7 — Finishing touches

Fold up the hem as per your pre-pressing at the beginning. Line up the side seams and pin them in place. Ditch stitch 2-3 cm at each side seam, holding the lining out of the way as you sew.

Next, fold up the cuff as per your pre-pressing steps at the beginning. Line up the sleeve seams and ditch stitch 2-3 cm in each seam to secure the cuff hem. Again, hold the lining out of the way as you don’t sew over it.

Align the shoulder seam on the sleeve and the shoulder seam on the facing, under the collar. Pin them in place then ditch stitch 3-4cm to secure the facing.

We will now finish securing the hem and cuffs.

Pin the hem and cuff allowances in place, then turn your coat inside out again.

At the coat hem, hand sew with a blind stitch, the hem to the main body.

At each cuff, hand sew with a blind stitch, the cuff hem to the main sleeve.

Turn your coat right side out once more.

Pin, and then edge stitch the opening in the sleeve to close. Alternatively, you can hand sew this closed with a blind stitch.

Mark the buttonhole on the right front using the markings on the pattern as a guide. Sew the buttonhole according to your machine's manual. Sew a button on the left front, as indicated. If you prefer your garment closure to wrap left over right, simply switch the button and buttonhole around.

Clip any loose threads, remove any visible basting stitches, then give your Poppy Coat a final press.

Your Poppy Coat is finished!