As the evenings draw in and the heating goes back on, a lot of us start thinking about cosy winter makes. If you have ever fancied sewing your own coat, jacket, cape or pinafore, now is a great time, because several of our wool blend coating fabrics are currently reduced. In this post we round up the checks, tweeds and herringbones in stock right now, plus a few tips for getting a smart finish.
Why choose a wool blend coating fabric?
Coating fabrics are heavier and denser than everyday dress fabrics, which is exactly what you want for outerwear. A wool blend melton or tweed gives you that classic warm, structured look and holds its shape well in tailored pieces. Because they are blends, they are also usually more affordable than pure wool, which makes them a sensible choice if you are trying out coat-making for the first time.
Coating weights are not just for coats, either. They work well for:
- Jackets, blazers and waistcoats
- Capes, ponchos and wraps
- Pinafore dresses and A-line winter skirts
- Children's coats and duffle-style jackets
- Cushions, throws and draught excluders for the home
Designer Checks Wool Blend Melton: now £7.19 a metre
Our Designer Checks Wool Blend Melton Fabric is reduced from £11.99 to £7.19 a metre. It is 150cm wide and comes in three bold checks, all currently in stock by the metre:
- Deep Navy & Orange Checks
- Black & White Checks
- Brown and Beige Checks
The navy and orange is a lovely autumn statement for a swing coat or cape, while the black and white check is a timeless choice for a tailored jacket or pinafore. The brown and beige check has a heritage, country feel that suits a classic overcoat or a smart winter skirt.
Designer Tweed Wool Mix Melton: herringbones, checks and more
If you prefer texture, take a look at our Designer Tweed Wool Mix Melton Fabric. This one is also 150cm wide and reduced from £11.99 to £7.19 a metre, or £40.50 for a 5 metre length (was £60).
Colours currently in stock by the metre:
- Black & White Checks
- Herringbone ZigZag - Black/White
- Leopard Spots Furry - Grey (Reversible)
- Camo Print - Brown
The 5 metre lengths are available in Herringbone ZigZag - Black/White, Leopard Spots Furry - Grey (Reversible) and Herringbone Tetris - Grey, with limited quantities left. A 5 metre length is handy if you are planning a longer coat, or matching pieces such as a jacket and skirt.
Black Houndstooth Check Tweed Wool Blend
Houndstooth never really goes out of style. Our Black Houndstooth Check Tweed Wool Blend Fabric is now £7.99 a metre (was £11.99). It is a great pick for a smart blazer, a pencil skirt or a cropped jacket, and it pairs easily with plain black or navy.
Leopard Spots Furry Wool Blend Melton
For something a little more playful, our Leopard Spots Furry Wool Blend Melton has a soft, furry finish and a fun animal print. It is £9.99 a metre (was £11.99), or £45 for 5 metres (was £59.95), with only a couple of 5 metre lengths left. It makes a cosy statement coat or collar, and is lovely for children's jackets too.
Tips for sewing coating fabric
- Use a bigger needle. A size 90/14 or 100/16 needle copes better with thick layers than a standard needle.
- Lengthen your stitch. A slightly longer stitch (around 3mm) sits better on heavier fabrics and helps stop puckering.
- Line your coat. A lining helps the coat slide on easily over jumpers and gives a neat, professional finish inside.
- Press with care. Use a pressing cloth and steam rather than pressing the iron straight onto the fabric, so you do not leave a shine on the right side.
- Check the nap and pattern. With checks and herringbones, cut all your pieces in the same direction and line up the pattern at the seams. You may need a little extra fabric to allow for pattern matching.
How much coating fabric do I need?
This always depends on your pattern, size and the length of the coat, so check the fabric requirements on your pattern envelope first. As a rough guide, a short jacket often needs less than a full-length coat, and you should allow extra for pattern matching on checks. If you are unsure, our guide on how much fabric you need is a handy place to start.
Get sewing before the cold sets in
Whether you want a classic check coat, a textured tweed jacket or a fun leopard print statement piece, there is plenty to choose from in our reduced wool blend coating range. Stock is limited in some colours, so if one catches your eye, it is worth ordering soon. Browse the fabrics above and start planning your winter wardrobe today.
