Learn to Sew a Bomber Jacket

Let’s sew up Larkin! In this sewalong, you’ll see each step from the instructions in action and get some extra tips to help you sew. Tip: keep the instructions nearby while you watch!

This pattern is rated advanced, but adventurous beginners are welcome! We assume that you’re not an absolute beginner and you have made a few garments before and have experience cutting out fabric, finishing seams, and using your machine and tools. If you need extra help along the way, click the “Links” tab below the video player or hop onto the Community to post a question.

You’re going to learn how to:

• Sew welt pockets


• Sew a fully lined jacket

You’re NOT going to learn how to:

• Cut out and mark your fabric


• Use basic sewing tools and supplies


• Fit this particular pattern

If you need additional help with the skills required for this class, click the “Links” tab below the video player for a helpful list of tutorials.

Fabric and Fit

Fabrics to shop: For the shell, look for medium-weight or heavyweight fabrics. Go for a classic bomber with a satin, or you can pick a twill, denim, canvas, corduroy, moleskin, or wool. Pick something that has a smooth hand for the lining—like cotton sateen, cotton flannel, silk habotai, Bemberg or rayon, acetate lining, or polyester lining. A soft lining will prevent friction when you wear the jacket over your clothes. A cozy lining, like flannel, will make a great cold-weather jacket.

Notions: Look for a classic ribbing for the neckline, hem band, and cuffs. We recommend medium-weight or heavyweight ribbing that is at least 5 1/4” (13.5 cm) wide. Ribbing with spandex or lycra will have the best recovery.

Fabrics to avoid: Consider your machine’s ability to sew through multiple layers of fabric, because the ribbing required for this jacket is quite thick, and you will be sewing some welt pockets! If your machine might struggle with the layers, choose something more lightweight, like satin or a lightweight twill.

Fit: This pattern has gender-expansive drafting. This means that it was fit on both female and male models during development. The most important measurements to consider are your across shoulder and bicep. Compare your measurements to the finished garment measurements to pick the amount of ease you want, and you can lengthen or shorten as needed. If you have a similar jacket in your closet, measure that garment and compare it to the Larkin measurements. Keep in mind that if you decide to lengthen or shorten, you’ll need to buy a different zipper length.