Hello from rainy California! This day is quite apropos for sharing this raincoat!
Source: Pattern Review
I used the now OOP McCall’s 6517 raincoat pattern as the basis for this coat. Don’t be fooled by the pattern’s cover photo (I always look at line drawings) — this is a very good and versatile pattern. I made another hooded raincoat from this pattern a few years ago, but wanted to try something new. I searched for raincoat patterns and discussed the search with other sewing peeps, but surprise — there aren’t very many of them! I was considering purchasing the Papercut Waver pattern, but after thinking about the cost to get that to me, I decided I would just sew another version of this pattern that I already have.
I made this coat with water repellent canvas that I got for a steal from Fabric Mart. It wasn’t the easiest thing to sew with, but it has resulted in a coat that I love to wear, keeps me warm and most importantly — keeps me dry!
Yeah, there’s still chalk marks! They’ve disappeared since then, thankfully.
This pattern goes up to a size 24 and graded up to a size 26/28. I did a full bicep adjustment, plus a little more ease as my main issue with the first coat that I made from this pattern was that I didn’t have enough room in the sleeves whilst wearing bulkier tops/sweaters.
This pattern is unlined, but I lined mine with some sumptuous polka dot Japanese poly lining from Cali Fabrics. This lining is so awesome. I want to line everything with it. I chose to line the hood with same outer fabric.
Yeah, that hood looks like a crumbly mess in these photos. The canvas is tough!
Yeah, one of the best things about this coat is the lining!
I had this coat sewn up for probably a month before I decided on buttons for it. I wanted wooden buttons and I had a specific idea in my head of what I wanted them to look like and I couldn’t find them at any of my favorite fabric stores. I ended up finding these on etsy and they are exactly what I was looking for. They are HUGE! Probably larger than they should be. Actually…. I know they’re larger than they should be as my buttonholes extend a little past the button band and into the lining. Ooops! I should have sewn the buttonholes vertically or made a larger band, but hindsight is 20/20 as they say. That doesn’t stop me from rockin’ this raincoat!
The canvas for this coat was a bit of a beast. For a moment I thought this fabric might be too heavy for my coat, but when I was finished and I wore it in inclement weather, I found that it was just perfect for me. I really needed a hooded raincoat that was a little more stylish and I’m happy to have one.
BTW: That’s our new pup, Laddie. 🙂
Happy Sewing!
- Raincoat: OOP McCall’s 6517 in water repellent canvas, made by me
- Dress: McCall’s 7433 in red Rifle Paper Co x Cotton+Steel frock rayon, made by me
- Sunglasses: Birch
- Shoes: Aerosoles
One day, I’ll get the courage to make something and wear in public. You do nice work.
Wow! first post I’ve read of yours, looks like you did a fantastic job & you look beautiful wearing this coat. Thank you for the post on lining I needed info on how to do this. I’ve made a couple of shirts 1 unlined jacket & just cut our my 2nd jacket & want to line it even though it’s supposed to be unlined-Blessings,Baa
What a beautiful raincoat, and you and Laddie coordinate perfectly! I have some of that canvas from Fabric Mart, but in one of the prints. It’s aging in my stash currently until the next time we go to Eureka. Funny enough, I bought yardage of that Japanese poly lining at Cali Fabrics’ brick and mortar–the floral version. I think I got 4 yards…I should’ve bought the entire bolt. It is seriously the best lining ever. It was so easy to sew, it’s warm, and it feels lovely. I understand now why people hoard linings.
Thanks, Elizabeth! This was the first time I had taken any photos with Laddie and he wasn’t very cooperative! Maybe next time! I can’t wait to see what you sew with your canvas. I’d love to have a printed raincoat, but I always wonder how they’re going to look with my other clothes as I often sew with prints. I also should have bought more of this polka dot lining as it is fantastic. I want to line everything with it!!!
Absolutely gorgeous–love that lining–so stylish!
Thank you, Robin!!! I really need to get some of that lining!
This is awesome! And I’m sure its really practical for your climate. I always think about sewing a midweight coat like this, but by the time I’ve come up with some ideas, its already time for down/wool! Maybe in the spring…
Thanks, Megan! Yes, it’s very practical. I’ll likely wear this coat more than any other. There’s a short period of time here where I’d wear my wool coat (usually late Dec-late Feb), so I made sure to make mine early as I lose all my urge to make one as weather warms up!
You are killing it with outerwear this season! Fantastic jacket, and it goes quite well with little Laddie 🙂
Thanks, Kelly! It was my goal to sew this one and my wool coat, and I actually did it! This coat will be worn much more than my other, especially with the stormy weather we’re having! 🙂
So cheerful! I would be looking forward to a rainy day with such a nice coat!
Thankfully it’s very rainy here lately! This coat is getting a lot of use. 🙂
Lovely coat – and puppy too! Thanks for all the detailed photos.
Thank you! It turned out exactly as I imagined it to!
You’ve made a beautiful and practical coat. Living in the Pacific Northwet, I like all my coats to have hoods but I haven’t tried my hand at a making one yet. I made an Irish Kinsail cloak decades ago but that doesn’t count. You are my sewing inspiration Tanya.
Thank you so much, Delores! Yes, hooded raincoats are so very practical, especially here as it’s usually too windy for an umbrella. This one is a better option than my lightweight hooded raincoats, plus more stylish. 🙂