The overall look of this finished suit jacket is very nice. I found this sewing project to be a little stressful, however, and will not be making this particular pattern again before looking for alternatives first. Keep reading to find out why I say this about the Burda 9443 kids pattern.

Finding certain patterns are very difficult for children, especially boys! I had searched, and continue to search, for good suit patterns for boys. I looked at the mainstream pattern companies and also some smaller pattern companies. I decided on first trying the Burda kids suit pattern 9443 that has the suit jacket, vest, and pants.

I am not a Burda pattern fan because honestly I don't like the pattern design. I have sewn with a number of different pattern companies and the way that they have their patterns, from their pattern envelope all the way to the pattern instructions, I find them not to be the most informative or teaching friendly. Now, obviously all patterns are not going to necessarily teach you the process, I do understand that, but just for those beginner seamstresses who might be looking to expand on skills from the patterns that I have seen from the Burda company, I would recommend going with other pattern choices when it comes to learning.

Quick Overview

Pattern Used: Burda Kids 9443, View A

Sewing Experience Level: Advanced

Pattern Envelope: Didn’t tell you the size of shoulder pads needed/recommended

Item Description: Boys Suit Jacket

Fabric Used: Navy Twill

Item features: Welt Pockets, three buttons

Pattern Instructions: Somewhat complicated, advanced

Overall Process/Steps: Longer than necessary, confusing, not teaching friendly

Extra Research Required: Welt pocket install, sewing back lining pieces together

Would I sew again?: Yes, but after experimenting and learning from other patterns

Fit of garment: Good

Behind the Seams, What Really Happened

On the front of the pattern it is very clear that this is an advanced pattern. I have been sewing since 2007 and have made coats, jackets, and different things, so I was not intimidated by the fact that it said advanced and decided to give this pattern a try. So I will say that I had this in mind from the beginning and that this may be a challenge. Especially since I had never made a suit jacket before specifically.

The main thing that I found that I had to do extra research on while in the process of making this suit jacket was the welt pocket. And to be honest I just completely followed another tutorial on doing this and didn’t even follow what was on the pattern instructions, as they were more complicated than I thought necessary. The explanations I found confusing.  Although some pictures are available with the instructions, obviously everything that would be helpful to see was not pictured. Especially after completing the tutorial I followed, I wondered why it was written in such a complicated way. But thankfully, I was able to get it done!

The other step I had to phone a friend about was step 18, which was sewing the back pieces of the lining together. The markings that are on the pattern piece were unfamiliar to me since I had never made a suit jacket specifically. Not to mention the step instructions did not really make it clear what had to be done. After phoning my friend, who is an experienced suit tailor, she told me simply to sew the straight lines as marked on the pattern piece and skip over the diagonal lines. I mean, I’m telling you, that IS NOT what I thought had to be done. Such a stress reliever to find out it was just, that, simple!

The last step that I spent quite some time on, possibly an hour, was setting the sleeves. I wanted them of course to look nice and smooth as possible, so I took the time to sew, rip out, and sew again until I was content enough to say, “ok, moving on!” I am confident though, that the more I do this, the better results will come. Slowly, but surely!

Overall, I am pleased at how the jacket came out and was obviously able to complete the jacket. Other than the above-mentioned steps, everything else was doable, with patience. This is definitely a time-consuming make and should not be rushed. I broke this sewing project up into four days and sewed for about 3 to 4 hours a day. After all the time I spent on this jacket I said my son would be wearing this weekly, for the next five years! LOL!

As far as size the smallest size this pattern offered was 2, which was a little too big for my oldest that I was making it for, but ok to use since he’ll of course grow into it quickly.

If you’re up for an adventure and have patience AND determination to make it work, then definitely try this pattern, if not, wait until you are, LOL! No, but seriously, wait.

Before returning to try and make this suit jacket again, as I do plan on starting to make many suits for years to come, I will be trying out another pattern that was suggested by a sewing blogger, Delia Creates, that is supposed to be much similar to make. Apparently it also has good pictures to go along with the steps, so I will definitely let you know how that goes.

The pattern is from Blank Slate Patterns and is their signature pattern, the Basic Blazer. Stay tuned for my review of this pattern, I’m excited to give it a try!

Thank you for taking the time to read this review of the Burda Kids pattern 9443, view A. If there are any patterns that you would like me to try out and review send me a quick email at ahadicreations@gmail.com.

Talk Soon,

Amanda