I’m sharing some shacket sewing secrets that will help you achieve terrific results! I’ll go over the best fabrics for making and, of course, I’m sharing the perfect Fall shacket I made.
The Pattern
Simplicity 9388 was released in 2021, so it’s been around for a couple of years. It continues to be a very popular pattern.
This particular sewing pattern is a unisex pattern that ranges in size from XXS-XXL. As you can see from the photograph, the shacket can be made into a short look, to a long midi-length look. There are inseam pockets as well as the front pockets with flaps.
What Is A Shacket?
For those who are unaware, a shacket is basically the combination of a shirt and a jacket. They are a Fall staple in many wardrobes these days and I think, they are here to stay!
Here’s some reasons that shackets are so popular:
- they are warm and comfortable on cool days
- shackets are terrific for transitioning into your Fall wardrobe
- they are a great layering piece
- depending on the pattern choice, they can be a beginner friendly project
My Simplicity 9388 Shacket
First, let me say, I didn’t make any adjustments or alterations to the pattern. I made View B in a medium. Unisex patterns can be a little tricky for me to fit well, so I really checked measurements and decided to go with this size.
Although the plaid on the jacket looks great, I will admit that I didn’t stress about matching this at all. I did the best I could on the front, and then just kept going. I did attempt to match the front pocket flaps.
One of the most important things for me was to make sure the fabric was straight (on the grainline).
That sentence above is one of my shacket sewing secrets! Of course, it doesn’t matter what you’re making in regards to this. If you are using any kind of plaid in particular, you need to ensure that the fabric is cut out straight. So, just take your time when you lay it out.
The fabric I used is a black and camel colored poly rayon spandex blend (woven).
Flannel and plaid of all types are popular materials for sewing shackets. The majority of shackets and shacket patterns that I am familiar with are all for woven fabric. While this is my first actual shacket, I have made other Fall layering pieces in the past. In fact, the fabric I used for this was purchased from the Angela Wolf fabric stash sale, just like the piece in the link. I already had this piece in my fabric stash, so I got to shop at home! The stash sale is open to those who are members of her Fashion Sewing Club (FSC). Here’s a link to get more info on that if you’re interested.
Another shacket sewing secret would be to keep the fabric washable.
Because these are so comfortable for outdoor activities, you’ll want to be able to care for it easily, and to me, that means washing and drying.
Styling Your Shacket If You’re Over 40
As far as how I can imagine wearing this when the weather cools down, I can definitely see wearing black or off white/ivory under this topper. The photo on the pattern envelope shows the model wearing a white sweatshirt, which is great for a casual day out (I’m thinking football game, leaf peeping-yes, that’s a thing in this part of the USA). Or, a nice cream colored sweater like this with black pants or jeans.
Conclusion
Let me know, have you ever made a shacket from this pattern or another? Leave me a comment below. I just love this very comfy, oversized (but not too oversized) look. Fall is my favorite time of year, so I am really looking forward to building a wearable wardrobe that I can really get a lot of use out of. What about you?
Here’s my latest YouTube video on this project and others… Enjoy!
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