Skim over the pattern to see if you’re comfortable with the details. For example, if you’ve never sewed clothes before, skip a pattern that calls for making notched collars or lapels.
Pick a lightweight fabric, such as linen, if you’ll be wearing the blazer in warmer temperatures or use a medium-weight fabric, such as tweed, for cooler temperatures. Wool is very comfortable—just keep in mind that it has a lot of moisture-wicking properties.
If you’re just starting out with sewing, don’t choose a fabric that has a pattern, stripes, or plaid. These can be tricky to match up when you assemble the blazer.
Each piece should be labeled, but if it isn’t, label each piece so you can keep track of how to assemble the blazer.
Your pattern may specify which lapel goes on which panel piece. Align the pieces at the shoulders, too, so the shoulder line is even.
Since you won’t be folding the fabric, you’re essentially topstitching the lapels to the panels.
If your pattern has 2 additional narrow pieces for the back, sew them along the outer edges using a straight stitch.
Don’t sew the outer sides of the back pieces right now. You’ll actually be sewing the front panels onto the outer edges.
It’s important to line up the edges along the shoulder, sides, and bottom so the sides of the blazer are straight.
Remember to pin both of the front pieces to the back piece.
You should have a complete body for the blazer.
You’ll have to stretch the under sleeve piece a little since the upper sleeve piece is longer. Line up the cuffs for both pieces so they’re even.
This creates a simple tube that forms the basis for your sleeve.
Remember to set your iron to the right temperature for the fabric you’re working with.
Line up the center of the upper sleeve so it’s aligned with the shoulder line.
If you’re in a hurry, you could skip this step and just pin the fabric instead. Read the care instructions for the fabric you’re using so you know what setting to turn your iron to. For example, you can iron a linen blazer with a hot iron.
If you stitch on a button, decide if you’d like it to be simply decorative or if you want to cut and sew a hole on the opposite side of the blazer. Always use a button thread or some thicker type of thread when stitching buttons to a blazer. Feel free to skip embellishments and just enjoy your open blazer.
