AI6YR BenHmm, softshell fabric not cheap... about $28.00 per yard. (if I were theoretically going to sew myself a new softshell jacket). #sewing
So, the problem with something like black or blue or green, is then it's not terribly obvious you've sewn yourself a jacket (because all the softshells out there are black or blue or green)., But purple or "tomato" are way off the usual scale of colors. Which means you've got to be willing to show off a bit, lol. (I have no problem with it--ie random strangers chatting with you because you have an outrageously loud outfit--but the family prefers to blend in and hide....)
Looks like most jacket patterns are between 2 1/4 and 2 1/2 yards for my size. Given my sewing skill level, that means I really should by 3 yards, in case of a snafu. #sewing
your auntifa liza 🇵🇷 🦛 🦦@ai6yr yup. that’s now my minimum when buying fabrics: 3 yards for 55-60". if it’s 45" or less, +1 yard for regular cloth, +2 if it has a print or it’s 100% cotton, linen, wool. the shrinkage struggle is real.
Sensible Crone@blogdiva @ai6yr For real! And wash that fabric before cutting it so the shrinkage and the going back to its natural fabric flow occurs before you make anything. The process of putting fabrics on bolts repeatedly is crazy toxic and deforms the fabric. Plus the grossness of shipping and warehouses. Wash it!
@susiemagoo @blogdiva Ooh, so if I am getting the patterned fabric I need 2 extra yards on top? i.e. instead of 2 1/4 probably 4 1/4?
bjb 
Depends on the length of the pattern repeat, and on how the pieces are laid out.
Eg, if the front right and left are placed vertically and the pattern is large, you may need to move the second piece a little further down so that the pattern on right and left will look good when the pieces are placed side by side.
If the printed design is small scale (teensy flowers or other object) it may not matter too much. But for bold, large prints, it matters a lot more.
@bjb @susiemagoo @blogdiva The "Starry Skies" pattern there would be tempting, not sure how much repeat there is. I guess if I have extra fabric I can make gloves, hat, matching jackets for all the rabbits and dog 🤪
Katherine W(that's the one I hoped you would pick, not purple or tomato, but you will still stand out a little bit)
@FiddleSix Yeah, subtle but noticeable is a good goal. Now, to calculate how much yardage I need, I forgot patterned fabrics are not as simple as solids.