The Stevie Jean Jacket from Style Arc hasn’t received as much praise as I think it deserves. Because Style Arc patterns are sparse in instructions, I think that is the biggest reason why. Everything else about it was exactly with what I was going for and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a classic, looser fitting jean jacket. You don’t have to be an expert when it comes to sewing and it can be overhwhelming at times, but what you end up with is totally worth it.

*This pattern was provided to me for free as a member of the #sewmystyle2019 leadership team. All views and opinions are my own.

Choosing a Size

The biggest thing to keep in mind when choosing a size is that the Stevie Jean Jacket is designed to have an oversized look. According to the website:

This denim jacket is a wardrobe staple for all year round, its oversized style gives you the perfect boyfriend fit without being too big. The oversized sleeves are ideal for rolling up giving it the true boyfriend look. If you prefer a fitted Jean Jacket we have the Stacie Jean Jacket on the Style Arc site.

Style Arc patterns traditionally come in one size which can be tricky if you’re all over the place on the size chart. One thing that will ease your mind is that they actually give you a size higher and lower than what you order. For example, I measure size 6 on their size chart if I’m going by bust measurements. If I ordered a 6, I would also get a size 4 and a size 8 pattern. You could also alleviate sizing stress by ordering their multi-size pattern, but I don’t think it’s necessary with the fit of this jacket.

Unless you want a really oversized jacket, I would recommend sizing down. I went down to a size 4 and it’s plenty oversized for me without being too overwhelming on my frame. I made no other modifications otherwise.

Gathering Supplies

• Depending on your size, you’ll want 2-2.75 yards of fabric. They suggest denim, drill, or linen. READ THIS to learn more about distressing/bleaching your fabric before cutting. I found my fabric in the Annex section of the Mill End Store in Portland.
• 13 studs or buttons of 17mm diameter. *This is different from the pattern instructions. If you are leaving off the waist tabs, then you could do with less. I purchased mine from Taylor Tailor.
• Denim sewing needle.
• Regular thread and topstitching thread.
• Optional: Twin needle for topstitching. I didn’t use one because I have trouble with twin needles on my machine so I topstitched twice to create a twin needle look.
• Optional: Serger. If you have one, it makes it quick and easy to finish the seams.
• Optional, but highly recommended: Edgestitch foot. There’s A LOT of topstitching involved and you’ll want this.

Things to know before starting

There’s a lot of prepwork involved before you start and after every step. If you’re new to making a denim jacket, the Hampton Jean Jacket Sewalong from Alina Design Co is going to be your best resource. Bookmark it because you will go back to it a lot.

Side Note: You could very well ignore the Style Arc instructions all together and use this sew along to make your jacket. The instructions are not in the same order, but they work very well. The only differences are the seam allowances and pocket pieces.

Before you cut your pattern pieces, there are 2 things I wanted to mention in case you wanted to deviate from the pattern.

• Pocket pieces: One recommendation I read online from previous makers is cutting a rectangle piece for the pocket pieces so that it catches in the button placket and waistband. I forgot to do this myself, but it’s a great modification and you’ll want to attach the placket and waistband after the pocket.
• Seam allowance is 3/8″ and included in the pattern pieces. This makes it more difficult to make a flat felled seam. If you want to make a true flat felled seam, then you could redraft the pattern pieces to a 5/8.” I personally just serged the edges and folded over for a mock flat felled seam.

After every single step, there’s a lot going on between each step that isn’t mentioned in instructions so you’ll want to remind yourself somehow. I forgot more than once which led to a lot of frustration and unpicking so I wanted to put this out there. If you’re a space cadet and need instructions to do every step, write it in or place a sticky note somewhere to remind yourself.

The Inbetween Steps

1. Distress seam with your desired method. Great tips HERE.
2. Finish seam. Either with serger or with flat felled seam.
3. Topstitch. I used an edgestitch foot and stitched twice for a twin needle look.

Let’s get started!

Have you made a denim jacket before? Are you joining us for Sew My Style Denim Jacket month? Let me know what your plans are in the comments below. Find me on Instagram to see my videos walking you through the Stevie steps! If I can help with anything, please let me know.

To learn more about #sewmystyle and to be eligible for discounts and prizes, be sure to check out this post for all things #sewmystyle2019 and don’t forget to join the Facebook group for more resources.