Blue Velvet Bog Coat

My mom is a weaver.  I found this coat concept in one of her weaving books and was compelled to try it.  It is based on an ancient design dug up from the peat bogs in Scandinavia.  Thus, bog coat.  It is currently a popular design that lends itself well to creative interpretation, and this is mine.

It can be made long or short.  The sleeves can be narrower or wider.  You can ad a collar, make it from multiple fabrics, and it is a great palette for quilting.  I hope seeing how I created my vision inspires you to create yours.  I would love to see what anybody else does with this concept.

Step 1 Blue Velvet Bog Coat

You will need some fabric and thread for sure.  Other things you might need would be zippers, buttons, lining and embellishment fabrics, and trims.  I chose a blue gray upholstery velvet with a soft drape.  I also found a jacquard weave upholstery fabric with a small shot of the blue gray for the lining.  I decided to use a zipper to keep the chill out.

You will also need basic sewing supplies:
  Sewing machine
  Pins
  Needles
  Scissor
  Marking chalk
  Fabric marking pens
  Yard stick
  Tape measure
  Square

The basic fabric shape needed for this coat is a rectangle.  You will need a few measurements to determine the fabric size needed.  To determine fabric size use the bog coat diagram with the following information:

  A= Your wingspan, finger tip to finger tip.  This will account for a hem and ease length of the sleeve.
  B= The length you want the coat to be from the shoulder, plus the hem length.  I am using a 2" hem.
  C= This is how wide you want the sleeves to be.  10" to 12"  is commonly used.  The sleeve openings can be cuffed or tapered      as part of your custom design.  I used a 10" opening for my sleeves.
Solid lines are cut lines, dashed lines are fold lines and the dotted line is the center back. 

The other diagram is for the neck opening.  It is placed at the intersection of the shoulder fold line and the center back line.

Comments

[scoochmaroo]

Great work! And I love tips for creating original patterns.

[debdegraeve]

Thank you. I really believe if you are going to take the time to make something it should clearly reflect your own tastes and personality. That is what is great about creativity!

[technoplastique]

This is fantastic! It looks so cozy and I love the lining!