The Camp Coat Sewing Pattern: What to Know Before You Start Sewing
If you've been searching for a chore coat pattern, you've probably noticed there's no shortage of options. Closet Core, Friday Pattern Company, and Merchant & Mills all make solid jackets. So before you commit your time and fabric to a new project, it's worth knowing exactly what you're getting into.
This is a deep dive into the Camp Coat sewing pattern by Larae Handmade. What it is, how it sews up, what fabrics work best, and whether it's the right fit for your next make. I designed this pattern, so I can tell you things a pattern review blog can't: why certain construction decisions were made, where confident sewists tend to slow down, and what this coat actually looks and feels like in real life.
Let's get into it.
What the Camp Coat Pattern Actually Is
The Camp Coat is a unisex, relaxed chore coat with a boxy fit, patch pockets, a classic collar, and an adjustable hem length. It was designed to sit in that sweet spot between workwear utility and everyday style. The kind of jacket you reach for in the morning without thinking too hard about it.
The silhouette draws from traditional French workwear and American workshop coats, but it's been updated for a modern fit that works on a wide range of body types. It's not a cropped jacket. It's not an oversized statement piece. It's a coat that feels intentional without being precious. Something you'd wear while sewing in your studio, walking a coastal trail, or grabbing coffee on a foggy Saturday, or even on your wedding day (see the photos above).
Sizing runs from 2XS to 4XL, and the unisex cut means it's genuinely size-inclusive rather than just labeled that way. Partners, friends, and siblings have been known to fight over the finished product.
What Comes in the Pattern
The Camp Coat is a PDF sewing pattern, which means you download it, print it, and get started. Here's what's included:
Print-at-home file formatted for both US Letter and A4 paper sizes
A0 large-format file for printing at a copy shop (no taping pages together)
Projector file for sewing with a projector setup
Illustrated instruction booklet with clean diagrams and written steps for every construction stage
Full-length video tutorial linked in the pattern to guide you through the entire make
The video tutorial is worth calling out because most independent PDF patterns don't include one. If you hit a tricky moment with the collar or the snap buttons, you can pause and watch the exact step instead of staring at a diagram and guessing.
Skill Level and Time Commitment
The Camp Coat is designed for confident beginners and up. If you've sewn a garment or two with structured fabric and you're comfortable following written instructions, you'll do well with this pattern.
A few construction moments to be aware of before you start:
The collar. It's a classic flat collar with a front band, and it looks clean when it's done. The key is pressing carefully at every step. Rushing the collar is the most common place people lose time. The video tutorial covers this in detail.
Snap buttons. The Camp Coat closes with snaps rather than traditional buttons, which gives it that authentic workwear feel. If you've never installed snaps before, it's not difficult. It just requires the right tools (a snap press or a hammer-style setter) and some patience on your first round. I go through it in depth in the instructions and video. You can also use traditional buttons as well!
The lining option. The pattern includes instructions for both lined and unlined versions. It was designed to be unlined, which means it comes with “front-facing pieces”. Due to popular demand for a liner, I added a couple of options, but I do not go in-depth as the jacket was meant to be unlined. However…if you do line it, I recommend “bagging out the liner.” I have a video on it in my Baby Camp Coat tutorial!
Fabric Choices and Yardage
This is where the Camp Coat gets interesting, because fabric choice changes the entire character of the finished garment.
Canvas and denim are the bread and butter of this pattern. A 10- 14 oz canvas gives you that crisp, structured workwear look. Denim in a similar weight softens over time in the best way. Both are easy to source, easy to work with, and produce a coat that looks exactly like you'd hope.
Heavyweight wool takes the Camp Coat in a more elevated direction. A wool coating or a repurposed wool blanket brings warmth and a completely different hand. If you want something that doubles as outerwear through a Pacific Northwest winter, wool is the move.
Upcycled materials are where things get genuinely fun. Vintage quilts, canvas drop cloths, wool army blankets. The Camp Coat was built to handle non-standard fabrics. The boxy, seamed construction means you can work around stains, worn patches, or a limited yardage situation. Just note that upcycled fabrics come with their own quirks (unexpected stretch, uneven weight, seams you're sewing over), so approach them as a creative challenge rather than a straight swap.
What doesn't work: stretch fabrics, lightweight cotton, anything drapey. The Camp Coat needs body. Without it, the collar collapses, and the whole silhouette goes soft.
For yardage, the pattern gives you specific requirements by size, but as a general guide, you're looking at 2.5-4 yards depending on your size and whether you're lining the coat.
Check out what the pattern testers used to see all the fabric options! - HERE
What We Love About It (And a Few Honest Notes)
What works really well:
The pockets. Deep, functional patch pockets that actually hold things. This sounds like a low bar, but it isn't. A lot of jacket patterns phone in the pockets.
The adjustable hem. The pattern gives you a range of hem lengths to work with so you can make a hip-length jacket or a longer coat without having to redraft anything yourself.
The fit across gender expressions. This was a priority in the design, and it shows. The coat reads as workwear without reading as masculine or feminine, which means it flatters a genuinely wide range of bodies.
A few honest notes:
The front-facing pieces require attention. I already mentioned this above, but it's worth saying again: press as you go, don't skip steps, and watch the video if you get confused. When it's done well, the front-facing is one of the best things about this coat, as it ensures a super clean finish.
Upcycled fabrics are a project-within-the-project. If you're using a vintage quilt or a wool blanket, budget extra time for prep and be ready to adapt as you go. The results are almost always worth it, but go in with realistic expectations.
The Finished Coat
In real life, the Camp Coat wears like a jacket that's been in your wardrobe for years, even when it's brand new. It breaks in with wear, gets better with washing, and develops its own character depending on the fabric you choose.
I've made versions in raw canvas, washed denim, a vintage wool blanket, and an old quilt. Every single one turned out differently, and every single one gets worn constantly.
The coat travels well. It photographs well against the kind of landscape I live in: coastal fog, mossy trails, rocky beaches. But it also works in cities, in studios, in gardens. It's not a precious coat. It's a coat you actually use.
Ready to Sew?
The Camp Coat PDF sewing pattern is available on the Larae Handmade website and on Etsy. It includes all three file formats (print-at-home, A0, and projector), the full instruction booklet, and access to the video tutorial.
If you have a little one at home, the Baby Camp Coat pattern is available as a bundle. Same design, scaled down, with its own set of instructions.
When you finish yours, tag it #CampCoat on Instagram. There's nothing better than seeing where these coats end up.
Introducing the Camp Coat, your ultimate unisex Chore Coat pattern designed for style, comfort, and versatility! With a relaxed boxy fit and the option to customize its length, this coat is perfect for every season, whether you're layering up in winter or breezing through spring.
The pattern includes detailed instructions for lining your coat, plus a full-length video tutorial to guide you every step of the way—ideal for both beginners and seasoned sewists alike.
Crafted to shine with 10oz-16oz canvas and denim, the Camp Coat also invites creativity with upcycled materials like non-stretch quilts and cozy wool blankets. (Just a heads up, these materials come with their own set of challenges, but hey, who doesn’t love a good sewing adventure?)
So roll up those sleeves and get ready to create a coat that’s as unique and lively as you are! Your new favorite wardrobe staple awaits!
Please see photos for the size chart and finished jacket measurements.
THIS IS A PDF DOWNLOAD, NOT A PHYSICAL PATTERN
Sizes
Adult Unisex XXS-4XL
Skill Level
Confident Beginner/Intermediate
About the Files
Print at Home file that works for both LETTER and A4 Printers
A0 Large Format File
Projector File with Grid and Layers
Instruction Booklet
Full length Video Tutorial on Youtube @Laraehandmade
Materials and Supply Needs:
Fabric-Canvas or denim in 10oz-16oz is recommended. Non-stretch quilts and wool blankets also work well, just be mindful of thickness.
Fusible Interfacing Fabric - Medium weight for 10oz canvas/denim. Medium to Heavy Weight for quilts and wool blankets.
4-5 Snap Buttons with Snap Tools or Regular Buttons - See page 20 for a list of supplies with shopping links.
Needle - 12-16 size will work depending on the fabric and thread you choose.
Sewing Machine - if you are using a home machine make sure you stay in the 14oz or below range for canvas, and use thinner wool and quilt blankets.
Serger - If you don’t have a serger you can use bias tape, fray glue, or a french seam (not shown in pattern).
Pins or Clips - a variety of both is the most helpful!
Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Iron for pressing
Measuring Tape
Optional Supplies: Expanding Button Gauge, Chalk
YouTube Tutorials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij0a-8BeQcY&t=2076s
Thanks so much for your support and happy sewing!!!
Love, Danielle
‼️Important Disclaimer: If you would like to use this pattern to sew finished garments for a small handmade to order company, please visit patreon.com/laraehandmade to sign up for the membership to do so :) The Camp Coat Pattern is intended for personal use only, and cannot be used for profit or resale of finished garments unless given written permission from Danielle LaRae. ‼️
Tags
Chore coat, Sewing pattern, PDF pattern, Unisex design, Workwear, DIY sewing, Outerwear, Fashion pattern, Easy sewing, Beginner friendly, Layering piece, Casual style, Jacket sewing, Pockets, Durable fabric, Vintage style, Tailoring, Trendy outerwear, Versatile coat, Custom fit, Step-by-step instructions, Home sewing project, Fabric suggestions, Size range, Quick sew, Practical design, Minimalist pattern, Urban style, Tailored fit, Eco-friendly sewing
Sew your little one the cutest and coziest layer and your self a matching version. With a relaxed, boxy, unisex cut, this jacket is great for all seasons and makes a thoughtful DIY gift!
Link to Baby Camp Coat - https://www.laraehandmade.com/pdf-sewing-patterns/p/babycampcoat
Link to Adult Camp Coat - https://www.laraehandmade.com/pdf-sewing-patterns/p/thecampcoat
Baby Camp Coat Info
Baby Camp Coat Sewing Pattern (PDF) – Sizes Newborn to 7 Years | Unisex Baby Jacket | Beginner-Friendly | Upcycled + Quilted Fabric Friendly
Sew your little one the cutest and coziest layer with the Baby Camp Coat, a relaxed, boxy, unisex chore coat designed to grow with your child. With extended sleeves for rolling or adjusting and a roomy fit perfect for layering, this jacket is great for all seasons and makes a thoughtful DIY gift for babies and kids alike.
Whether you're using new yardage or upcycling a wool blanket or quilt, this pattern is made to work with a wide range of non-stretch fabrics like canvas, denim, linen, fleece, and more. It’s beginner-friendly with clear instructions and even includes links to video tutorials to guide you through the entire process.
Sizes
Newborn - 7 Years
Skill Level
Confident Beginner/Intermediate
Inspiration from the Pattern Testing Group- https://www.laraehandmade.com/baby-camp-coat-inspo
Adult Camp Coat Info
Introducing the Camp Coat, your ultimate unisex Chore Coat pattern designed for style, comfort, and versatility! With a relaxed boxy fit and the option to customize its length, this coat is perfect for every season, whether you're layering up in winter or breezing through spring.
The pattern includes detailed instructions for lining your coat, plus a full-length video tutorial to guide you every step of the way—ideal for both beginners and seasoned sewists alike.
Crafted to shine with 10oz-16oz canvas and denim, the Camp Coat also invites creativity with upcycled materials like non-stretch quilts and cozy wool blankets. (Just a heads up, these materials come with their own set of challenges, but hey, who doesn’t love a good sewing adventure?)
So roll up those sleeves and get ready to create a coat that’s as unique and lively as you are! Your new favorite wardrobe staple awaits!
Please see photos for the size chart and finished jacket measurements.
THIS IS A PDF DOWNLOAD, NOT A PHYSICAL PATTERN
Sizes
Adult Unisex XXS-4XL
Skill Level
Confident Beginner/Intermediate
🎥 Video tutorials available on YouTube & social media (linked in instructions) 📸 Share your makes with #babycampcoat and #thecampcoat to join the community!
What You’ll Get (Instant PDF Download):
Step-by-step instruction booklet with hand-drawn illustrations + video tutorial links
1. Print at Home File for US Letter (8.5” x 11”)and A4/Legal (210mm x 297mm)
2. A0 copy shop files
3. Projector-friendly file with layers
4. Sizes included: Unisex Newborn – 7 Years
📐 Includes both Imperial (inches) and Metric (cm) measurements
🧷 Recommended Fabrics:
Canvas, denim, linen, cotton twill, quilted cotton, fleece, wool, or upcycled blankets and quilts (Note: Some heavier materials like wool or quilted blankets may be more advanced to sew on home machines)
🧵 Materials Needed:
Fabric (medium to heavy-weight, non-stretch)
Interfacing for collar (approx. 12” x 5”)
Buttons or snaps
Sewing machine + needle (size 12–16)
Pins or clips
Scissors or rotary cutter
Iron
Measuring tape
💡 Great For:
DIY baby shower gifts
Toddler winter coat projects
Matching parent & kid chore coats
Handmade upcycled fashion
Teaching beginners how to sew jackets
Unique gender-neutral baby clothes
🛑 Commercial Use Note:
This pattern is for personal use only. If you'd like to sell finished garments using this pattern, please visit patreon.com/laraehandmade for a maker’s license.
Tags/SEO Keywords:
baby sewing pattern, baby jacket pattern, toddler coat sewing, beginner kids sewing pattern, quilt coat, chore coat, upcycled jacket pattern, pdf sewing pattern for kids, kids outerwear pattern, unisex jacket sewing, fleece baby jacket, DIY baby gift, wool baby coat, modern baby patterns, handmade kids clothing, easy jacket sewing, sewing patterns for toddlers, baby coat pdf, child winter coat pattern, upcycled baby clothes, baby outerwear, quilted baby coat, canvas baby jacket
