Toddler coat pattern

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Little pups will love this kid’s swing coat by Juliet Bawden, appliquéd with a tail-chasing sausage dog. Use this toddler coat pattern to make a charming outfit for a young child!

This pretty toddler coat pattern is perfect for milder spring days, but will still keep a small child comfortably warm. To make this outfit, you’ll need to be able to do machine appliqué – if you haven’t tried it before, then take a look at our machine appliqué workshop before you get started.

Opt for bright and breezy fabrics to create a vibrant look for spring! We’ve chosen to use floral fabrics here, but a cute nautical stripe would also be very striking and summery.

Read on to make your toddler coat pattern…

Toddler coat sewing pattern: step by step instructions

You will need:

Outer fabric (70x112cm (28x44in))
Lining fabric (70x112cm (28x44in))
Applique fabric (for sausage dog and ear) (20x80cm (8x32in))
Appliqué contrast fabric (for sausage dog patches and ear lining) (20x20cm (8x8in))
Bondaweb (20x90cm (8x35in))
Black stranded cotton
Button
Matching thread
Basic sewing kit

Notes

Download the coat template.
Use a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance.
This pattern comes in two sizes: 12 months and 18 months.
When cutting out the coat front, cut around the pattern piece and then flip it over and cut around it so that the pieces will be cut as mirror images.

A colorful floral children's jacket with polka dot pockets hangs on a blue hanger against a white brick wall, accompanied by a vibrant red satchel bag on a white hook.

Cutting out

Step 1

Download and print the templates.

Step 2

Press your fabrics, then cut out the patterns and pin them in place.

Step 3

Cut from the outer and lining fabric:

Coat back: cut 1 on fold.
Coat front: cut 1 pair.
Sleeve: cut 2.

Assembling the coat and lining

Step 1

Sew the outer coat fronts to the outer coat back right sides (RS) together at the shoulder seams.

Step 2

With RS together, pin the sleeves into the armholes, matching the top of the sleeve to the shoulder seam, and sew into place.

Step 3

Pin and sew the underarm and side seam together on one side, then on the other.

Step 4

Repeat this with all the lining pieces.

Attaching the sausage dog

Step 1

Place the Bondaweb paper side up on top of the dog template and trace around it.

Step 2

Press the traced Bondaweb paper side up on the wrong side (WS) of the dog appliqué fabric then cut along the traced outer lines.

Step 3

Peel off the paper backing then place the appliqué dog RS up on top of the coat outer centrally across the back and fronts with the feet positioned 2cm (¾4in) up from the bottom raw edge. Press into place.

Adding the patches, ear and face

Step 1

Trace onto Bondaweb and press the three dog patches onto the WS of the appliqué contrast fabric. Cut out and then position the patches on top of the dog and press into place.

Step 2

Place the remainder of the two appliqué fabrics RS together then place the dog ear template on top and draw around it.

Step 3

Stitch together along the drawn line, but leaving the top edge open.

Step 4

Trim the seam and along the top drawn line. Turn RS out and press, then pin the ear to the top of the dog’s head.

Step 5

Work a machine zigzag around the edge of the dog, the patches and across the top of the ear to hold them all firmly into place.

Step 6

Embroider the nose, eye and mouth using black stranded cotton.

Finishing the coat

Step 1

Place the coat outer and lining RS facing and pin together.

Step 2

Sew together, leaving a gap in the centre of the bottom edge.

Step 3

Turn the coat RS out and slipstitch the turning gap closed.

Step 4

Turn the sleeve raw edges of the coat outer and lining under by 1cm (³⁄₈in) and topstitch together to hem.

Step 5

Stitch a buttonhole on one side of the coat front then sew a button on the other side.

You’ve finished! Stop and admire your completed toddler coat pattern.

Time to make a coat for yourself!

This charming swing coat is bound to be admired, but sadly, it doesn’t come in adult sizes! If you’re feeling inspired after making this coat and want to stitch one for yourself, then check out our pick of the best coat sewing patterns.

Looking for more sewing patterns for children?

Find out how to make a child’s sunhat or learn how to sew baby harem pants.

A young girl wearing a colorful wide-brimmed hat is holding two seashells while looking down. She is dressed in a light blue dress with a small sailboat design, standing against a plain beige background.

Juliet Bawden

Juliet Bawden is a designer, maker, author and journalist. She has had over 70 craft books published, some exploring and making the things herself, and others writing about designers who are at the top of their field. Her books include ‘The Art and Craft of Papier Mache’, ‘Hearts’ a book of Romantic Gifts, ‘The Hat Book’, ‘Rag Rug’ inspirations, ‘The Art and Craft of Applique’ and more. She also designs, makies and writes for magazines including : Coast, Simply Sewing and Reloved as well as for the web site of both Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley.

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