PATTERN REVIEW: Akira Wrap Jacket in Black Linen
AKIRA Wrap Jacket made with Midweight BLACK Linen
In my 10 years of sewing, I can say with confidence, there are few fabrics I love more than classic black linen. I keep coming back to it. Pair it with vintage cotton denim and a natural vegetable tanned leather bag, you have my ideal wardrobe.
A couple weeks ago, I made the AKIRA pants in a DUSTY GREEN linen. I loved this pattern so much, I decided to make the wrap jacket as well. I originally thought I would make it in natural linen to match my recently made MAGDA pants, but after considering the shape of this design and my personal style, I returned to my favorite, a timeless Midweight BLACK linen. The AKIRA pattern set features a slouchy silhouette, plenty of ease, and simple closures. It’s incredibly approachable for a beginner seamstress. The finished garments have a casual feel, easy to dress up or down. Comfortable, yet elegant.
AKIRA Wrap Jacket made with Midweight BLACK Linen
I chose to make the wrap jacket over the cardigan style. Since I have a long torso and an overall straight shape, I’m always looking for a simple silhouette that cinches the waist and adds some curve. The belt option does this while adding some versatility, since the garment looks completely different when left open as opposed to wrapped and tied. I made a size 2 and followed the instructions exactly. I was using some black linen scraps leftover from a previous project, so I had to piece together the belt and neckline patterns by adding a ¼” to each piece and stitching a seam down the center instead of cutting on the fold. This was a super easy change and a good way to use up some small scrap pieces, rather than buying more yardage just to cut one piece.
This jacket is a fast and simple sew. One point of warning, however, is that the front and back pattern pieces are very similar. I was working quickly and made the mistake of cutting the back for the front, and did not realize it until I was sewing on the neckline. Thankfully, I was able to save the project without too much seam ripping but save yourself some time and headache by slowing down and marking your patterns clearly before starting to sew. Anyone else get excited and jump in too soon?
AKIRA Wrap Jacket made with Midweight BLACK Linen
During the sewing of this garment, I was reminded again how humbling the process of working with your hands can be. As with any craft, you have never really “arrived”. There is always more to learn with sewing, even while working on a seemingly easy project. This journey, though, is what makes the work and the finished garment so rewarding.
Of all the sewing patterns I have worked with in the past couple months, the AKIRA set is my favorite. I think I could make a set of these wide leg pants and a wrap jacket in every color and be quite happy. If you’re looking for a comfortable yet elegant piece for your wardrobe, a wrap jacket in black is for you!
Do you have a favorite sewing pattern lately? Leave it in the comments!
Happy sewing,
Morgann
About Author
Morgann McCoy
Morgann is the owner, designer, and seamstress behind A Well Worn Story, a sewing studio in southern Wisconsin creating handcrafted leather and canvas bags inspired by adventure.Leave a comment
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5 Comments
Chris Doede
Love your articles. Live in Wausau WI, so can totally identify with the climate comments.
Do you think I could extend the length for a summer robe at mid calf?
Mary Syron
OOOhhh… I found the Kimono pattern. Gonna get it. It has the jacket and the pants. Didn’t put the two together plus hoping to have enough of my 3 yards of black linen to also make the tank shirt.
Thanks again.
Morgann Mccoy
This is such a great pattern set and the perfect Kimono jacket! I loved the pants too. Enjoy and happy sewing!
Mary Syron
i’m searching for a soft full skirt. And also for a wrap skirt. Any suggestions from the sewers. I have the black linen from Fabrics-Store. I would make the kimono jacket also if Morgann could share what pattern she used for this jacket. Will work nicely for Spring and Fall where I live. Thanks very much.
Morgann Mccoy
Hey Mary! So glad you loved the jacket. This is the Akira pattern set, which you can find here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/akira-linen-kimono-short-cardigan-long-cardigan-pant-and-capris
For a full wrap skirt, check out the Sofia pattern. I have not made this one myself, so cannot give you specific tips or recommendations for sewing it, but it looks really beautiful from the photos and is a free download! Find it here: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/sofia-linen-skirt-pattern
The Julia patterns set is another option with a full, tiered skirt and wrap tops: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/julia-linen-wrap-tops-and-tiered-skirts
Hope this helps! Happy sewing!