We are slowly moving into the autumn/winter season... and in the current trend, I invite you to discover some bomber / teddy printed patterns to sew a very useful mid-season jacket.

I have selected 5 very nice printed patterns to work with: 3 for women, 2 for children, and finally 1 for men. 

Let's go, time for discovery!

First, a bit of history about this iconic wardrobe piece

Bomber jackets come straight from the United States and were used by the American military by pilots and the navy. The first bombers date back to the early 1950s. At the time, they were in military colors: navy blue or khaki green and had a zipped pocket on the sleeve. They are the rightful descendants of leather jackets, which were heavy and therefore impractical for military use. With the advent of nylon, the bomber jacket became a staple of soldiers' uniforms.
Some jackets are even reversible for certain military uses; they have a classic color on the outside and a bright color inside to signal in case of trouble. 
During the 1960s, the bomber became a civilian jacket and gained popularity with cinema icons who wore it, such as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. 

Today, the bomber is a trendy jacket that can be worn in different ways: sporty, rock style, even with a skirt or dress... in original tones, patterns, and colors... in short, anything goes!

Features of the bomber / teddy

The bomber is a jacket that reaches the waist and whose bottom, sleeves, and collar are made of ribbing. Ribbing is a knitted fabric with ribs used to make edges (hence the name). Most bombers close at the front with a zipper. It is now possible to find some that close with snaps. 

Some bombers have pockets on the front, on the sleeve, and sometimes inside to slip in, for example, a wallet. 

Originally, the bomber was made of nylon... Today, you can find it in all kinds of materials: poplin, jacquard, jersey, velvet... In short, anything is possible to create an original bomber jacket. Likewise, you can play with contrasts using lurex ribbing, neon, striped... enough to create a unique piece!

Materials needed to make a bomber jacket

To make a bomber jacket for an adult, you will need on average:

• between 130 and 170cm with a width of 140cm of fabric 
• between 130 and 170cm with a width of 140cm for the lining
• a separating zipper from 45 to 60cm depending on your size
• some ribbing (50 cm if you choose tubular ribbing or 2 strips of ribbing bands)
• some matching thread
• optionally a small zipper pull if you want a pocket on the arm. 

Note: If you choose a fabric with a width of 110cm like Japanese or American fabrics, I recommend taking one length for the front, one length for the back, and one length for the sleeve. This comes to about 2 meters of fabric for a women's bomber.

Women’s models

1. Les Bobines Patterns - Liberté Model

I chose to present this model because it has two versions: a simple version and a reversible version. 

The Liberté jacket has a fitted cut without being too tight. The textiles recommended by the brand for this model are rather fluid fabrics: viscose, lightweight cotton, chambray, cotton/viscose blend, or linen/viscose for an elegant look. It is also possible to make it in sweat fabric or jersey for a sportier style.  

The pattern is available on the brand's website in PDF format for €8 and €14 for the printed pattern, suitable for sizes 34 to 56. 

The difficulty level is rated 2 out of 3 by the brand.   

The brand offers a short YouTube video to complete the most complicated steps: installing the zipper (between the outer fabric and the lining) and assembling the sleeves (especially for the reversible version).

2. La Droguerie - Quai de Seine Model

I chose this model because it also has two versions: you can sew either a bomber or a sweatshirt with the same pattern!

The brand La Droguerie offers us the bomber or long-sleeve sweatshirt combination. A nice finish on the neckline, hem, and sleeves with ribbing. What’s nice about this version (if you are a complete beginner) is that it’s possible to make the bomber without lining (and if you are more experienced) you can sew your lined version.

The pattern is available from size 34 to 46 on the brand's website. It is sold for €10 in PDF format and €14 for the printed pattern.  

The bomber can be sewn from knit or woven fabrics. For the sweatshirt, choose a french terry or a sweat/fleece fabric.

The difficulty level is rated 4 out of 4 by the brand. 

One of my very young clients sewed this bomber jacket in Japanese fabric and it gives a very original result. 

3. Chut Charlotte - The bomber jacket

I chose this pattern because it has several variations, especially regarding the collar but also options for inserting ruffles. This allows you to have several options in the same pattern. Additionally, this pattern can be purchased for women, children, or as a duo pack.

Charlotte offers us a revamped version of the bomber jacket that fits well with her brand’s style. We have a decidedly feminine jacket with ruffles and 2 collar options...

Several variations are offered: classic collar or Peter Pan collar; zipper or snap buttons; with or without piping; with ruffles or not.

The pattern is rated level 4 out of 4 by the brand because this bomber jacket notably has piped pockets. 

The pattern is available on the brand’s website in PDF format for €8.9. You can sew it from size 34 to size 56. And for your information, the children’s bomber is available from size 2 years to 14 years.

Children’s pattern - Jules by Ikatee

I chose this pattern because, like the Quai de Seine pattern, it is available in a zipped bomber version and a sweatshirt version, and above all, you will find sizes from 3 to 12 years, all in the same pattern. 

With a loose fit, the Jules pattern will be very comfortable for little ones, especially thanks to the low armholes. The front opening is done with a zipper, and the pockets are set into the side seam. This pattern is relatively accessible and is rated at an intermediate sewing level. 

The pattern is available in PDF format for €8 and in printed format for €14 on the brand’s website. To sew it, the brand recommends terry jersey, sweatshirt fabric, jacquard jersey, fleece...

Men’s pattern: The Teddy l'Irrésistible from BG pattern

I had sewn this pattern for my husband in wax fabric two years ago, and it’s still great to wear it on cool summer evenings or in the fall. It was a very nice sewing experience because it was my first time sewing a bomber jacket.

I invite you to read the full article by clicking here

I hope that with this article, you have found a pattern to make your bomber jacket or one for your loved ones!

I would definitely repeat this experience because it is always a pleasure to give your handmade creations to those you love.