Today, I’m sharing my review of the Flynn Jacket by In the Folds.

My starting point for this sewing project was definitely the fabric, which I received as a gift for Christmas.

Actually, I picked it out myself with cash my Mum sent me for Christmas! Which doesn’t sound quite as magical I know.

But this is how my family generally give me gifts these days because there is nothing worse – for both the giver and the receiver – to receive a carefully chosen gift in the post from home and then have to pay customs and imports duties to pick it up from the post office!

So picking out our own gifts from cash is what works for us and, this Christmas, I was very happy with this choice of fabric!

It is the Organic Element Jacquard Knit from Mind the Maker. This colour is Indigo Night and I purchased mine from Meter Meter.

I was entirely inspired to make this by @joliebobines who made a Heather Blazer out of it. That garment got me thinking that the fabric was flexible to be used in ways untraditional for a knit!

The Flynn Jacket is designed for woven fabrics, but thanks to my inso-example, I decided it would work in this knit – which is fairly thick and stable. My vision was to try it like an oversized cardigan pattern, rather than a jacket, and I think it works!

My Flynn Jacket

This was my first time sewing an In the Folds pattern and it was great!

The Flynn Jacket is available in sizing which caters for a maximum hip size of 139 cm (54″). My Flynn Jacket is a size D, which is one size down from the size recommended based on my body measurements.

I’m happy with having sized down, as the pattern includes plenty of ease.

I especially love the way the deep pleat at the back makes this roomy and comfortable.

What can I say, I’m a sucker for a good pleat.

I actually also did a full bicep adjustment on my Flynn Jacket – which was totally unnecessary! I measured the size of the upper sleeve of the pattern piece, which was what made me nervous as I thought it gave me only one centimetres ease. When I actually sewed up the pattern, however, I realised that when taking this measurement, had forgotten that the pattern has a generous dropped shoulder.

So what I had assumed to be the measurement across the widest part of the arm, was actually the measurement for part way down!

So, it was a false need for a full bicep adjustment!

Speaking of sleeves, I prefer to fold the sleeve of my Flynn Jacket back into a little cuff, so I would have been better slightly lengthening my sleeve a tad, as they do look a little short on me when rolled back.

In the Folds’ patterns encourage you to take it slow and provide for beautiful finishes on both the inside and out. The instructions are immaculate and clear.

In a way, it was a bit of a pity that I was making this in knit, rather than a woven. This meant that I couldn’t do the lovely bias bound interior seams and Hong Kong finish, as the pattern calls for!

Speaking of sewing in knits, the only change I made to take this into account was adding some clear elastic into the shoulder to stabilise it.

I also, rather unfortunately, ran out of fabric for the facings! I’d originally thought about making a blazer, so that was the amount of fabric I had in mind when I ordered. After switching my plans to the Flynn Jacket, I was cutting it fine for fabric (hence, zero attempt at pattern placement!), so the insides are made out of leftover fleece from my Mile End Sweater and Plateau Jogs. So this Flynn Jacket is cosy on both the inside and out! But my version does have a little bit of flash from facing, as my leftover fleece was white, rather than navy.

I am really happy with this make: both the pattern and fabric were beyond my expectations and I feel they’ve made for a very satisfying oversized cardigan combination.

What’s more, the entire experience definitely made me want to sew another In the Folds pattern, though! Maybe the Collins top or the Rushcutter dress…

Or, hell, maybe I’ll just make another Flynn. A boiled wool one would be lovely. After all, the pattern’s lovely and unique lines get a tad lost in this print!

In any event, I see more In the Folds patterns in my sewing future!