Digital Pattern + Video Class Forester Coat Sewing Pattern - Men's/Straight Fit
Go adventuring in comfort and style.
With a beautiful fit and lovely, professional-looking details, the Forester is a truly achievable outerwear pattern - we think you'll be surprised by how simple it is to make!
Skill Level: Adventurous beginner - Intermediate depending on options chosen.
Video Support: A full course of clear, concise videos accompany this pattern, alongside a comprehensive written and photographed instruction booklet.
Sizing + Supplies
View size chart + materials list
Views + Add-ons
- Collar
- Optional detachable round hood + pixie hood
- Zipper closure (with snap or button alternative)
- In-seam pockets
- Optional wind flap for extra warmth and style
What is the Nestledown Baby Wearing Add-on? View it here
Bonus Resources
- How to adjust Forester for Broad Shoulders
- Add an Interior Lining Pocket to the Forester Coat
- Introducing the Adult Forester Coats
- The Nestledown Baby Carry and Pregnancy Add-On
Printing Info
This is a PDF pattern and includes three printing options:
- US Letter/A4 - tiled and designed to print on your home printer
- Copyshop - A0 wide-format file (33.1″ x 46.8″)
- Projector - specially-formatted and optimized for home projector use. Read more about using our projector files here
All pattern printing formats include “layers”, allowing you to print only the size(s) you need, or all of the sizes. A comprehensive sewing instruction tutorial is supplied.
View pattern FAQ | Read more on the blog
Cover photo by Sarah Connell
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Customer Reviews
Pattern is very easy to follow. Very simple coat. Takes about 12 hours total from start to finish. Coat shell is very nice. Wish the seam allowance was 5/8 to allow for some tailoring. Main issue I have is that the way the lining is attached is VERY prone to sagging out the bottom. I've had to hand bag the lining twice as the lining continues to peak out the bottom. The lining is the same size as the Coat and the pattern does not make much allowance for the lining.
Hello Pat, and thank you for stopping by to leave such an honest and thoughtful review! I'm glad to hear that overall, you enjoyed making your Forester Coat, and I am sorry to hear that you've found yourself frustrated by the saggy lining. A could of suggestions to help, if I may?
Over the years, we have come to recommend that you hang your outer and lining separately for a couple of days for fabrics that are prone to stretch out against gravity - then, you can trim the sagging fabric to match, and finish assembly to create a coat that isn't as likely to do this. In your finished coat, you could even unpick just the bottom and let it hang, then trim to match, to achieve the same effect.
This result is also why, over time, we have grown to favour coat linings with facings and/or bagged hems, to help manage the possibility of loosely woven lining fabrics sagging. Our Grove and Pixie Coats have since been (re)released including these features for a really neat finish. Perhaps you'd find yourself pleased with one of these patterns? You could even adapt Forster to have at least a bottom facing to help with this as well. Forester is slated to see an update in the future (though I am unable to provide a time frame at this moment) and will likely be upgraded to include features to address lining sag at that time.
I hope that is helpful for you!
I really like this pattern. I liked that there was extra length at the bottom of the coat that i could adjust the length to where i wanted it. The pattern needs a loop for hanging but that is an easy add. Why not 5 star the projector pattern needs work, so it is my rule of thumb i dock 2 stars because i work almost exclusivly with pattern projectors. The things they can fix all the line wieghts are 5pt, anything on fold open it up so you can cut with one layer also allows you to cut lining and extior at the same time, make sure all pieces face the same grainline, give a negative layer (white lines on black background) so its easier to cut on dark fabric and last thing would be to make sure they create outlines of their fonts so when converting the files for projecter use you dont lose words.
Hello Adam - thank you so much for sharing about your experience with the Forester Coat! Yours turned out excellently, and I'm glad you found the tutorial so helpful in achieving such a great coat.
Regarding your feedback on the projector file, I'm delighted to be able to let you know that the pattern is in line for an update, including to its Projector file. We began to adopt these files early in the Projector-sewing world, and so they were created with the suggested best practices at the time, which has evolved as the practice has. Along with the Forester's size updates in 2025, it will receive a full overhaul of its Projector file as well, which will be made available to all current owners upon completion. Much of the T+T collection has already been updated to these newer guidelines, and we are working with Projector-sewing enthusiasts to keep our template up to date on a consistent basis. You can read more about our Projector files here: https://www.twigandtale.com/blogs/twig-and-tale-blog/projector-sewing?_pos=1&_sid=3cb93e569&_ss=r
Thank you for being a part of our creative community!
I made this for wearing on warmer spring and autumn days and cooler summer days, with cotton twill fabric and a rayon lining, and sizing down for a snugger fit. I enjoyed the process, and like how the coat turned out.
Another time, I'd use a 60cm zip instead of the recommended 75cm, so that I can sit down more gracefully after just undoing the lowest wind flap fastener.
Another time, I'd do the interior pockets with posted welts, instead of introducing an extra seam in the lining just to support inseam pockets.
My partner and I fell in love with this coat as soon as I finished sewing it. The details and finishes of the pattern allow it to be very versatile and can be customized to the maximum. In this case I used softshell but we are already planning another version in wool. The instructions are precise and clear and allow you to follow them step by step to sew easily this elegant coat.
I used this pattern to make a quilt coat for my SO. I am an experienced quilter but garment sewing newbie. Before making this pattern, I only made a simple quilt coat for myself. I used the pattern exactly as written, just with quilted fabric that I made and addition of 3" for his height. I used silk batting and a lightweight lawn for the lining. It turned out fantastic! The directions are excellent and clear and I'm so proud of myself for making such an elegant and well crafted garment.
The material is EXCELENT
Both my husband and and dad loved their bespoke forrester jackets! Such a fabulous pattern and instructions!
A very simple and straightforward pattern, which is easily made. I added a few tailored changes which added some challenge to the project, but the result is lovely and fits him perfectly.
Instructions so easy to follow. Was a nice challenge for an accomplished sewer. Looks great on. I'm making all the men in my life one of these.
It was my first mens coat for my husband. First Nig. project apart from all the kids stuff I already made. I love the detailed instructions and the great video tutorials. Makes it easy to follow even if you are not a native speaker. I had to customize a few parts as my husband is "too V-shaped " but now it fits quite well.
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