Butterick 4865 - Wrap Jacket

Pattern: Butterick 4865, view D

Size: XS (4-6) - I normally use a 6 or 8 in tops and jackets and since this jacket is fairly oversized, I decided to go with the XS rather than the S, so that it would not look sloppy.

Fabric: Two Tone Brown Tweed (65% acrylic, 19% polyester, 16% wool) from Timmel Fabrics

Project Photo:


Comments: As soon as I saw this fabric in amongst the fall swatches from Timmel, I knew I had to make this jacket. The pattern is rated "fast and easy", likely due to a lack of lining. I debated back and forth about drafting a lining pattern before I began this project. In the end, I realized that I want to be able to wear this jacket to work over a shirt or light sweater and since I get warm quite easily, I decided against it. In terms of being fast, I figure it took me about 6 hours to complete this, from cutting out the fabric to quite a bit of hand sewing to hem, etc. All the hand sewing is not necessary, but I feel it gives the garment a better finish - besides I like having something to do with my hands when I'm sitting in front of the TV.
This jacket went together quite nicely; all the notches and markings were correct. The instructions were adequate (although I mainly just scanned them as I went). The only mistake I found was that they tell you to insert the sleeves into the jacket body for view A, B & C, but not for view D. I assumed this was just a typo and all views should have the sleeves added at the same point in the instructions.

Conclusion: I really like this jacket. This pattern is certainly not suitable for a couture creation, but I will probably use the other views to make more "casualish" jackets for work. I would only make one change. Next time, I will lengthen the body of the jacket, as it is a bit too cropped for my taste.