Sew the autumn trends 2025: Part 1

Cosy-season is here. Discover 5 key autumn 2025 trends: quilted jackets, moody jersey dresses, fit-and-flare needlecord, knit trousers and check skirts, plus the patterns and fabrics to sew them today.

It’s cosy-season sewing time. If grey skies and hot tea have you reaching for your machine, you’re in the right place. We've got a roundup of the key autumn 2025 looks and the sewing patterns and fabrics to recreate them with confidence.

Quilted Jackets

• Grainline Studios Tamarack jacket (small and large)
• Megan Nielsen Hovea jacket
• Fibre Mood Adria jacket

Dresses

• Vogue 2000 Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress
• McCalls 8553 dress
• New Look 6749 dress

Trousers and Skirts

• Tessuti Avalon pants
• Simplicity 9648

Quilted jackets: boxy, modern, delightfully wearable

Why sew it: Quilted jackets are everywhere because they’re comfortable, layer beautifully, and look polished without trying. The looser fit is forgiving, which makes them a brilliant “first jacket” project.

Fabric picks

• Quilted outerwear fabrics (plain or printed): look for shower-resistant fabrics with soft brushed or velvety inners for warmth and comfort. Navy, black and rich burgundy all work hard in an autumn wardrobe.
• Bias binding: finish edges neatly (a binding foot is handy). You can bind by machine or overlocker.

Pattern ideas

• Fibre Mood Adria (PDF) – cropped, boxy silhouette, welt pockets, collar and lapel, double-breasted front. Size XS–XXXL.
• Megan Nielsen Hovea – jacket/coat with multiple lengths, open front or tie, optional bound edges. Designed for quilted fabrics. Approx. sizes 0–20.
• Grainline Studio Tamarack – the modern classic; two size bands (0–18 and 14–32), patch/welt-style pockets, snap front, bound edges.

Sewing tip: Keep quilting lines and grain straight by stay-stitching key edges before construction. Press with a cooler iron and a press cloth to protect treated, shower-resistant surfaces.

Moody print jersey dresses: soft, sleek, and so comfortable

Why sew it: Knit dresses deliver the perfect blend of elegance and ease. Think wrap silhouettes, midi lengths, celestial or feather prints, and rich dark grounds with subtle pops of colour.

Fabric picks

• Viscose or polyester/elastane jersey with good stretch and recovery (180–220gsm is a lovely dress weight)

Pattern ideas

• Vogue Diane von Fürstenberg-style wrap (e.g. V2000) – classic wrap with collar/no-collar options; typically sizes 6–24.
• Other simple wrap or faux-wrap jersey patterns on site also suit this look.

Fit note: For wrap dresses, stabilise the neckline with clear elastic or knit stay tape to prevent gaping.

3) Fit-and-flare needlecord dresses: cosy with a vintage wink

Why sew it: A fitted bodice and gently flared or gathered skirt is flattering on most figures. This season, babycord brings warmth without bulk, perfect for shirt-dress styles with buttons or zips.

Fabric picks

• Babycord/needlecord in navy, tan/camel or brick/rust. Soft, drapey, and easy to sew; great for long sleeves without feeling heavy.

Pattern ideas

• McCall’s 8553 – hugely popular this year; short or midi lengths, long-sleeve option. Sizes 6–24.
• New Look 6749 – button-through bodice with a gathered skirt (sizes 6–16).
• Style Arc Belle Dress – similar aesthetic with broader size inclusivity (typically up to 30).

Cutting tip: Lay babycord in a consistent nap direction to avoid colour shading. A slightly longer stitch length helps keep seams smooth.

4) Knit trousers (the chic pull-on): dress up or down

Why sew it: Wide-leg pull-on trousers in ponte or french terry are the definition of everyday luxe. Smart enough for work, comfy enough for the sofa.

Fabric picks

• Ponte Roma with body and drape (we love deep olive, navy, burgundy and autumnal purples).
• French terry/brush-back fleece for extra softness.

Pattern idea

• Tessuti Avalon Pants – beginner-friendly elasticated waist, sizes roughly 6-22; ideal for stable knits.

Styling ideas: Pair with a matching long-sleeve top for a co-ord, a crisp shirt and wool coat for polish, or a chunky cardigan (try True Bias Marlo) and ballet flats for effortless weekend style.

5) Statement skirts: checks, pleats and asymmetric hemlines

Why sew it: Skirts are a fast way to refresh your wardrobe. This season’s heroes: checks (mini or midi), subtle ruching or flounces, and bias-style swish.

Fabric picks

• Wool and wool-mix checks in mulberry, camel and soft pink accents, beautiful drape for midi lengths.
• Viscose twills or crepes for fluid movement if you prefer plains or florals.

Pattern idea

• Simplicity 9648 – sleek, bias-style silhouette with an optional asymmetric front hem and a knee-length view. Sizes 8-24.

Matching plaids: Cut front pieces single-layer and mark key lines (waist, hip, hem) to keep checks aligned across seams.

Your autumn sewing checklist

• Choose one hero project to start (quilted jacket, knit dress, cord dress, knit trousers or a check skirt).
• Pick fabrics that suit your lifestyle: shower-resistant outerwear, easy-care ponte, or cosy babycord.
• Download the pattern or opt for our A0 printing service for fuss-free, large-format sheets.
• Gather notions (bias binding, clear elastic, appropriate needles etc).
• Test stitches on scraps to dial in tension and hem finishes (twin needle for knits looks lovely).

Frequently asked questions

Are quilted jacket patterns hard for beginners?
They’re very achievable. The boxy fit is forgiving, and bound edges can be sewn on a regular machine. Start with a cropped length and simple neckline.

Which jersey weight works for wrap dresses?
A medium-weight jersey (around 200gsm) with 4-way stretch and good recovery gives a smooth wrap without clinging.

Is babycord suitable for gathered skirts?
Yes. Babycord has enough drape for gentle gathers without bulk. Keep gathering even and press seams carefully with steam.

What needle should I use for ponte trousers?
Use a stretch needle (75/11–80/12). Test your stitches; a narrow zigzag or lightning stitch supports stretch at the seams.

Ready to sew?

You’ll find every pattern and fabric mentioned—plus size charts and notions—on our website. Choose the digital download or let us print your A0 sheets so you can get straight to the fun bit: sewing. If you make one, tag us on social. We love seeing your makes and helping with fit or fabric questions.

P.S. This is part one of our autumn 2025 roundup. Keep an eye out for part two next week with even more trends and ideas.