Let me just start off by saying I absolutely adore this pattern! Even from the pictures on this PDF pattern I was just determined to make this cute little style for my son. I used a different pattern on the first kids winter coat that I made and wanted to try something different this time around.

One of the main features that I really liked about this Downton Duffle Coat pattern is that it is already written in a way that will show you how to add a third layer to the coat, which is what I really wanted to do with this coat considering that our winter was going to be cold this year.

One thing that I am working on is trying to make pieces for me and my family at least one season ahead, which saves from having to rush, but one of the reasons, at least for my kids, that I kind of want to sew in the season, is because they grow so quickly.

Needless to say I was somewhat in a “rush” with needing to finish this coat meaning that I couldn’t just take an endless amount of time to complete it, although each day I spent on the coat I was not literally in a rush, if you know what I mean.

Quick Overview

Pattern Used: Kid’s Downton Duffle Coat by peek-a-boo Pattern Shop

Sewing Experience Level: Advanced Beginner

Pattern Envelope: PDF, instructions online, yet very descriptive

Item Description: Children’s Coat

Fabric Used: Boiled Wool, Quilted Cotton, Fleece

Item features: Front Pockets, Hidden Zipper, Lined Hood

Pattern Instructions: Very easy to follow, pictures with zipper a little hard to see

Overall Process/Steps: Easy process to follow overall

Extra Research Required: None, but patience may be needed with zipper since pictures are not the clearest with the contrast of fabric, etc.

Would I sew again?: Yes, but only with two layers, not three

Fit of garment: Perfect

Behind the Seams, What Really Happened

The pattern instructions for this PDF pattern are super easy and cutting out the pieces and everything is super easy as well. Although, I must say overall I do not prefer PDF patterns but things are changing in that area. I say that because I prefer to support smaller pattern companies because they’re smaller and of course they’re trying to get things going, but also because the styles of clothing that they produce are more unique than those from main stream pattern companies, in my opinion.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my list of indie fabric and pattern shops that I routinely go to when I’m looking for something new to make. Check it out here.

I spent about 6 to 7 hours making this coat over a span of 3 to 4 days, since I normally only have an hour or two a day to really sew. And honestly if you don’t have any hiccups with having too many layers and the thickness with your machine, like I did, then your sewing process could even be a little less because the pattern instructions are so well done.

 One note of caution that I would give, though, is that if you are making the three layer version of this coat, you need an industrial machine, or a specialized machine that can sew more than five layers of fabric at once. You will NOT be able to complete the three layer coat on a regular machine, especially when sewing the top of the coat with the hood. Impossible. Believe me.

Understandably you then might ask if I have an industrial machine. The answer is no, lol. Here’s how I was able to complete the coat: I was able to sew everything on the coat with my normal sewing machine (Huskystar Viking) except the top seam with the hood and the front top stitching by the zipper. In order to get the hood seam completed I had to use my Heavy Duty Singer machine to get that done, and even for this machine it was a struggle! Seriously! I thought I was going to break the machine. Lol! So in the future I will not be making another one probably with the three layers until I get an industrial machine, just because the damage it creates on your sewing machine is not a good idea.

However, if you have some experience with sewing over five layers of thick fabric without an industrial machine, by all means comment below and let me know how I can make this process easier next time.

Overall, I would highly recommend this coat especially if it’s your first coat, it was very easy to make! I will definitely be making other versions for my kids in the future, just probably not with the three layers, I’ll just utilize two really good layers. Let me know when you try it out! 

Thank you for taking the time to read this review of the Kid’s Downton Duffle Coat by peek-a-boo Pattern Shop. 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

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