Retazo Fabric and Notions

Fabric and Notions for the Retazo Coat

The pattern instructions provide an in-depth discussion of fabric and notions, with more extensive charts.

You can find the digital PDF version of the Retazo Coat pattern here.

First, find your size:

Here’s what everybody will need:

• 1/2 yd (0.5 m) lightweight fusible interfacing
• Five to nine 3/4” (1.9 cm) sew-on snaps
• 4.5 yd (4 M) 2” (5 cm) -wide bias strips (for hem facings)
• Sewing machine needles:
  • Quilting needles (size 11 or 14) for the quilted panels 
  • Heavy Duty needles for the main assembly
• Thread that matches your backing fabric
• Contrast fabric: cotton sheeting or other light-weight fabric like quilting cotton or cotton broadcloth – with no stretch and a stable hand. This fabric is for the facings and undercollar.

Then, consider your three construction options:

1. Do you want to use a thrifted quilt? (Easiest and quick)
2. Do you want to use pre-quilted fabric? (Equally easy and quick)
3. Or do you want to use your woven fabric scraps, and make your own pieced pattern pieces, quilting them yourself? (Takes time, but worth it!)

3. For those using scraps/quilting-as-you-go