I’m excited to introduce the newest pattern from Sewaholic Patterns today… the Robson Coat!
Every woman needs a classic trench coat. Even better if it’s in a fabulous colour with shiny gold buttons!
Rounded edges at the collar, flaps and pocket welts are feminine and retro-inspired, for a softer look and a contrast to the military look of a trench coat.
Pockets are placed at the front seams so they don’t add any bulk to the hips. In fact, there are no side seams at all, for a very smooth silhouette!
This project may seem intimidating, but I promise it’s easier than it seems. In fact, it’s a good project if you don’t have a lot of time to sew. There are many little pieces to construct – epaulettes, flaps, belt, sleeve tabs – perfect if you only have short bursts of time to sew! Then when you do have a stretch of quality sewing time, all the small pieces will be ready to go!
The Robson Coat is unlined, so it’s faster to sew and easier to press the finished coat. The seams are finished with bias binding for a clean, professional finish. Choose matching bias tape or pick a bright, contrasting colour like this sample!
If you’re using packaged bias tape, it may be hard to find a perfect colour match. Go with a bright contrast, or make your own bias tape! Wouldn’t a striped trim look neat on the inside? Stripes or plaids form diagonal lines when cut on the bias, so you’d have candy-cane striped trim hidden inside your coat. A little touch of fun on a classic, elegant coat!
I love how this pattern turned out! I can’t wait to make another version of this coat in a neutral colour. While it won’t be right away, I’d love to do a bit of a walk-through of this pattern to convince you it’s not as hard as it looks. There are a lot of pieces and a lot of topstitching but it is well worth it for a coat you’ll wear forever!
Want to make your own Robson Coat? Get the pattern here. Patterns are in stock and ready to ship.
This is stunning! I’m about to start a Cambie dress, and I have a feeling this will be next… I think I need that coat in my life :)
Thank you! Good luck with the Cambie dress, the dress and this coat would go wonderfully together!
Very exciting! I have been thinking how much better life would be with a trench coat since we’ve had several days with sideways blowing rain. Umbrellas just don’t cut it. Great job!
Oh I know about sideways blowing rain – this coat would be great to protect against that! Especially if you choose a fabric that’s water-repellent or at least synthetic (as opposed to cotton which just soaks up the rain.)
Tasia, Woww!!! That’s a gorgeous trench coat pattern! Beautiful coat in a beautiful color too!!
Thank you! I wanted to show it off in a bright colour instead of a neutral. It’s easy to picture in taupe or black, but more eye-catching in royal blue!
YAY! I am actually less intimidated because of the fact that it has no lining, which would make it a great rain coat if I draft a hood for it. I’m excited!
Yes, it’s easier to sew without lining – lots of seams to bind but they’re not hard to do once you get the hang of it!
Holy cow! It’s like you read my mind! I had a blue trenchcoat with gold buttons in my head for ages and was ready to start frankenpatterning, but you just made the job so much easier!
Excellent! So glad I could help :)
Congratulations on the new pattern. It looks wonderful!
Thanks!
Oh my gosh!!! I love this pattern. It is so so classic and flattering. Can’t wait to try it!!will there be a sewalong?
Thank you! I’m so glad you like it! I can’t commit to a full sew-along because I know I don’t have the time right now to do a good job, but I do plan on making more of these coats and will share photos and tips along the way.
I love your new coat pattern! The style is beautiful as is the color and the tailoring is impeccable! I think if you tied the belt with a square knot it would show off your design even more (right over left and then right over left again). I hope this does not come across as being critical. I just love your patterns and blog.
No problem, I appreciate the suggestion! It’s easy to not notice little things like this when you’re the one wearing the clothes :) There are so many details to consider – pose, lighting, smoothing out wrinkles, and of course not making a weird face.
Hi Tasia,
Beautiful & inspiring pattern, yet again. One question: I am exceptionally long waisted (I have to add about 6″ to most bodice pattern pieces) and am eyeing the belt location on your coat. Do you think that it would be better to add length ABOVE or BELOW the belt? I guess I could even split the difference. I don’t want to compromise the overall look that you have achieved here! Thank you for another great pattern!
Well, the belt loops go on at the end, so it’s easy to re-position them in the most flattering place on your waistline. It sounds like you would do best to add ABOVE the belt placement, Think about what kind of alterations you do most frequently on other projects – are you always adding to dresses and blouses above the waistline, or below? Or you could do what you said and split the difference. For a project this big I’d suggest a muslin and that way you can determine whether you need to add, or if re-positioning the belt loops will do the trick!
Congratulations on another great pattern! What a gorgeous coat and color!! If I was just a bit more advanced I’d sew it in a heartbeat!!
It is a bit more advanced, but there’s nothing extremely hard about this pattern. Just a lot of little pieces, a sleeve to set in, and a lot of seams to bind. When you’re feeling up to the challenge I am sure you’ll be able to take it on!
Congratulations! It’s a lovely pattern…I love trench coats…I will have to postpone it to a later time but It’s great to know you made it for us!
Thank you! I love trench coats too, I’m happy to have one in the pattern lineup!
This is stunning! Order placed!!
Do you by chance have any sleeve measurements for this one? I am going to make the 8, but I am wondering if I should order some extra fabric to accommodate my stupidly long arms….
I will measure the sleeves for you!
On my sample (sz.4) the sleeves are 23.5″ from the top of the shoulder along the outer arm. I’ll double-check how much the sleeve length increases per size and let you know!
Hi Dani! On size 8, the sleeves will measure approximately 24″ from top of shoulder to hem. I hope this helps! There are lengthen and shorten lines printed on the sleeve pieces to help if needed.
Excellent thank you so much!
This looks amazing. I can never get a trench coat quite the length and fit I would like and now I can make one. Will be ordering as soon as it’s in stock in the UK!
It should be in stock at UK retailers soon! Their orders shipped a few days earlier than today’s announcement so check with your favourite stockist for an update!
Stunning! Can’t wait to try this pattern- and perfect for spring!
Thank you! Yup, perfect for spring, for that transition between winter coats and not needing a coat at all!
I love it! This is definitely on my wishlist because I can never find a trench coat to suit me (I’m 5’0″) without being completely swallowed up. Best of all, I can use a cute lining and bias tape contrast!
I just made a pink houndstooth cape, and now I can make a more subdued trench coat… or just go crazy with color again! Thanks! :)
Oh yes! This pattern would be easy to shorten at the hem and above the waist if you need to shrink down the proportions. The cute contrast is the best part! I like the plain contrast bias tape but I’m planning to spice up the trim on my next version, stripes or plaids or even tiny polka dots.
I’ve always wanted a trench coat! Great pattern!
Thanks!
Wiw, Tasia, you’ve done it again! Love the new pattern and yes, I’ll be adding it to my pattern stash, it’s just too cute to resist!
Thank you! So glad you love it!
Time for another coat, thanks Tasia. So cute, I’m thinking a fabulous teal colour with coral floral bias….
Teal and coral – yes! Two of my favourite colours and they look so striking together!
Could Sewaholic Patterns *be* any more perfect!?
Aw, thank you! That’s such a nice comment! :)
I saw this pattern on the website last night and wondered if I had missed the announcement! Though it probably wouldn’t be best for my figure, I love the color and style of your coat.
Thank you! Once the pattern testers start sharing their versions you’ll get to see it on different bodies and sizes, to get an idea of what it looks like on people other than me. I’ll post some of their projects here as well!
Really cute coat. Lovely work!
Thank you!
Oh, goodness, but I love this coat! I have a number of projects stacked up but this might have to be a ‘fill-in-the-minutes-by-sewing-bits-of-this-beautiful-coat’ project. Perfect for spring showers!
Exactly! It’s so wet here, it’s nice to be able to weather the rain (ha!) in style. There are plenty of little pieces to construct as fill-in-the-minutes work!
Absolutely incredible! I would love to make this. I think I need to make this! A trench is definitely a must-have timeless staple piece in every wardrobe, and this pattern produces a gorgeous coat.
Thank you so much! I agree, a trench is a great wardrobe item, especially for women who wear a lot of dresses. Or jeans. Or anything, really!
As soon as I had learned you were coming out with a trench coat, I stopped looking for a pattern because I love your style and figured you would make something right up my alley. You didn’t disappoint! I’ve been wanting a beige trench (a la Burberry) forever and this would be perfect for it. Also, thanks for the background on the pattern name!
Thank you! It would be perfectly classic in beige. And yes, I think I forgot the background on the pattern name once before, so this time I made sure to remember!
Good job, Tasia! And just in time for me too! I had been looking for a trench coat pattern, and I had almost decided to just buy the Vogue pattern and alter the design details. But you’ve MADE the coat I wanted! Yay!
Excellent! I made the coat I wanted, too, so I’m so glad you guys like it! I wanted all those great trench coat details but I also wanted it to be simple to construct. I hope you enjoy making it!
Another “Win” Tasia! I bought it straight away as this is a perfect spring project. :) Congrats!!!
I apologize for my bad behavior, but I’m drooling over this one. It’s so cute and you’re launching the pattern at the right time. I sooo need a coat. But to be honest, this one would make me need a coat even if I didn’t. I applaud you for your beautiful coat. =)
Continued…
I’ve only been following your blog for a few months, but I think I finally have your pattern numbering system figured out: the year, then the number. So, this pattern is 1301 because it’s the first pattern released in 2013, right?
Exactly! You figured out the code :)
Wow! I love this coat. I’ve wanted a trench coat for so long and I love the idea that I can now make my own. I will definitely be getting this pattern!
Congratulations Tasia! It’s wonderful to see your pattern line going from strength to strength. I also love that your patterns are not just fantasy material, but made with real women and real life in mind. I wish you lots of success with this pattern!
This looks like an amazing pattern! So gorgeous! And perfectly named! I could see tons of people walking down Robson with this trench and an umbrella :)
It’s beautiful! I love trench coats and this version in purple is just gorgeous! What other fabrics can be used to make this?
Oh Robson coat, where were you 8 months ago when I startrd sewing my raincoat that is sadly in the UFO pile!?
I’ve been looking for a trench/raincoat for the last year or so. This pattern looks exactly what I’ve been hoping for and now I can choose my own colors, embellishments, etc. Love the idea of contrasting bias tape. First I have to finish my Cambie though….several weddings coming up.
I love the colour. Fabricland is having a 50% off sale in Ont on the 21st, so I will be looking for a bright colour twill fabric there. I ordered my pattern last night!
I think I will have to have this pattern!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m envisioning maybe a heavier cotton sateen.
Tasia this is beautiful! It doesn’t hurt that I loooove that purpley-blue color :) and the lilac color of the envelope :) I love the rounded shapes on this that still give a crisp sharp look — lovely, can’t wait to get to it!! Also looking forward to seeing the pattern testers’ versions.
I’m in love! I just bought the Minoru pattern, but now I’m torn… maybe I should make this first? Looks like it would be PERFECT for spring….
I JUST tossed my old trench last week because it was drab and boring, boring, boring. This pattern is fantastic and anything but boring! Love the color you chose for the sample. Brilliant. You’re amazing! :)
This is such a fabulous pattern! I was SO EXCITED when I saw the email last week – and there were definitely a couple name-drops during the meet-up on Saturday :) I love that you made this in a bright color, since I don’t normally think of trenches as anything but khaki or navy. Now I’m dying for a bright yellow, with bright polka dot seam binding. This may actually be the very first time ever that I’m actually a little sad that the weather is heating up here so fast – which means I don’t need a coat until probably October or even November! But I guess that just means I have an extra long time to pick out the perfect fabric and buttons, yes? :)
Anyway, beautiful trench. You are killing it with your patterns – I love every single thing you release, ahh! Can’t wait to see all the different versions of this, hope they start popping up sooner than later!
I’m going to order this right now but could you please please please give us fabric tips — where can i get this fabulous fabric, or one like it? Should I be looking for mostly cotton with some nylon? I’m at a loss…..
Hi Colleen! I’m going to put together a post about fabric selection shortly, as the question keeps coming up! Fabric ideas are listed on the back of the envelope but I will come up with some more notes to help you guys choose the right fabric for you.
I was quite excited about this pattern when I saw it! It’ll probably have to wait for awhile because I have a whole backlog of projects for after I finish my wedding dress (including a whole stack of Thurlows!) but this looks like it would be a perfect lightweight jacket for spring! And if I can find a fabric that would double well for both a raincoat and a regular jacket, so much the better!
Love this pattern! Can this be made in woven wool to make a warm coat for next winter? I can’t stand the cheap wool coats in RTW.
Hi Monique, I’m going to put together a more thorough post on fabric selection soon! I would say that it would be more suitable for lightweight wools than for thick, winter-weight wools. In order to use a thicker fabric you’d want to make some modifications, perhaps removing the flaps or sleeve tabs, or lining them with lining instead of self-fabric, and maybe bringing it in more at the waistline so there isn’t so much bulk under the belt. I hope this helps and I’ll elaborate more on what fabrics would work well shortly!
Thanks Tasia. I had the same thoughts about modifications. :-) Also, I don’t usually use belts on coats.
You could easily leave off the belt and belt loops for a less cinched silhouette, if you don’t wear belts on coats. One other thought is that you may want to go up a size or too to allow extra room for the thickness, so it isn’t too tight through the armholes.
Good idea!
Good work Tasia! xx
What a great pattern! I really, really love this. Once I get through all my projects for summerdresses and replenish my fabric-budget, I am definitely going for this one. Absolutely amazing!
beautiful coat!
Oh, this is just perfection!
I love it! You’re right, the rounded collar and other details are so pretty and feminine…and that blue is just stunning! Good job on this one – I bet it’s going to be a hit :)
Loved the coat! I live in Brazil, and it rains a lot during the summer, could you recommend a fabric that is (sort of) waterproof but light at the same time? I am placing my order now, I really need a coat in my wardrobe….Thanks!
Oh yay, looks great:)
I had just put your other coat on my list of things to make for my Handmade Wardrobe – and now you bring out this lovely one! What is a girl to do? Make both I guess ;)
What a fantastic coat! I have been lamenting the fact that I don’t have a lighter weight coat for the winter (in Australia). My wool coat is good when it’s really cold but I have nothing for the milder days and this should fit the bill. I’m excited just thinking about having a go at it!
I absolutely love it. I made a double breasted coat 8/9 years for my daughter and did it in velvet and lined it. She no longer wanted it and it is now a part of my collection.
I also love how you name your patterns after well known streets and areas of Vancouver, a city that I know well.
Seeing as prom season is close, have you ever adapted the Cambie Dress for a prom version in short or long?
Congratulations! I agree, I had a classic camel trench coat like this that I wore till the stitches turned to dust. I’d love to replace it with this one. It’s now on my list.
I’m working on expanding my wardrobe right now, and not buy new fabric, so I’m trying really hard to not buy this pattern right away, but I can just see this as a rain coat in a super bright whatever-you-make-raincoats-out-of, for the long, wet, west coast winter. And a second one in black to replace my current trench, which has seen many better days. Oooh, so many possibilities! All your patterns are amazing :).
Wow, how weird. I have been looking for a pattern for a trench coat seeing it is coming to Autumn/Winter here in Australia.
This is perfect – exactly what I have been looking for. Will be a definite purchase.
cheers
Stephanie
Very Nice!
Oh, where were you last year when I was looking for a light, unlined trench for summer travel! It’s a gorgeous coat. And it’s on my list, for sure.
I LOVE this coat pattern. I can’t wait to try it.
I have never made a coat but it is at the top of my list and I have collected quite a few coat patterns BUT I think this is the coat for me… And I think I would get quite a lot of wear out of it…. And how cool to make it in something other than black or tan… Maybe an Emerald Green? Or red! The possibilities!
I was thinking Emerald Green too!! Oh that would be stunning!
Love it! I’ve had several yards of Burberry trench fabric in my stash for years and now I have the perfect pattern for it. Of course I might need a brightly colored version as well…
OMG I have been looking for the ideal trench coat pattern, I already have my fabric sorted and can picture it already. Well done on another fantastic pattern. Love!
Absolutely gorgeous! You’ve nailed it. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s versions.
I love the new pattern! Actually I would very much like to make my own trench coat but I wouldn’t dare with another pattern. With your instructions I am confident that I’ll be able to put it through!
It’s just beautiful! I have so many coat patterns that need to be made, but I may need to add this one to the collection :) I’m looking forward to seeing lots of trench coats popping up online this spring!
Hi Tasia,
Thank you for designing and producing this pattern. It looks amazing and like a few Aussies have said, perfect as we are coming into Autumn / Winter.
Can you please post online how to put in a lining? I fear a trench coat would not survive without a lining.
Mel
Oh, I do like this. I have two trench coats, one black one with cyan lining, topstitching, and embroidery that I try and keep for best (otherwise I’d wear it until it fell to bits) and one bright red one that I bought about five years ago, and which is now starting to look pretty tatty. I’d say this one’s in my future!
Gorgeous!! that is all.
Wow! fantastic pattern! I am very picky about trenches and yours is ticking all the boxes!
Beautiful and feminine! Does it sell in Germany, too? Or should I order overseas?
Hi Caila! Here’s a link to a list of current retailers – there are plenty in Europe and the UK! Not Germany specifically but several other European countries.
http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/retailers
Hope this helps!
Thank you! I guess I’ll stop over (at least virtually) at UK…
Oh my gesh I love it! You don’t happen to sell your patterns anywhere in Germany do you? (or Europe for that matter) International shipping is such a pain :P
Hi Maeve! Here’s a link to a list of current retailers – there are plenty in Europe and the UK!
http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/retailers
I know, it will likely be much faster and less expensive to order from somewhere in Europe. Hope this helps!
Fantastic, thanks!
Hi Tasia,
i love your patterns, but I’m more of a tall column than a shapely hour glass or pear – would this still suit me?
thanks
Sophie
This pattern is GORGEOUS. I’m pear-shaped and double-breasted designs always wig me out a little…but this one looks fantastically awesome. (I do own a plain black single-breasted trench but the vibe is a little too Inspector Gadget for me!) Cannot wait to try this. :D
Tasia:
In my pursuit to keep my sewing up-to-date, there are several high-end online web sites I visit to browse and get ideas. I just happened across a jacket very similar to your Robson trench coat at Nordstrom’s. It costs $1,395 and is called the Burberry London Belted Double Breasted Trench Coat.
It is very cool to find designers copying your design. Yes…they copied YOU. Coco Chanel says, “If there is no copying, how are you going to have fashion.” I would never pay $1,395 for a trench coat even if I had millions to throw around. I would, however buy your pattern and make my own. Thank you for being on top of the fashion world and giving us the very trendy “Robson!”
Lora
I love, love, love this trench! The color grabbed my eye first, but the details are so wonderful, and I want to make one. I have been sewing a few years now, and could probably handle this if it was just following the pattern. I need it in a size 30, though. Do you think it would be hard to adapt the pattern? I’ve not tried that yet.
Hi Amy! Grading a pattern is not the easiest thing to do, but luckily there are several internet tutorials that may help! It’s not hard, but it is a bit tedious to do and can throw off the proportions on things like armholes when going up several sizes.
Here are some links to check out:
http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2012/06/pattern-grading-101-part-one/
http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2012/06/pattern-grading-101-part-two/
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4368/making-sense-of-pattern-grading/page/all
http://sewcraftful.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Pattern-Grading.pdf
Take a look, and see if you can follow what the tutorials are suggesting, and if that seems manageable. That will give you an idea whether it’s worth the time to you. Hope this helps!
Thank you! I’m going to check out those links, and try it. I’ve got this some really light weight sky blue material but with a firm hand (bought second hand, not sure exactly what it is) that would be beautiful. Can’t wait to try it!
Hi Tasia, I love this pattern, I’ve bought my fabric and bias binding but I’m scared to start cutting because sleeves are always too tight on me! I know how to adjust a single piece arm pattern but not a two piece arm bit. The problem is my arms are too bicep-y, ie the armhole fits fine just not the bicep. Don’t suppose you know any tutorials to help me? Books don’t seem to have many arm adjustments other than lowering/raising the arm hole bit.
Love your patterns and I love my multiple versions of your patterns =]
Hi Liz! I’m on my phone and can’t look things up properly but my first suggestion would be to measure the flat pattern about an inch below the armhole, to get the finished bicep of the coat. Then I’d compare it to a couple of your own jackets, even one that is too tight, to see where the Robson falls in that range. I would then decide if you need to add and if you do, simply widen the sleeve through the seams as needed. Or, if the amount is a lot, slash and spread to add right in the middle of the arm. Look up how to do a thigh adjustment, it’s the same general idea of adding for fullness in the middle without changing the rest.
Hope this helps!
Ah Tasia you are too wonderful, thank you =]
What would recommend for the fabric weight for the trenchcoat assuming typical Vancouver winter/early spring weather?
I love that coat and wish that I had somewhere to wear that too but my weather just does not have the cold weather long enough to warrant one.
Any hope whatever of this pattern being released in plus sizes, or of a grading tutorial to make this something I could make for me? So heartbreaking to fall in love with a pattern, especially from indie designers, only to find I’m not included in customer model. :(
Dear Tasia! I just found your website and I really like it. And I am in love with your Robson trench. Please make it available as downloadable pattern.
Thanks, hugs from Hungary
Hi I want to buy coat like this, but can’t search from online shop. I like color and design, how could I have coat like this? I live far in Mongolia
Hi there! The pattern is for sale in our online shop here – http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/robson-coat/ Just to clarify, it’s the pattern that is for sale, not the coat itself, in case it wasn’t clear!