DENIM JACKET SEW-ALONG: Simplicity 8845

YO WHAT'S UP!
This is a Denim Jacket Sew-along from our latest Mimi G Style Simplicity Pattern 8845. The jacket design has all the traditional details including all the topstitching. We are excited to be sharing our very first unisex pattern and how that you enjoy this sew-along.
Sewing Basics Video:
• SEWING BASICS OVERVIEW

[@michelelipuma]

Finished my sew along - I never would have top-stitched those sleeve seams without your demonstration. Thank you Norris!

[@Graveltrees]

I was searching the internet forever trying to figure out how to do that one part!

[@kscheuerman5378]

Sewing tutorials are the absolute best thing ever. Especially when they are yours!!!!!!! People on youtbube think because they have a camera they can teach sewing. I'm sorry, I want o learn how to do it correctly. I find using glue, yarn or strange hand sewing. Often times they don't even turn under fabric twice for hems. Thanks for providing an awesome professional option that is above all the rest!!!!!!!!!!!

[@NorrisDantaFord]

K Scheuerman thank you so much for your great feedback. It really means a lot to us and we will definitely keep them coming! Also feel free to checkout our online school where we teach even more techniques with both men’s & womenswear. sewitacademy.com

[@charlessoutherton8946]

its great to see men sewing on youtube, its mainly women dominating where the sewing community is concerned but this just shows you don't have to be gay or camp to know how to sew as most men who tell people they sew are instantly judged as being gay or camp and in this day and age I wouldn't be surprised if people judged men as being drag queens all because they know how to sew, I am a member of the LGBTQ community anyways but its nice to see a man teaching people how to sew clothes. Yes, I have seen men sew on KZbin but they mainly do upholstery or industrial clothing like jeans, overalls and heavy-duty tool bags.

[@NorrisDantaFord]

charles southerton thank you for this! I really appreciate you pointing that out and I plan on sharing as much as I can. I think it’s a creative art that a lot more men would be interested in if they only knew how cool it was.

[@solarwinds-]

I'm at the end of the video and I'm like "Ain't ya going to model it?". Bet it looks sharp on you!! Thanks for the tutorial. I enjoyed it very much it really helped me with that welt pocket.

[@solarwinds-]

Oh Dude! You saved my life. I'm making a jean jacket welt pocket for the first time and the instructions are not clear (surprise, surprise, patterns are notorious for that). This clears up everything. Thanks so very much!!!

[@taraholmes5333]

Fantastic, thanks very helpful. Actually managed to make my first jacket with your help.🤩👍

[@harshsachan9484]

Best tutorial I got on you tube

[@bloomsandthreads8519]

Best instructions!! Very thorough, easy to understand, didn’t waste time, just explained how to do the project! Very professional. Perfect!! Thank you very much! I am in the middle of making this and the video has made it a pleasant experience in making this jacket! I am doing corduroy.

[@Lamarythressa]

Thank you God! Omygosh I have been looking for a sewing tutorial that effectively showed me how to top stitch the underarm of my jean jacket for hours and I found what I was looking for in your video. I was agonizing over this process for hours and you just made it so simple. I knew I should have came to you guys first because yall never disappoint. You and your wife are amazing!!! Thank you so much!

[@Graveltrees]

Same!! Finally found it!

[@em_pen]

I've watched a bunch of these videos for now, for stuff I'm not even planning to make... but I have learned a LOT from you. Thank you so much for your clear instructions and super helpful videos. Much appreciated!

[@thomasstanley3008]

Just wanted to say that I’ve been sewing for only a little over a year and this was the first sewing pattern I ever attempted. Thanks to this tutorial, it came out good, but I was still inexperienced. Just this last week, after a year of just really learning and practicing with other patterns, I revisited this pattern and this video. Now that I really understand the techniques and terms you use, my second jacket came out perfect! I really appreciate your work and dedication to these sew along videos. You have given me a love and appreciation for making and proudly wearing my own clothes in my own style. Just wanted to say thank you for that!

[@NorrisDantaFord]

Thanks for such great feedback Thomas! Continue to create & inspire others with your work! 🙏🏽🔥

[@joecandy88]

I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful your sew along videos are! You explain everything in such a simple yet detailed way. Thank you for sharing your incredible gift with the world! I look forward to your next sew along project.

[@eonarts]

This is the absolute BEST jean jacket tutorial on KZbin!! I got another pattern on sale at my fabric outlet. It didn’t have all the features but after taking a pattern making class I felt confident in creating my pattern pieces. I did NOT want to have a welt pocket as I always get holes there first! So I was moving it to the Princess seam which meant I would alter the side placement of that seam. I also wanted my top flap pockets to be real. But after finishing my princess seams and side pockets I got a bit stuck on the construction and THANK GAWD I FOUND THIS VIDEO! I did finish my muslin jacket but I also bought this pattern!! My only complaint was that you didn’t discuss buttonholes nor installation of those Jean jacket metal buttons. Thank yo for this fab video!

[@Wrightn221]

You make sewing a denim jacket so easy!!! Thanks Norris. I appreciate you.

[@etmd1922]

Superb video. Bought this pattern a while ago knew it was going to be a long project with all the top stitching, but being on lock down in the UK I have plenty of time to work on it. When I got to the pockets I was baffled 🤷🏽‍♀️having never done a jean jacket before. This video has really made this so easy for me and will admit I given up reading the pattern and have just followed your video step step. Fantastic demonstration and explanations 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Thank you.

[@johnstokes761]

The best sew along I have watched. I understood it all and have learnt so much. Thank you.

[@chrisdineson]

Thanks for this video instruction. Things I appreciated were your pace and tips on alignment. My sense is that 12-16oz denin with contrasting front and back hues, contrasting 60-100 Tex thread, tips on folding and pressing mid-heavy weight denim, and a less complicated welt pocket construction would have improved this sew-along. I'm using three machines: a JUKI DNU-1541S industrial walking foot machine at 5mm stitch length via size 20 needles (for construction and topstitching); a JUKI MO-735 serger (for finishing and safety stitching); a PFAFF Quilt Ambition (for buttonholes). My materials include 12oz light blue contrasting front-back denim, contrasting color T100 topstitching poly thread (dark gold) along with contrasting color T40 poly buttonhole thread (dark blue), and same buttons called for in directions. My results were not exact on pockets because of alignment challenges but my flat-felled seams came out well only because I've practiced on denim jeans before. All in all, I appreciated the video and learned something from it. Thank you so much. - Christopher

[@gingernut9189]

thanks for this clear instructions how to construct a jacket. I have a different pattern but lack of experience in using commercial patterns so your tutorial is very useful. I appreciate also not adding any music to muffle instructions.

[@davidanddavidstrading]

This is the video that actually taught me how to make a jacket......YOOOOOO, you got any more of these????

[@solarwinds-]

Really sharp looking jacket. I love the fabric you picked. I'M GONNA MAKE ME ONE!

[@lordtj63]

Congratulations to you both on launching another new pattern, that's fantastic! And this is yet another wonderful tutorial (as always) I love the corduroy fabric aspect of this jacket. I have purchased quite a few of the Mimi G simplicity patterns this year so far, so cant wait to get hold of this one after Christmas :-) I have about 7 meters of a deep claret red corduroy fabric, so Im thinking this would be a great pattern to use that fabric up on. Thank you Norris, hope you both have a wonderful festive holidays. See you in the New Year. Bless you.

[@Gandellion]

What a pretty blue

[@terrymctigue1902]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, so helpful for the welt pockets. I couldn't get my brain wrapped around how to do them, but your video made all the difference. Love this jacket!

[@NorrisDantaFord]

Wow! I’m glad I could make a difference!

[@martiphone4884]

Just finished making this denim jacket sewing along with this video. Great job with clear instructions. Thank you!

[@lindafudge57]

I've watched this several times. You explain so well that I have decided to give it a go someday.

[@yoga.with.haleyj]

This is the first pattern I ever purchased. Thanks for doing a sew-along!!

[@nilcor3947]

After seeing this tutorial, im going to get this pattern and try it! I have never made a denim jacket...very excited to do so!

[@doloresburrell7434]

This is great. No stone uncovered! Thank you so much!

[@siancumins]

Absolutely brilliant video tutorial. Thank you so much for producing this tutorial. I am an inexperienced sewer but have now made three of these jackets for my for my sons and daughter-in-law. They have received lots of compliments and you have certainly advanced my sewing skills. Welt Pockets! Who knew I'd be able to sew them! I will certainly buy more Mimi G patterns. Thank you again

[@thecobralily]

One of the best sewing tutorials I’ve ever seen, THANK YOU! About to tackle this challenge; amazing pattern.

[@tgjocandraceyarbrough9106]

This is the best video. You even helped me on making a dress with this video on a part I was stuck on. Thank you so much. You and you wife are awesome teacher❤️

[@dolliedavis9756]

This is so awesome! So easy to follow. I learned how to do the welt pocket that has scared me forever! Thank you, thank you! Love y’all!

[@mamasaidsew4843]

Got this pattern yesterday. I always need a visual, so thank you for the video. EDIT: Made one for my younger son and am now finishing one for my older son (jackets for this fall). Love this pattern. I took my time and both look great. Thanks again.

[@jmo4581]

I am making this right now and am very grateful for the step by step on the welt pockets!

[@TheOnlyJennySutton]

I learnt so much from this - thank you for such clear and detailed explanations

[@astridtaw]

Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@nowrubi]

Ohhhhhh... Thank you so much. This was so useful!!! Best explanation i´ve ever seen. Thanks again! Great job.

[@krishanti1000]

I can't wait to go buy this pattern and make me one awesome job guys

[@maryannthatcher6523]

I had no idea there was a video until my daughter told me and I was confused on the welt in the instructions so I did it my way. After I made the jacket I watched the video (didn't know about the video until afterwards) and I am going to try that way of welting. I made the large and it was way too big so I will gift it out and make another for myself.

[@peglombardi5094]

This is the best how to sewing video! So easy to follow! Thanks.

[@robt815]

Just finished making this and it turned out great! I ended up using snap fasteners instead of buttons.

[@NorrisDantaFord]

Sounds great! Tag me on IG so I can checkout your work. @norrisdantaford

[@lovelylady8074]

Thanks guys for the sew along. You two are awesome and amazing.

[@trinesandns4947]

One of the best tutorials i have seen! The jacket looks sooo good!

[@chrisdineson]

ps: Please make another video using denim. We could all use the help on this lovely pattern!

[@JP-wn4jn]

This is soooooooo cool

[@BaileyJadeMakes]

I have been looking for a good jacket pattern. This is the one!!!!! I can’t wait to make this!!!

[@tommyzaripper]

Thanks man!🔥

[@isabellrodriguez3669]

Woow this video was very helpful because I actually just brought that same pattern . I didn’t know how to start but now I do. This was a helpful video. I hope to see more ❤️🔥

[@user-vf1os3si7e]

I love the sewing..but can you please do a cutting video please

[@user-yl3tz9xy5q]

Спасибо! Все понятно и доступно. Даже без знания языка!

[@fabiola5762]

Awesome tutorial! You two are awesome sewests and an awesome couple!

[@NorrisDantaFord]

fabiola5762 thank you very much!

[@CarolinaQVargas]

Excelent explanation! Thank you very much!

[@js621d]

Great tutorial! So helpful for the pockets. One suggestion, contrasting thread would make it a bit easier to see for those tricky elements. Thank you,thank you!

[@andycastro2100]

gracias

[@GhettoStylewithEjai]

Thank you for the video

[@MrCharliesangel]

I think I will try the puff sleeve hack with this. 👀

[@mattycorc]

I appreciate the video and found it very helpful. However, I’m not crazy about the simplicity pattern and vague instructions provided. A few major problems with the actual pattern: trying to fell seams on the front yoke with 12oz denim using 5/8” seam allowance. In general, you need slightly more seam allowance for thicker material. Collar was 1” off (might have been my fault). Some other pattern parts were off on the front side of the jacket and needed to be recut bigger than the original pattern. The welt pocket instructions were confusing and seemed overly complicated. There’s easier ways to make a welt pocket with less steps. I’m using a 1/4” double needle industrial machine for the top stitch and had difficulty catching such a tight felled seam. Maybe this pattern works better on thin materials, and I would need to find some alternatives as a beginner. In terms of the video, I would have preferred seeing you sew with actual denim with right sides/wrong sides two different hues. Thanks again, just want to provide some actual feedback.

[@matthewnava-mann1911]

I agree, the video was very helpful. However, on the pattern end, I too found some oddities with some of the front pattern pieces. I don’t think the welt pocket lining and bag pattern take in to account the joining of the front, middle, and side front pieces. The notch at the bottom right-hand edge of that pattern piece is off from the corresponding notch of the front panel.

[@shohamvaknin3282]

Amazing!!!!!

[@solarwinds-]

Wish there was a way to give this 10 likes.

[@winnwe7279]

Thanks teacher

[@laikanunezlaydkfashions6996]

Love this

[@easyveedouglas2379]

You rocked that bro

[@shirleyscott6997]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I had bought the pattern but with being new to sewing, I just left it in my box of patterns. However, I started making it two weeks ago and just finished today. My jacket looks like yours (kind of), but mine is not wearable. I'll put it down to experience and maybe try again when I have a few more years of sewing under my belt. Your tutorial was excellent though.

[@NorrisDantaFord]

Shirley Scott thank you for reaching out with great feedback! You should definitely sign up for sewitacademy.com to get you going on skill building!

[@2fiftyclothing141]

This mans machine is fucking elite lmfaooo

[@Tinkerbell56ish]

Thank you so much for doing this it really has helped me a lot and given me the confidence to make one :-)

[@VikasKumar-kf7zg]

Fantastic

[@bawoomagbemi9923]

Hello thanks for this video. Please is there a video on how you cut and sewed the collared checkered poncho you wore at the beginning of the video.

[@JohnSmith-qj6bj]

I have gotten away from sewing garments for myself. But watching your detailed instructions is really motivating me to buy a pattern and make something. Do you think a bomber jacket pattern is in the near future?

[@juliesheetz1]

awesome videos! the devil is in the details, i like that he's tells which side to sew on and then says it should look like this! thank you sir!!!

[@iCraftEverything]

When the pattern says cut 2, do you cut them in the same direction? For example, the back side has a curve. My senses tell me to cut one for the back left, and the other for the back right. Opposite directions. But with the directions, I just don’t know, and you didn’t give newbies details on how to cut it. 💙

[@yaseryaser1521]

Tooooop

[@davidanddavidstrading]

Please do this! KNOW ME 2036: UTILITY JACKET PATTERN

[@stimpymcwhisky8129]

Love the video but have a few questions. I want to make a vest out of this pattern without a collar Could you use leather? I assume I would just roll the leather and stitch?

[@milli_neko4411]

I so randomly just had this fixation on a outfit I wanna do that happens to have a denim jacket and I can't find one that isn't either really expensive or just doesn't look right. I really wanna know how to sew so I can help myself in situations like this and just make it myself for cheaper.

[@sincerelyolivia7802]

How many yards of fabric would be needed for this project?

[@juanmacias418]

quick question.... do you think it would be possible to make it out of veg tan leather say 4-5 oz weight.?!?

[@stevesoldwedel]

Why trim down the seam allowance rather than just cutting less fabric by allotting for 3/8 from the onset, instead of 5/8? Is it to provide a margin of error?

[@winstonbower1236]

How would I adjust the pattern to make the bottom length sit lower

[@SamuelFlores-cd6cv]

Don’t know if youd see this, but where did you get your denim from? Ive been looking for a place to buy denim fabric for a project but I can’t find any that seems like it would work for a jacket

[@stefaniaikens7453]

How do you copy your pattern on your fabric without cutting the other sizes out? Do you just place it on top and use a tracing wheel then scissors?

[@NorrisDantaFord]

Stefani Aikens you simply cut out your size on the pattern then place that onto your fabric.

[@eonarts]

I have pattern paper with a grid and I copy just my size onto the paper. I make sure to include all the marks and the grainlines. I also add how many to cut out of the main fabric (self) and how many to cut out in interfacing. Then I sew it up in a muslin and make adjustments (and with my Jean jacket I used a heavyweight muslin, fully complicated it and then dyed it a color. I’ll wear it flaws and all!

[@dmk5159]

Can this pattern be made repurposing old jeans?

[@knegron631]

Can you make this without the bottom pockets?

[@Crimetaking]

Nyc

[@JenInOz]

I finally found a copy of this pattern and picked it up the other day - having watched your video twice now I'll be following along as I make my jacket. One question I have though: what is your preferred method of marking the dots on your fabric? I see that your dots are visible on both sides... did you do tailors tacks or just use a marker pen?

[@NorrisDantaFord]

Jen Stosser i use chalk pencils & fabric markers depending on how soon I sew from cutting them out. The markers are easier to use, but they disappear if I go a day or so before actually starting the sewing.

[@LavalBennett]

Hey I cut all my notches and patterns the same size (small) but my pieces don’t match when I sew them together, any tips or advice? Example: when I sewn the back and side back together they fit (5/8in SA) but the back yoke piece doesn’t match.

[@TruckDaddyy]

Where can I purchase your patterns? Or are they not for sale? I loved the video by the way, very inspiring!

[@mercurysorbit5138]

Does anyone know what the default sleeve length for this pattern is? I tend to find my sleeves are short with some patterns. Last unisex pattern I did I added an inch but it still came out a bit short.

[@baldevkumar7523]

Denim jacket drafting pattren

[@michaelcleveland98]

Strangely, Simplicity doesn't seem to think that Europeans want that jacket. I've looked pretty much everywhere here for it to no avail. There are other Mimi G patterns but not that one. Sadly, shipping from the States will probably cost 2-3X more than the pattern. I soooooo wish all of these were digital. This is the second pattern this week that I can't get.

[@lonep6422]

Hey Michael. I bought it here: Stofgiganten.dk (in Denmark)

[@fiacremuvandimwe5761]

Where can I get those patterns pieces??

[@alycandy2229]

Could you make this without the pocket ?

[@brianwilliams7311]

I try to sign up for your teaching it won’t let me something wrong with the site

[@shehuyakubu9856]

Hi.. I really wish I can get one of these patterns.. how can I get one ?? I leave in Nigeria

[@nancyespinoza8974]

Hi, Mimi, is this pattern for men and women ?...Or only for men?....

[@belindacoba5158]

There was a picture of Mimi weariing the jacket so I guess there is a version for women..

[@JadeNohels]

Why are you so perfect?

[@NorrisDantaFord]

Jade Nohels you are way too kind! Lol

[@Tjay2Static]

We’re can I find the pattern for a men’s XL

[@brianamericus]

What sewing machine are you using?

[@fabiolamachuca]

Can I buy the pdf pattern? I tried to buy it, but seems to be physical.

[@masonlyngen]

What denim weight would you recommend for a classic denim jacket?

[@mamasaidsew4843]

You've probably already made your choice but I used 12 oz denim. Made 2 and they turned out great. I sew on vintage machines though. I don't know about 12 oz denim on a newer home machine.

[@taariqjoyce486]

Is the pattern still able to be sewn without interfacing

[@NorrisDantaFord]

Taariq Joyce yes especially if you’re using a heavy denim fabric. You can get away with not interfacing, but I would recommend it with the pocket flap if your fabric lightweight.