Sew comfortable, stylish outerwear with our women's PDF sewing patterns. Our collection includes casual jackets, cardigans, hoodies, vests, and coats in sizes XXS through XXXL. Each instant download pattern features detailed instructions with color photos, plus options for different closure types, pocket styles, hood variations, and fit options. Create outerwear that actually fits - customize shoulder width, sleeve length, body length, and closures for perfect comfort and style. Whether you need casual everyday jackets, cozy cardigans for layering, warm hoodies, versatile vests, or winter coats, find patterns for every skill level and season. Download your pattern and start sewing outerwear today.
Finding outerwear that fits well is incredibly frustrating. Store-bought jackets, cardigans, and coats rarely fit properly - the shoulders are too narrow or too wide, sleeves are too short or too long, the body is too boxy or too fitted, and nothing accommodates your unique proportions. When you sew your own outerwear, you control every detail. Customize shoulder width for perfect fit, adjust sleeve length precisely, modify body length and width, choose your preferred closure type, and create the exact fit you need. From casual everyday jackets to cozy cardigans, warm hoodies to winter coats, make outerwear that fits your body perfectly and completes your wardrobe.
Casual jackets: Everyday jackets - bomber jackets, denim jackets, utility jackets, moto jackets, and casual zip-ups for weekend wear and layering.
Cardigans: Open-front knit jackets - cocoon cardigans, waterfall cardigans, kimono cardigans, and classic button-front cardigans for easy layering year-round.
Hoodies and pullovers: Cozy casual outerwear with hoods - zip-up hoodies, pullover hoodies, and sweatshirts for comfort and warmth.
Vests: Sleeveless layering pieces - puffer vests, utility vests, fleece vests, and casual vests that work across seasons.
Coats: Full-length outerwear for cold weather - casual coats, winter coats, and warm outerwear with protection from the elements.
Lightweight jackets: Spring/summer outerwear - windbreakers, rain jackets, and unlined casual jackets for transitional weather.
Capes and ponchos: Stylish alternative outerwear - flowing, dramatic pieces for layering and warmth.
Denim jackets: Timeless casual jackets perfect for year-round layering - classic style that never goes out of fashion. Make in traditional denim or try colored denim, stretch denim, or chambray. Add custom details like contrasting stitching, decorative buttons, or interior pockets. Bomber jackets: Classic sporty jackets with ribbed cuffs and waistbands - casual, comfortable, and trendy. Make in quilted fabric, nylon, satin, or fashion fabrics. Perfect for spring and fall layering. Moto jackets: Edgy asymmetrical zip jackets with attitude - stylish statement pieces in faux leather, heavy knit, ponte, or structured wovens. Utility jackets: Practical jackets with multiple pockets - functional and fashionable. Perfect in canvas, twill, or lightweight denim. Great for outdoor activities and casual wear. These casual jackets fill your everyday outerwear needs - comfortable enough for running errands, stylish enough for casual outings, and easy to layer over everything from t-shirts to sweaters.
Hoodies are essential casual outerwear - comfortable, practical, and perfect for layering. Zip-up hoodies: Front-zip hoodies with separating zippers - easy to put on and take off, adjustable warmth. Make in French terry, fleece, or sweatshirt fabric. Add kangaroo pockets, side pockets, or zippered pockets. Pullover hoodies: Classic overhead hoodies - cozy and casual. Perfect for lounging or outdoor activities. Hood construction: Learn to construct hoods with proper shaping and drawstrings. Hoods add warmth and weather protection. Fabric choices: French terry for year-round wear, fleece for warmth, lightweight sweatshirt knit for layering. Details: Add thumb holes in cuffs, color-blocking panels, contrast ribbing, or decorative zippers. Handmade hoodies cost $15-30 in materials compared to $40-80 for quality store-bought versions. Make several in different colors and weights for versatile layering options. Hoodies work for everything from morning walks to grocery runs to cozy evenings at home.
Knit cardigans are versatile layering pieces perfect for all seasons. Cocoon cardigans: Loose, flowing cardigans with waterfall fronts - comfortable and stylish. Make in ponte knit, French terry, or sweater knits. These drape beautifully and work over everything from t-shirts to dresses. Kimono cardigans: Simple, flowing open-front jackets inspired by Japanese design - very easy to sew and universally flattering. Perfect beginner-friendly outerwear project. Classic cardigans: Button-front cardigans with bands - timeless style in any knit fabric. Make short cardigans for everyday wear or longer dusters for elegant coverage. Hooded cardigans: Casual cardigans with hoods - comfortable and practical for cooler weather. Styling options: Cardigans work for layering in offices (over sleeveless dresses or tanks), casual weekends (over jeans and tees), and travel (easy layer for planes and temperature changes). Make cardigans in multiple weights - lightweight jersey for summer air conditioning, medium ponte for spring/fall, cozy fleece or chunky knit for winter warmth. Cardigans are excellent projects for sewists comfortable with knit fabrics - relatively simple construction creates wearable, versatile pieces you'll reach for constantly.
Vests provide warmth without restricting arm movement - perfect transitional pieces. Puffer vests: Quilted vests filled with batting or insulation - extremely warm for their weight. Great for fall and spring when you need core warmth but not full sleeves. Fleece vests: Soft, warm vests in polar fleece or similar fabrics - perfect for outdoor activities and casual wear. Utility vests: Multi-pocket vests in canvas or twill - functional and stylish. Great for hiking, travel, or casual layering. Sweater vests: Knit vests in ponte, sweater knit, or French terry - classic layering pieces that work for casual or business casual settings. Styling vests: Layer over long-sleeve shirts, turtlenecks, or thin sweaters. Vests add warmth and visual interest without the bulk of full sleeves. Many women prefer vests for activities where arm mobility matters - driving, outdoor work, active pursuits. Store-bought quality vests cost $40-100+, while handmade vests cost $15-35 in materials.
Sew warm, well-fitting coats for cold climates. Casual winter coats: Longer jackets in warm fabrics - wool blends, heavy fleece, or quilted materials with insulation. Add interlining between fashion fabric and lining for extra warmth without excessive bulk. Puffer coats: Quilted coats filled with batting or insulation - extremely warm and practical for very cold weather. Hood options: Add hoods for weather protection and warmth. Detachable hoods offer versatility. Length considerations: Hip-length coats for everyday wear, three-quarter length for more coverage, full-length coats for maximum warmth. Construction features: Full linings create professional finish and help coats slide on easily over layers. Wind-resistant outer fabrics increase warmth. Proper interfacing in collars and closures ensures structure. Deep pockets are essential for gloves, phones, and keys. Store-bought quality winter coats cost $150-400+. Handmade coats cost $60-150 in materials and fit infinitely better - proper sleeve length and shoulder fit make huge difference in comfort and appearance.
Outerwear fit differs from other garments because jackets and coats layer over clothing. Ease: Outerwear patterns include wearing ease (room to move and layer underneath). Casual jackets have 4-6 inches ease, cardigans have 2-4 inches, winter coats have 6-8+ inches to accommodate heavy sweaters. Critical fit points: Shoulders must fit properly - too narrow binds and restricts movement, too wide looks sloppy and sleeves won't hang right. Sleeve length affects the whole look - too short looks awkward and leaves wrists cold, too long is annoying and bunches up. Body length should cover what you want covered - hip-length for most jackets, longer for coats and cardigans. Layering considerations: Try on over typical clothing when fitting. Casual jackets fit over t-shirts or light sweaters, winter coats over bulky layers. Common adjustments: Lengthen or shorten sleeves, adjust body length, modify shoulder width, change hood size. Most outerwear patterns include marked adjustment lines. The beauty of sewing outerwear is getting perfect fit in shoulders and sleeves - the two most difficult areas to alter after construction.
Zippers: Separating zippers work for casual jackets and hoodies - metal zippers are durable and stylish, plastic coil zippers are lighter and less expensive. Practice zipper installation on scraps before working on your garment. Buttons and buttonholes: Traditional closure for cardigans and button-front jackets. Use quality buttons that complement your fabric. Practice buttonholes before working on garment. Snaps: Quick closures for casual jackets and vests - decorative snaps add style while hidden snaps are purely functional. Install snaps according to package directions. Toggles and clasps: Unique closures that add character to coats and jackets - casual, sporty look. Open-front: Many cardigans and kimonos need no closure - easiest option and very versatile for layering. Drawstrings: Adjustable closures at waists or hems on hoodies and casual jackets - add functionality and style. Choose closure type based on jacket style, fabric weight, and your skill level. Zippers create more structured looks while open-fronts are easier to sew and more forgiving to wear.
For casual jackets: Denim (traditional or stretch), canvas, twill, corduroy, or heavy cotton provide structure and durability. Quilted fabric for bomber jackets. Faux leather or vinyl for moto jackets. For hoodies and pullovers: French terry (most versatile - works year-round), sweatshirt fleece (brushed inside for warmth), polar fleece (very warm and cozy), or ponte knit (more structured). For cardigans: Ponte knit (holds shape well, professional appearance), sweater knit (cozy and warm), French terry (casual and comfortable), jersey knit (lightweight for summer cardigans), or fleece (warm winter option). For vests: Same fabrics as jackets but consider quilt batting for puffer vests, fleece for warmth, or canvas/twill for utility vests. For coats: Wool or wool blends (warm and classic), heavy fleece, quilted fabric with batting, or water-resistant materials for rain protection. Lining fabrics: Lightweight rayon or polyester lining (smooth interior), flannel (extra warmth), or quilted lining (insulation). Always consider weight, drape, and seasonality when choosing fabrics.
Functional pockets make outerwear practical and useful. Patch pockets: Easiest to construct, stitched on jacket exterior - casual and visible. Great for utility jackets and casual coats. Kangaroo pockets: Large front pockets on hoodies and casual jackets - perfect for warming hands and storing essentials. Zippered pockets: Secure storage for valuable items - phones, keys, wallets. Essential for active wear and travel jackets. Side seam pockets: Hidden in side seams for clean appearance while remaining functional. Interior pockets: Hidden pockets inside jackets and coats for valuables - add these to any lined outerwear. Hood features: Add drawstrings for adjustability, fleece lining for warmth, or toggles for securing. Make pockets deep enough to actually hold items - shallow decorative pockets are frustrating. Reinforce pocket openings and corners so they don't tear out with use. Well-designed pockets transform outerwear from decorative to truly functional.
Build a complete outerwear wardrobe for every season. Spring/Fall: Lightweight denim jackets, unlined casual jackets, medium-weight cardigans, hoodies in French terry, and vests for layering. Transitional seasons need versatile pieces that layer well. Summer: Lightweight kimono cardigans for air-conditioned spaces, thin jersey cardigans for cool evenings, or lightweight zip jackets for outdoor activities. Winter: Heavy coats with lining and insulation, fleece hoodies, warm cardigans in chunky knits, puffer vests for layering, and wool or fleece jackets. Year-round basics: Denim jacket (works across three seasons), medium-weight cardigan (always useful for layering), and casual zip jacket. Having patterns in your collection means you can make appropriate outerwear for your climate and lifestyle. Make lightweight versions for mild climates, heavy insulated versions for cold climates, or multiple weights for variable weather.
Store-bought outerwear creates frustrating fit challenges. Sleeves are rarely the right length - too short leaves wrists exposed and cold, too long bunches awkwardly. Shoulders don't fit - too narrow restricts movement, too wide looks sloppy. Body proportions are wrong - too boxy or too fitted, wrong length for your height. Quality outerwear is expensive - good jackets cost $80-200+, quality coats cost $150-400+, and nothing fits properly anyway. When you sew outerwear, you get perfect fit in shoulders and sleeves (the hardest areas to alter), exactly the length you need for your height and preferences, quality fabrics and construction that last for years, custom details like pockets and hoods exactly how you want them, and unique styles in colors and fabrics you won't find in stores. Handmade casual jackets cost $25-60 in materials, cardigans cost $15-40, hoodies cost $15-30, and coats cost $60-150. The time investment creates outerwear you'll wear for 5-10+ years. For tall women, petite women, or anyone with proportions that don't match standard sizing, sewing often provides the only way to get truly well-fitting outerwear.
Take very accurate measurements - shoulder width, bust, sleeve length from shoulder to wrist, and jacket length preferences. Try on over typical clothing you'll layer underneath. For jackets and coats, consider making a muslin to perfect fit before cutting expensive fabric. Use proper interfacing in collars, cuffs, and closure areas - this creates structure and professional appearance. Practice zipper and buttonhole installation on scraps before working on your garment. Use quality zippers, buttons, and notions - these are visible and impact overall appearance. Press thoroughly at every step - crisp pressing is essential for professional-looking outerwear. Take your time with sleeve setting - properly set sleeves look polished. For hoodies, practice hood construction on scraps to understand shaping. Choose appropriate fabrics for your climate and intended use. Finish seams neatly even in unlined jackets - use serging, French seams, or other finishing methods. Consider adding fun details like contrast lining, decorative topstitching, or unique buttons to make your outerwear special. For detailed construction help and tutorials, visit our sewing blog for outerwear sewing guidance and troubleshooting tips.
How long does it take to sew a jacket or cardigan?
Simple unlined jackets or open-front cardigans take 4-8 hours. Hoodies take 4-6 hours. Lined jackets and coats take 10-20 hours depending on complexity. Your first attempts take longer but speed increases with experience.
Are jackets and outerwear good beginner projects?
Some styles work for beginners - simple cardigans, unlined zip jackets, or basic hoodies. Avoid lined jackets or complex tailored styles until you have more experience. Start simple and build skills gradually.
How much fabric do I need?
Jackets typically need 2-3 yards of main fabric. Cardigans need 1.5-2.5 yards. Coats need 3-4 yards. Add lining fabric if lined (usually same yardage as main fabric). Each pattern includes detailed yardage charts.
Do I have to line a jacket?
No - lining adds professional finish but isn't required. Unlined jackets work fine for casual styles. Just finish seams neatly with serging or other methods. Lined jackets and coats look more polished and slide on easier.
What's the hardest part of sewing outerwear?
Setting sleeves properly and installing zippers or making buttonholes. All are learnable skills with practice and good instructions. Proper fitting also takes time but creates well-fitting results.
Should I make a muslin first?
For fitted jackets or expensive fabric, yes. For loose cardigans or casual styles with forgiving fit, you might skip it. Always worth considering for first attempts at new patterns.
Can I use woven fabric for a hoodie pattern?
Not usually - hoodie patterns are designed for knit fabrics with stretch. Using woven fabric will result in garments too tight to wear comfortably. Always use the fabric type specified by the pattern.
