How much fabric a coat takes

The simplest formula for fabric 1.4 to 1.6 m wide: two coat lengths plus one sleeve length plus 20 to 30 cm for the collar, pockets and hems. Measure the coat length from the back neck point to the hem you want.

An example: a coat 100 cm long with a 60 cm sleeve. 2 × 100 + 60 + 25 = 285 cm, about 2.9 m. With a ready pattern it is more precise to lay its pieces out on a table as wide as the fabric and measure the space they take.

For fabric 1.5 m wide and sizes EU 38 to 44:

A short coat or hip-length jacket (70 to 85 cm): 2 to 2.5 m.

A knee-length coat (95 to 105 cm): 2.5 to 3 m.

A long coat below the knee (115 to 125 cm): 3 to 3.5 m.

For larger sizes add 0.3 to 0.5 m. For fabric 1.4 m wide add 0.3 to 0.5 m too, as the pieces no longer fit side by side.

Nap. Napped cloth and broadcloth are cut with the nap running the same way on every piece, so pieces cannot be turned around. Add 10 to 15 %.

Checks, herringbone, stripes. The pattern is matched at the seams, fronts and pockets. Add 10 to 20 %, more for large checks.

Generous details. A hood, wide sleeves, a big collar, a belt or patch pockets take another 0.3 to 0.5 m. For choosing the cloth itself see the article «Coating wool».

Lining usually takes a little less than the main fabric: 20 to 40 cm less, because the facings and the top collar are cut from the coating.

Interfacing goes on the fronts, facings, collar and sleeve hems: 0.5 to 1 m depending on the style.

A winter coat gets insulation under the lining: as much as the lining, a little less without sleeves.

Shorten the style by 5 to 10 cm or choose a straighter cut: that often saves half a metre.

Cut the collar, facings, pockets or cuffs from another fabric in a matching shade. Each of our pieces is one of a kind, but you can find a second one in a similar colour in «All fabrics».

A shorter piece makes a fine jacket, waistcoat or sleeveless cape.