Access all the information you need to perfect your Tabula Rasa Jacket or Opus Pattern. On this page, you will find links to documents referred to in our pattern instructions, patternwork videos, sewing techniques, patterns for jacket embellishments and more.
Helpful Hints
- Common Fitting Adjustments for the Tabula Rasa Jacket (PDF) provides solution to fitting issues on the TRJ.
- Guidelines for two ways to make a Trimmer Fitting Tabula Rasa Jacket (PDF).
- Endless Possibilities (PDF) offers a line drawing of the jacket front and back for you to sketch and color as you plan your next Tabula Rasa Jacket.
- Mixing Fabrics in a Tabula Rasa Jacket (PDF) gives guidelines on how much fabric you need for each pattern piece if you are using multiple fabrics in one jacket.
- Choosing an Interfacing is your guide to choosing the right interfacing for your project.
- Seam Finishes (PDF) provides written directions on how to finish seams for an unlined jacket or for pants.
- Rae’s Hand Hemming Stitch (PDF) provides illustrated instructions for Rae’s favorite hand hemming stitch.
- Sarah’s Tips for Sewing, Tapering and Pressing a Dart (PDF) offers instructions for making smooth and beautiful darts.
- Sewing Resources offers our recommendations for books and other publications to help you improve your sewing or to find answers to other questions.
- Rain or Shine Variations lists resources for zippers and sewing performance textiles.
- Directions to Make a Tabula Rasa Vest with your Tabula Rasa Jacket and Swing Variation patterns.
- Our Glossary of Common Sewing Terms offers definitions you may need to know.
Video Tutorials
Video demonstrations of how to identify and make the most typical common fitting adjustments for the Tabula Rasa Jacket and Opus Pattern:
- Get Started Fitting
- Tracing the Pattern
- Constructing the Square Armhole
- Making a Round Back Adjustment
- Making a Petite Adjustment
- Adding to the Sleeve Cap
- Adding to the Sleeve Width
- Adding Space in the Hips
- Making a Forward Shoulder Adjustment
- Overview of Bust Adjustments
- Making Bust Adjustments for the Opus Pattern
- Making Bust Adjustments for the Tabula Rasa Jacket
- Adding a Second Dart
- Trimming Excess Fabric in the Armhole
Watch the videos of Rae’s appearances on Creative Living in which she talks about:
- Quilted Jacket Tips and Techniques
- Four Seasons of Jackets from One Pattern
- Seam Finishes
- Zipper Choices and Applications
On-Demand, Virtual Learning
Sew along with Rae Cumbie in the Virtual Tabula Rasa Jacket Course. This course is hosted on Thinkific, a top-notch learning platform. The on-demand style of this virtual class allows you to learn at your own pace and convenience. You can access the course for the life of the class, one year at the very least.
