Made by a Fabricista: Channeling my Inner Coco Chanel

Hi Everyone! My name is Johanna Ali and I am SEW excited to be a Fabric Mart Fabricista! I’ve been shopping with Fabric Mart for years and have been wanting to be a Fabricista since then too, so I jumped at the opportunity as soon as they posted it. So, here I am. I will be sharing my Chanel Inspired Jacket and how I made my own trim.

The classic Chanel Jacket is iconic and sophisticated as it should be with the price tag associated with them. Usually, the classic Chanel Jacket is made using a tweed or a bouclé fabric and are hand sewn. This is what makes them couture. Other distinct characteristics are the front pockets, the ornate buttons and trim as well as the chain weighted hem. The lining is also quilted to the jacket.

There are several patterns produced by the big 4 pattern companies that you can use for this make. Initially, I was going to use Vogue 8804, but I decided to go in a different direction and used Simplicity 8741 instead with some modifications.

I sewed view A. I removed the front facing of the jacket because I was not going to add any closures to it. I removed 2 inches from the sleeve hem and I used the pockets from Vogue 8804.

While searching for fabric on Fabric Mart Fabrics website, I came across this beautiful Royal Blue/Black Polyester Geometric Design Boucle Suiting. I selected this fabric because blue is my favorite color. I also selected it because I really liked the pattern on the fabric. Since there aren’t any straight lines, I wouldn’t have to worry about pattern matching.

Another distinct feature that I love about the Chanel Jacket are the infinite options you can use for the trim. If you go on Pinterest and look up Chanel Jacket trims you will truly be mind blown. Some trims you might see are ribbon, chain, braided trim and even pearls. I decided to make my own! It’s not as difficult as you might think. Cut 2” strips of fabric on the bias of your fabric. Sew a zig zag stitch on the fabric down the center of the length of your strip of fabric. Also, I cut mine on the fold and I sewed both pieces together. Then, I used a seam ripper to separate the fabric threads and that’s it! I’m kind of kidding. Pack your patience as you’ll have to make enough to go ALL around ALL of the outer seams of your jacket as well as your pockets. It will be so worth it in the end. I promise.

Although, I totally cheated and didn’t sew a traditional couture garment, I am so in love with my Chanel Inspired Jacket. It’s so chic! As I said above, I really love that you can totally customize your jacket and give it your personal touch.

I hope you all enjoyed my jacket as much as I do.

Until next time!

JOHANNA | @soveryjo

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: BOUCLE & SUITING.

Made By A Fabricista: A Wooly Wearable Blanket.

Twirling in a me-made outfit! I live in a small town where the nearest fabric shop is a road trip away, so I almost exclusively shop for fabric online. Having access to an online shop like Fabric Mart with a solid search engine is incredibly helpful. But by far my favorite aspect of Fabric Mart is what I call the “Drape Picture” included in each listing! This picture gives me all the information I need and I find it more helpful than the exact weight per yard/square meter. Seeing how the fabric falls close or away from the body gives me a clear idea of how it will behave and inspires me to make it into something that will highlight the fabric’s nature. When I saw the drape of this “Baked Plum” wool suiting , I immediately wanted to immortalize those beautiful folds into a skirt! I opted for a simple self-drafted pleated skirt with a deep hem. I wear my dresses year-round and rely on wool skirts that I layer under or over my dresses for warmth. I cut two panels for the front ...

Made By A Fabricista: Which comes first – the fabric or the pattern?

Ah, the age old question garment sewers are often asked – do you choose the pattern first and then look for fabric, or do you buy fabric and then later decide what it will be when it grows up? If you are a sewist with a large fabric stash (like myself), then perhaps you are on Team Fabric. I would say I definitely lean that way, but there are also times when I land somewhere in the middle – I see a fabric and I think, I’ve just seen a pattern and these two would be perfect together! And that’s how gorgeous dusty rose stretch velvet and a recently released cardigan pattern came together to create the newest addition to my wardrobe. And had me improvising a few things along the way. First. I have to admit - I have a stretch velvet problem. I see it pop up on the website and I almost always grab it, especially if I see a sale. It’s not the easiest fabric to sew (it’s slippery as heck!), but I love it so much and I especially love using it in non-traditional ways. In my last blog post, I...

Made By A Fabricista: Simplicity 8847

Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! Is it too early to start thinking about Valentine’s Day? Because this fabric is giving all the heart vibes. With rich red hearts scattered across a dark base, it feels festive without being over-the-top—and completely wearable well beyond February. This time around, the fabric completely stole the show. I used a Dark Navy/Crimson/White Polyester/Lycra Hearts Print Brushed Sweater Knit by a NY Designer , and it was love at first sight. Even though it’s labeled navy, in person it reads more like a deep black base with these beautiful red hearts throughout. When you zoom in, you’ll also spot the designer’s name and a tiny smiley face woven into the print - such a fun, unexpected detail. This fabric immediately spoke my name when I saw it online, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Before sewing, let’s talk fabric care and prep - because it matters. This sweater knit is wash and dry friendly, which makes it practical for e...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog