Tag: Minerva Brand Ambassador

Plaid Matching Using Butterick 4463

I decided to try plaid matching using Butterick 4463.

The Pattern

Butterick 4463 pattern envelope cover

Butterick 4463 is an older pattern that’s out of print (OOP). It’s from 2005 but I think that these days, it would be called a shacket. I have made this multiple times before and it is one of my favorites. I believe it’s available on Ebay and Etsy.

The jacket is unlined. It features two inseam pockets, front and back yokes and collar. There are a couple of lengths and a belt pattern included.

My Jacket: Plaid Matching Using Butterick 4463

Woman wearing Butterick 4463 plaid jacket

I used this fabric I was gifted from Minerva for this project. It is the perfect weight fabric for something like this. It’s medium to heavy weight suiting and is terrific for an unlined jacket.

Woman wearing Butterick 4463 plaid jacket back view

Since this jacket doesn’t have a center back seam or gathers in the back, it was a bit easier to figure out how to match this plaid. I laid out the back piece first with the fabric folded and pinned so it wouldn’t shift or move around. Then I matched up the back yoke with fabric right-side up. After that, I used the notches in the pattern pieces to do the best I could to match up everything else. Luckily, that worked out.

It’s always nice when all the effort works out and things match the way you want. But I have also learned not to stress too much about it. Nothing is going to be perfect. I would proudly wear this jacket regardless.

Woman wearing Butterick 4463 plaid jacket side view

Because I wanted the buttons to blend in, I made covered buttons using the dark part of the plaid fabric.

Butterick 4463 jacket on dress form

Doing the buttons this way also meant that I didn’t have to worry about matching the plaid on the covered buttons.

Conclusion

Overall, this is an easy pattern and fairly quick to put together. Of course, if you choose to use a plaid fabric, the layout and cutting phase will take a bit more time and patience.

As far as this Minerva polyester viscose suiting is concerned, it is fantastic to sew. As I stated, it is the perfect weight for an unlined Fall season jacket. Here is the post I wrote for Minerva featuring this project.

The Perfect Pull On Jeans

First let me say, Minerva Fabrics gave me the material for this. The material is a jeggings fabric that is soft and stretchy. Although I was concerned that the fabric had too much stretch, it ended up being perfect for these jeans. They are the perfect pull on jeans for comfort and just a fun thing to wear. Here is the post I wrote on the Minerva site.

Jalie Eleonore pants 3461

There are real pockets in the back and faux pockets in the front of the jeans. This is a quick project to put together as well.

Jalie Eleonore pants front faux pockets
Jalie Eleonore pants back pockets

Construction Process for the Perfect Pull On Jeans

As far as actually sewing these, a serger with a 4-thread overlock stitch is probably the best and fastest. That gives the stretch and the strength needed for these pants. Otherwise, a zigzag stitch is good.

I did use a twin needle for the hems.

Because the waistband calls for 1″ elastic, they are very comfortable to wear. I used 3/4″ elastic for this particular pair. I used what I was able to find easily and they still sit comfortably at the waist. So I would not recommend using anything less that 3/4″ wide.

Jalie 3461 Back the perfect pull on jeans

If you notice in the photo above, there was a flaw in the fabric. There was a white line on the back of the leg (something from the manufacturing of the fabric). While I had enough to re-cut another, I decided to leave it as is and use the remaining fabric to possibly make a sweater or something.

I have made this pattern before (here) using a stretch woven material, which is actually the recommended fabric.

The elastic for the waistband is two pieces. There is a front and back piece . Getting a good fit is much easier this way. And you don’t have to worry about the elastic twisting in a casing.

Jalie 3461 Front perfect pull on jeans

Although this is an older pattern, it is still available. I definitely think this is one worth having. The pattern was made without alterations. I was able to get a good fitting pair of jeans by choosing the right size.

Until next time…