Gertrude Gilet sewing pattern by Sewgirl to make a snug little essential item for any wardrobe. Its the perfect body warmer, wear over tees or sweats and layer under jackets for extra cosiness. Its the perfect garment for in between seasons when you aren’t too sure whether to wrap up or keep cool.

This gilet is suitable to be made up in cuddly knitted Boucle fabrics, Teddy Sherpa fleece or Curly sheep fabrics, alternatively woven fabrics are also suitable with or without a lining. If using a woven fabric aim for a slightly heavier weight and double sided fabric is preferable.

Lining it is an option which is explained in the pattern-, however make sure not to use anything too heavy in weight. I think this garment works better unlined as it is lighter and less bulky.

Gertrude Gilet can be made in sizes 8-24. For size measurements see the chart below. The pattern is written in English only and has metric and imperial measurements. The level is ‘easy’ – there are buttonholes and binding to attach so if you have previous experience that is an advantage, however I recommend practising these techniques on a piece of scrap fabric until you feel comfortable. Using an overlocker is also advantageous , however inner raw edges can be zig zagged or bound with extra binding.

Scroll to hour 1.00 to watch Fiona making an a section of Gertrude Gilet on Sewing Street TV.

The unlined woven fabric gilet (above) is finished with cotton binding all around the edges. Pocket edge binding is optional. The boucle version (below), has self-made binding made from horizontally cut strips. The pockets are not bound but simply hemmed at the top edge, then overlocked around the outer raw edges, and stitched on to the front, exposing the overlocked outer edges. This pocket method is for ease of sewing with stretch fabrics.

The Boucle version uses self-made binding using the back of the fabric as a feature. Being a knitted fabric, it is cut on the horizontal width of the fabric (not diagonal). The woven version uses bought bias binding for all the raw edges. You can make your own but frankly its easier and cheaper to buy it by the metre. The gilet has four feature 20-25mm (3/4″- 1″) buttons.

Wear Gertrude gilet with jeans, trousers or skirts or under a long floaty long sleeve dress (such as Sewgirl Frida/Talluah shown below ) would also look great! This gilet below was created with cable knit fabric and a single stretch jersey lining. It has been edge bound using the lining fabric for the binding.

Here are the details about sizing and finished garment measurements with fabric requirements.

For those who are curious, this pattern name was inspired by a gardening legend Gertrude Jekyl. She probably never wore a gilet in her time, but I imagine if she was living and working today she would probably love to wear one in the garden on a chilly Autumn or Spring day.