My New Favorite Sewing Pattern

The Ultimate French Workwear Inspired Chore Coat

I mentioned in a recent YouTube video that I have been on the hunt for a chore coat pattern. A few years ago it seemed like everyone on instagram was making a chore coat, and I was aware of a couple of sewing patterns that had been around for a bit.

However, when we’re taking the time to make our own clothing, we want the details to be exactly right, and none of the patterns I’d seen (some of which I’d sewn) were just what I was envisioning.

A few of the details I was looking for:
- Relaxed, unisex fit.
- Rounded patch pockets, two larger on the bottom and one smaller at the chest, (bonus points for added interior pockets).
- Classic yoke around front/collar, but no back yoke.
- Simple sleeve cuffs, i.e., no placket, no added cuffs, no buttons.
- Flat felled / enclosed seams, clean insides as well as lots of topstitching on outer.

Some of the patterns I knew of had some of these features, but none had all, until I was recommended the Indigo Indigo Workshop Jacket.

It’s always a pleasure to try a pattern from a new-to-you designer and find it to be a complete success. Indigo Indigo is an independent design studio as well as textile shop, a small family run business based in Norway.

The Workshop Jacket is one of six sewing patterns currently on their site, all of which appear to be unisex designs. It comes with two versions, one without a collar. I debated a bit as to which style to try first, but ultimately went for the collarless version, as I have many other jackets and shirts in my wardrobe - and all have traditional collars.

When it came to deciding which size to make, I took into consideration that the jacket is designed with a unisex or men’s block in mind. In my experience this tends to mean that the body will be longer and more rectangular in shape.

Because of that I started with the chest measurement, and the size recommended for me was sz. 1. However, I wanted a relaxed fit, and decided to cut a size 2. My waist measurement fell into the size 0, but again it was important to me that the jacket fit loosely at the chest and shoulders, and I anticipated a straight body going down from that point to the hem.

Also, the product photos feature the female designer wearing a size 2, and her measurements appear to be similar to my own.

For fabric, I used a 9oz brushed bull denim that had been in my stash for a bit. The color is ink/navy, and it perfectly fits into the French workwear vision. I’m not sure if it is still available, but similar fabrics can be found here and here.

Something that really attracted me to this pattern is that fact that all of the seams are flat felled, so no seam allowances are exposed on the interior of the jacket. This means that it will be stronger, and likely last longer, than garments with other seam finishing techniques.

Also it just looks clean, which is something that is important to me. The pattern has 3/4inch seam allowances to provide enough fabric to easily and cleanly create the flat felled seams, which felt simple to do even when attaching the sleeves to the body of the jacket.

I found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow. There is attention to detail in the construction as well as the format of the pattern. Overall I am very pleased with this project, and know it’s going to get loads of wear this Spring.

I even had enough fabric leftover to make a matching pair of shorts using the Anna Allen Pomona Shorts pattern.

The fit is exactly as I’d hoped, relaxed, gently oversized, comfortable and chic. This jacket is going to layer easily and pair so well with all of my other hand sewn and knit pieces. I will definitely be making this pattern again, and love that I can potentially make my partner one as well. Another reason unisex patterns are so great.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this sewing project. Have you tried any of Indigo Indigo’s patterns? I’ve my eye on their studio pants as a possible future sew as well.

Thanks again for spending some time with me today, I appreciate you!