warm.
Completed the survey. Gorgeous fabric, thanks for the giveaway.
Survey done. What a great webshop
survey done! (and some of that lovely jersey fell into my shopping basket, oh dear!…)
Oooops! ?
Fabulous! I love the texture of the fabric the jacket looks so cozy for the winter ahead
I love this sweater coat. Will be great for all kinds of weather!
I completated the survey and glad I was able to include my email, and be on the list.
Margaret Fredrickson
Love your coat! Ialso filled out the survey 🙂
Great idea and great execution! And you explained the hack very well!
I’ve seen this fabric at the local fabric store in white and baby blue and every time I linger around it for a while. I’m glad I didn’t see the grey, it’s too beautiful 🙂
Love your new haircut as well!
love this site….
Aw thanks Ann!