Hi All, just started sewing this year and excited to make my first FreeSewing pattern, the Devon jacket. I’d also like to make an “elevated” chore style coat, maybe like a safari jacket with back vent, 2 piece sleeves, etc. I’ve tried various commercial patterns but fitting is always an issue. Seems like starting with a base pattern that fits and then modifying style is a better way to design/build clothes.
I was exploring the Carlton pattern and wondered if it could be adjusted to get close to a chore coat: Shorten to hip length and go from double breasted to single line of buttons. It looked possible but curious what others think or maybe have done?
I live in Southern California so while I love the look of the full length Carlton coat, it’s not practical. Thanks all!
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I love making Bleu de travail (chore coats); in fact, that’s what I mostly sew. Not just for myself, but for others too.
Historically, it was a result of its times: a simplified men’s tailored overall jacket rather than a coat. It was a utilitarian piece of clothing for workers, crafted from quality materials by skilled craftsmen, sturdy, boxy.
If you ignore the historical development of the clothes, you can take any upper jacket pattern and simply extend it as low as you want. You could use the Carlton, Devon or Simon patterns and simplify them by extending anything below the arm opening.
If you go for a sturdy material be mindful and take enough ease so you can do some chores.
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Thanks! I’ve made two of the Paymter chore jackets from merchant and Mills, but I couldn’t get the fit right. I was hoping to get guidance on how to adjust the Carlton pattern to make it looks similar. I get adjusting the length, I just don’t know how to adjust the pattern measurements and settings online to single breasted.
Very nice jackets you did!
What you couldn’t get right?
no sorry, I don’t think there is a direct way.
You can either print Carton out and manipulate the pattern further on paper or you can adapt M&M pattern with the help of Freesewing measurements. In both cases you will need to put some time into it.
Btw. regarding double to single it’s easy. With single buttons you set the buttons on the front middle (or 3 mm away if you want to precise) and adapt the overlap. More work it would be on collar and back.
