Made by a Fabricista: Channeling my Inner Coco Chanel

Hi Everyone! My name is Johanna Ali and I am SEW excited to be a Fabric Mart Fabricista! I’ve been shopping with Fabric Mart for years and have been wanting to be a Fabricista since then too, so I jumped at the opportunity as soon as they posted it. So, here I am. I will be sharing my Chanel Inspired Jacket and how I made my own trim.

The classic Chanel Jacket is iconic and sophisticated as it should be with the price tag associated with them. Usually, the classic Chanel Jacket is made using a tweed or a bouclé fabric and are hand sewn. This is what makes them couture. Other distinct characteristics are the front pockets, the ornate buttons and trim as well as the chain weighted hem. The lining is also quilted to the jacket.

There are several patterns produced by the big 4 pattern companies that you can use for this make. Initially, I was going to use Vogue 8804, but I decided to go in a different direction and used Simplicity 8741 instead with some modifications.

I sewed view A. I removed the front facing of the jacket because I was not going to add any closures to it. I removed 2 inches from the sleeve hem and I used the pockets from Vogue 8804.

While searching for fabric on Fabric Mart Fabrics website, I came across this beautiful Royal Blue/Black Polyester Geometric Design Boucle Suiting. I selected this fabric because blue is my favorite color. I also selected it because I really liked the pattern on the fabric. Since there aren’t any straight lines, I wouldn’t have to worry about pattern matching.

Another distinct feature that I love about the Chanel Jacket are the infinite options you can use for the trim. If you go on Pinterest and look up Chanel Jacket trims you will truly be mind blown. Some trims you might see are ribbon, chain, braided trim and even pearls. I decided to make my own! It’s not as difficult as you might think. Cut 2” strips of fabric on the bias of your fabric. Sew a zig zag stitch on the fabric down the center of the length of your strip of fabric. Also, I cut mine on the fold and I sewed both pieces together. Then, I used a seam ripper to separate the fabric threads and that’s it! I’m kind of kidding. Pack your patience as you’ll have to make enough to go ALL around ALL of the outer seams of your jacket as well as your pockets. It will be so worth it in the end. I promise.

Although, I totally cheated and didn’t sew a traditional couture garment, I am so in love with my Chanel Inspired Jacket. It’s so chic! As I said above, I really love that you can totally customize your jacket and give it your personal touch.

I hope you all enjoyed my jacket as much as I do.

Until next time!

JOHANNA | @soveryjo

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: BOUCLE & SUITING.