A Retro Western Denim Jacket [Butterick 6390]

* Portions of this post originally appeared on the Cali & Co blog.

Hi, friends!

I’m excited to share this denim jacket with you!  I’ve been steadily working on filling out holes in my wardrobe and a denim jacket was at the top of my list.  It’s such a steady workhorse for casual looks and gives you that needed warmth for crisp spring days.  This was a fun project that looks much more difficult than it is.  If you can set a sleeve and make buttonholes, you can make this denim jacket.

I used Butterick 6390 — a retro pattern by Gertie for this jacket that evokes a 1940’s/50’s vibe.  It reminds me of kitschy western frocks and mid-century dude ranches with the western yoke, top-stitching and pockets.  It’s also cropped, so it goes well with full skirts, which is a plus in my book.

I made my jacket with this awesome dark blue designer 12 oz denim.  This is a heavyweight  denim that’s perfect for the structure of this jacket.  It’s nice and dark with no stretch and is wonderful to sew with.  I used blue denim thread for the top-stitching, which doesn’t overtly stand out, but adds just a little bit more polish and sheen than the indigo thread that I used to sew this jacket.  I picked the metal buttons up at Joann’s.

For the lining, I chose this Japanese poly lining in a tan and white gingham check.  I really love the selection of Japanese linings that Cali Fabrics carries.  I’ve purchased several for coat, dress and blazer linings and they are such a good value along with being FABULOUS.  I’ve never had a denim jacket that was lined, but I sure love the hint of gingham that peeks out and gives this jacket a clean inside.

This is a fitted jacket, so it’s a little more slim-fitting than I thought it might turn out to be.  It could probably use a swayback adjustment, but honestly, I’m happy with the fit and wouldn’t change anything.  This is perfect to wear with dresses and is not as masculine as the other denim jackets that I’ve owned.  It was a fun project that really made me feel like a sewing ace!

I’ve already worn this jacket a few times since I made it and it’s certainly a versatile topper to go with my dresses.  It’s too cropped for me to want to wear it with jeans, as I prefer a longer, tunic type top on the rare occasion that I’m sporting jeans and this cropped number just looks plain silly with that look.  I’m making another jacket soon (actually a light coat), that should look good with both and looking forward to starting on that!

*Disclaimer:  I received the fabrics for this jacket at no cost as I am a Cali Fabrics contributor.  These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Happy Sewing!

• Jacket:  Butterick 6390 in heavyweight denim, made by me
• Dress:  Vogue 9000 in cotton shirting, made by me
• Boots:  Justin
• Earrings:  Gift