A smart jacket is a wardrobe essential that can be dressed up or down, and this tailored version by Amanda Walker ticks all the right boxes. It allows you to practise sewing with bouclé fabric – although a soft denim or corduroy would work equally well – plus lets you add darts and insert shoulder pads to create a sharp silhouette.
1 Download and print the pattern at sewmag.co.uk/templates, then cut out the pieces according to the cutting guide and transfer the markings. Stitch darts into the front pieces as marked, sewing from base to point, then press towards the centre. Use an overlock or zig zag stitch to neaten across the shoulders and down the side edges of the front and back pieces.
2 Fuse interfacing to the front facings and one collar piece. Stitch the collar pieces, right sides together, leaving the neck edge open. Trim the bulk, then turn right sides out, ensuring that the corners are pushed out completely. Press.