This has been a really fun and time-consuming journey! A faux fur jacket…
First step: I purchased several yards of walnut sherpa knit from Fabric Mart. Then I had to do some research: Sherpa is the term for faux shearling, and the foundation is the Sherpa region of Nepal. I felt really brave ordering this fabric, but it’s wonderful. It’s polyester (as are many faux furs), and it has a full tuft on a pretty jersey knit backing.
Then I spent at least a couple days just browsing fur and jacket patterns. There are so many examples of the ‘teddy bear’ coats online, as well as sherpa coats, but I wanted a short jacket, something I can throw on to go to the grocery. I’m so cold in stores!
Finally, I came upon this pattern by Lekala. It was unexpected, as I’ve never sewn a Lekala pattern, but this one is designed for faux fur. An interesting feature, Lekala patterns are based on customized sizing. I decided to go for it!
We need another pic here…
Sewing notes:
- I submitted my sizing as: 34 bust, 32 underbust, 30 waist, 38 high hip, 39 full hip. Normal shoulder, sleeve, etc. The pattern was $2.99, and for $.50 more I got 5/8″ seam allowances and 1 3/4″ hem allowances.
- I love how dense the pattern is on the PDF! I get really frustrated by PDFs that have 1″ margins (Grainline, I’m talking to you) and just waste my paper and make me crazy with tape and scissors. This one does not.
- The pattern has a 2-piece bodice, front and back, to allow for the bust. Actually, I didn’t want and don’t need this, so I flattened my pattern pieces to have a 1-piece front and back.
- I wasn’t sure of the lengths of the arms and jacket, so I added 2″ to both. Absolutely not needed, and I ended up trimming this extra allowance off both.
- The pattern includes instructions for cutting and sewing a lining, which I didn’t use.
The construction is straight-forward. Shoulder, collar, facing, sleeves, side seams, and hems
- I love the collar and cut-on facing. Everything fits beautifully to the jacket.
- As I wasn’t using a lining, I drafted a back neckline facing.
More pics…
I love this! Ciao! Coco
Coco's Loft 
Your faux fur jacket looks great and this was the perfect pattern. I think often about buying faux fur and then I don’t because I am not sure that what the picture looks like and what I will receive will match up. Your purchase looks great. I have purchased faux suede with sherpa underneath and that has worked out well. I like your modification for the front.
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Whoa, that is so cool! Better than the pattern photo!
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Me too, love it and those pants look amazing.
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Very stylish, especially with those trousers. Iām getting Amelia Earhart vibes.
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That’s a grand fit no wonder you’re pleased and it’s a great endorsement of Lekala too, it could be the way for me to go when I’m sewing for others. I really like the colour.
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Coco, you have done it again! This jacket is wonderful! You are such an inspiration to me, your clothes are divine, the workmanship is superior, keep on sewing and sharing your beautiful work! I have looked longingly at faux furs for awhile, but am not sure i could handle sewing it. What was your biggest challenge with it?
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Love this! Just enough ease to give some swagger. Very nicely done. Think,I might need to,give Lekala a try one day soon.
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Very nice jacket. Looks super cozy. I think I’ll give Lekala a try after reading your post. Thanks
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I love this, Coco! No more freezing to death in the grocery store. I hate that. What were you challenges in sewing faux fur? Did it shed everywhere? Any machine problems? I know you will enjoy this jacket, especially this winter.
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I should do a little post – I went into the project determined not to be undone by the fur š
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