Pattern Review: Ollie Bomber Jacket by Sew a Little Seam

If you’re looking for a great jacket sewing pattern, I love how my Ollie Bomber Jacket from Sew a Little Seam turned out. I used some beautiful black ponte knit fabric and a fun rainbow zipper. I also picked up some fun rainbow knit to use for the lining.

A Note on Ponte Fabric

Ponte knit is such a great fabric for jackets and outerwear. It's a structured knit that holds its shape really well, and the thickness gives it a polished, substantial feel. If you're ever shopping for fabric for any kind of jacket or outerwear project, search for "ponte" and you will not be disappointed!

Pattern Details at a Glance

Pattern: Ollie Bomber Jacket by Sew a Little Seam

Description: Women's knit jacket with zipper, welt pockets, and ribbed collar and waistband. Optional kangaroo pockets and hood available. Can be made fully lined, reversible, or single layer.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Time to Sew: About 3 hours

Format: PDF (standard 8.5"x11") instant download, plus A0 print shop copy

What You'll Need

• 1.5 yards of sturdy knit fabric: ponte, Liverpool, French terry, quilted knit, or sweatshirt fleece

• 1.5 yards of knit lining fabric (optional)

• Rib knit for the collar and waistband (I just used the same fabric as the main body and it worked perfectly fine)

• 24-inch separating zipper (a reversible zipper works too)

• 1-inch twill tape if making the unlined version

• Jersey or ballpoint needle

My Honest Review

The Ollie Bomber is a fun, satisfying sew. I rated it intermediate mostly because of the welt pockets, which can feel intimidating if you've never done them before. But Sew a Little Seam provides really detailed picture instructions that make them much more approachable. The zipper is pretty straightforward, and I think a confident beginner could absolutely tackle this pattern.

If you've never sewn with knit fabric before, do some reading first!

Sizing: I followed the size chart and my finished jacket came out a little big. I'm normally between sizes, and in hindsight I should have gone with the smaller one. The Ollie runs roomy in the waist area, so if you're between sizes, size down. I also wish I had added a couple of inches to the length, but that's purely personal preference. Bomber jackets are intentionally cropped, so just know that going in.

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Overall I love how mine turned out and I would definitely make it again. In fact, I already purchased the kids' version of this pattern from Sew a Little Seam and plan to make it for my two sons out of the same ponte fabric!

Have you made the Ollie Bomber Jacket? I'd love to see pictures in the comments below!

Related reading: Pattern Review: Marsha Wrap Dress by Rad Patterns