If your leggings look great until you squat (and then… not so much), this one’s for you. Let’s talk fabrics, needles, and stitches that actually like being stretched.

Vests are great, but sometimes you just want a little more—a full sleeve moment, if you will. That’s where mid-weight jackets come in: not quite a coat, but definitely more than a hoodie. Think shackets, fleece pullovers, and lightweight quilted layers. These pieces are ideal for layering through the fall (and even under heavier coats in winter). Whether you're running errands or heading out for a crisp hike, these are the kinds of jackets you’ll reach for again and again. Let’s dive into some fabulous indie sewing patterns to get your mid-weight jacket lineup started! Pattern Picks: Mid-Weight Jacket Must-Sews 🧵 Styla Patterns – Taos JacketA relaxed, slightly oversized jacket with the perfect shacket energy. Great in sherpa, wool blends, or pre-quilted fabrics. Add big buttons and patch pockets for that cool, casual vibe. 🧵 House of Hôtard – Adrey JacketThis one’s all about soft structure and laid-back elegance. With dropped shoulders and a clean finish, it's ideal in lighter quilted fabrics or structured fleece. Looks amazing belted too! 🧵 StyleArc – Logan ShacketThe classic shirt-jacket combo. It’s slightly tailored with shirt-style details, so it looks great open or buttoned up. Try it in plaid wool, melton, or even a heavy flannel. 🧵 Fibre Mood – RyaGreat options for lightweight quilted fabrics. The Rya has a slightly boxy, modern feel. Bonus: Fibre Mood styles are super trendy and always come with styling inspo. Mid-Weight Fabrics We Love Here are some fabrics to keep an eye on when sewing your jacket: Suede-backed sherpa – soft, plush, and full of texture. Great for oversized styles. Sherpa-backed corduroy – warm and stylish with added structure. Pre-quilted cottons or poly blends – great for lightweight jackets with a puffy look but minimal bulk. Wool blends & brushed plaids – ideal for shackets or button-ups that need just a bit more warmth. We’ve got a full lineup of these in our Coating Collection Tips for Mid-Weight Success: 🪡 Pre-wash your fabrics—especially quilted or sherpa materials. Shrinkage is real!🪡 Use a walking foot for evenly feeding layered fabrics like sherpa or fleece.🪡 Go slow on seams and topstitching. A longer stitch length (3.0–3.5) looks neater and handles thicker spots better.🪡 Try bias binding or flat-felled seams if you’re working with unlined styles—these finishes are clean, pretty, and strong. Coming Up Next... We’ve done vests. We’ve done mid-weight magic. Next stop? Wool -faux and real Coats. Until then, browse our curated coating fabric collection and start dreaming up your next make. 🍁

Can you believe it’s almost November? The leaves are falling, the mornings are getting crisp—there’s even a hint of frost here in Alberta.  If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already started stitching up some cozy layers: plush fleece sweatshirts, heavier pants, maybe a long cardigan or two. Well, it’s the perfect time to kick off a new blog series on sewing outerwear, and we’re starting with one of my favorite transitional pieces—vests! Honestly, vests are as versatile as a zip-up hoodie. They’re perfect when you just need a bit of warmth without the full jacket commitment. You can go ultra-cozy with sherpa or quilted fabrics, or keep it sporty with an athletic woven (I personally have both—because options are everything). Let’s dive into some fabulous vest patterns to get your creative wheels turning! Top Vest Patterns to Sew This Fall: 🧵 Greenstyle Vapor VestThis one is a go-to if you love a modern, athletic look. Great for layering over your workout gear or weekend wear. It works beautifully with lighter woven fabrics or even a cozy stretch fleece for added warmth. 🧵 Love Notions Oakley VestA fan favorite for a reason! This pattern includes multiple lengths and collar options, making it easy to tailor to your personal style. Try it in a quilted plaid for that classic fall vibe. 🧵 Purl Soho Quilted Vest (Free Pattern!)Classic, clean, and oh-so-cozy—this free quilted vest pattern from Purl Soho is a great minimalist option. Perfect for showcasing those beautiful textured fabrics like quilted plaid or sherpa-backed cord. Great for confident beginners! 🧵 Styla Patterns Clayton Vest The vest is fully lined with multiple lengths, pocket + hood options, and perfect for layering. Honestly, this pattern is packed with options so you really can choose how many skills you'd like to tackle - keep it simple or go all out. Choose your fabrics based on the warmth you're after. Sewing Tips: Working with Thicker Fabrics Fall fabrics like fleece-back sherpa, quilted plaids, and sherpa-back corduroy (check out our gorgeous selection of Coatings) can take your vest game to a whole new level—but they do come with a few quirks. Here’s how to set yourself up for success: ✅ Use the Right Needle:Thicker fabrics = heavier needle. A 90/14 or 100/16 universal or denim needle usually does the trick. For layered seams, even consider a walking foot to help things glide through smoothly. ✅ Reduce Bulk Where You Can:Trim seam allowances and grade them to reduce thickness. Clipping curves and corners will help your finished vest look clean and professional. ✅ Test Stitches First:Always test your stitch settings on a fabric scrap first. Adjust your tension and stitch length (a longer stitch—around 3.0—works well on thick fabrics). ✅ Pin (or Clip) Strategically:Thicker materials can shift, so use lots of clips or long pins to keep your seams aligned. Make It Simple—or Go All Out One of the best things about sewing your own vest? You can make it as simple or as detailed as you like. Want something quick and cozy? Stick to a clean silhouette and let your fabric do the talking. Feeling adventurous? Add zippers, pockets, linings, and fancy topstitching—test every skill in your sewing toolbox! Whether you’re after instant gratification or ready to dive into a slow-sew project, you’ve got options. And if you’re in the mood for a little sewing envy (or inspiration), check out our blog post on this amazing puffer vest Karen made using our Alphamania coating:👉 Crafting the Puffer Vest – A Journey of Collaboration and Creativity Wrap It Up & Bundle Up Vests are just the beginning—this outerwear series is going to be packed with inspiration, fabric ideas, and real-life sewing tips to help you create your coziest makes yet. Be sure to check out our coating collection—we’ve got everything from quilted plaids to sherpa-backed corduroy to keep you stitching all season long. Thanks for hanging out, and stay tuned for the next part of the series where we move into coats. Until then, happy sewing and happy layering! 🍂