The Thayer Jacket: Why Batik Corduroy Makes It Shine

Every season, I look forward to flipping through the Lands’ End catalog. It’s a simple ritual — a cup of coffee in hand, dog-eared pages, and plenty of notes in the margins. The textures always catch my attention first — cozy flannels, wool blends, and, without fail, corduroy. There’s something about that soft ribbed texture that instantly says fall.

So when our new Batik Corduroy arrived, I felt that same spark of inspiration. I knew right away that a lined, fall-to-winter jacket would be the perfect first project. The Thayer Jacket by Grainline Studio immediately came to mind — a timeless, workwear-inspired design with thoughtful details that make it a joy to sew and even more rewarding to wear.

A Jacket That Balances Form and Function

The Thayer Jacket is one of those patterns that combines practicality with beautiful design. It’s fully lined, which means warmth and a professional finish inside and out. Front princess seams add a gentle shaping that flatters the body without feeling restrictive. There are roomy patch pockets — perfect for chilly hands or stashing a phone — and additional (optional) yoke pockets that blend seamlessly into the design.

The two-piece sleeves give you freedom of movement, something you really appreciate once you start layering over sweaters. And the slightly A-line silhouette offers enough ease to feel comfortable but still polished.

It’s the kind of pattern that’s approachable for confident beginners, yet satisfying for experienced sewists who enjoy precise construction and clean details. The Thayer Jacket pattern is available in two size ranges: size 0-18 and size 14-30. Look at the back of the pattern jacket to view body measurements and fabric requirements. 

Why Batik Corduroy Was the Perfect Match

Corduroy has long been a maker favorite for fall and winter garments, but Batik Corduroy adds something entirely new to the experience. Ours begins as 100% cotton, 16-wale corduroy — a fine rib with a soft drape and beautiful texture. Then, each yard is hand-dyed using our signature batik shades, where wax and dye come together to create the Gardenista Vine motif.  The result is extraordinary: a corduroy that feels both classic and artistic, structured yet soft, with tonal depth that plays with light.

From a sewing standpoint, it’s a dream to work with. A universal or topstitch needle measuring 80/12 glides through the layers smoothly, and seams press crisp and flat. Although, I don't use a hot iron on the main ribbed side of the fabric. Press lightly and always using a pressing cloth. I always recommend paying attention to nap direction — that lovely velvety texture has personality, and it’s worth the extra moment of planning.

For the Thayer Jacket, I chose a rich, warm shade ( Gardenista Vine - Barolo ) from our Batik Corduroy collection and paired it with a coordinating lining from our batik cottons (Valhalla - Lavender Lantern). The combination gives the jacket depth and polish — a mix of cozy texture and artistic detail that feels like “me.”

The Thayer Jacket Kit — Ready to Sew

Because I knew other makers would fall in love with this pairing too, we created the Thayer Jacket Garment Kit. Each main base kit includes:

• Your choice of Batik Corduroy (yardage based on size)
• A coordinating batik cotton lining
• Interfacing for collar stability

As with a majority of our new garment kits we provide add-on's to complete your custom kit. This kit includes two add-on's:

• The Thayer Jacket pattern by Grainline Studio. Select from two size options. 
• Jeans Button Pack. 8-piece pack in the finishes of Nickel, Black Nickel, Antique Copper, Antique Brass, and Antique Silver.

Whether this is your first lined jacket or a new addition to your handmade wardrobe, this kit takes the guesswork out of planning and lets you focus on the joy of sewing.

🛒 Shop the Thayer Jacket Kit ➜

More Garment Patterns to Love in Batik Corduroy

If you enjoy the Thayer Jacket, you’ll find that Batik Corduroy pairs beautifully with other patterns too. Its structure, softness, and rich color variation make it versatile across styles and seasons.

• Ilford Jacket by Friday Pattern Co. — A modern, unisex design with multiple pocket and length options. Batik Corduroy gives it personality and warmth.

• Sienna Maker Jacket by Closet Core Patterns — Sienna is a chic utility jacket inspired by vintage French workwear. Designed for hard-wearing use by makers and artists, it functions as both stylish outerwear and a highly practical layer for use inside the studio.

• Arbor Jacket by Merchant & Mills — A jacket or shirt. Workwear inspired. This shirt has a boxy style fit, check the finished measurements to make sure you are happy with the final fit. All seam allowances are 1.5cm unless stated otherwise and are included in the pattern. 

• Jenna Dress & Shirt by Closet Core Patterns — Nothing compares to an oversized menswear-inspired shirt when it comes to iconic wardrobe staples, and the Jenna Button-up shirt ticks all the boxes. Love a dress? This pattern doubles as a shirt and dress pattern - perfect for any fabric, especially corduroy. 

Each pattern brings out a different side of the fabric — from utilitarian to feminine, tailored to relaxed — proving that hand-dyed corduroy is as versatile as it is beautiful.

🛍️ Explore Our Collection of Corduroy Inspired Patterns ➜

Closing Thoughts — A Season of Color and Craftsmanship

Sewing the Thayer Jacket reminded me why I love sewing so much. It’s about the rhythm of stitching, the texture beneath your hands, and that moment when you slip into something you’ve made and think, yes — this is exactly what I imagined.

Our Batik Corduroy makes that experience even richer. Every yard is soft to the touch, easy to wash, easy to sew, and every garment is wonderful to wear. 

So, as the air turns crisp and your sewing machine hums with new ideas, I hope you’ll join me in sewing your own version of the Thayer Jacket — and fall in love with Batik Corduroy along the way.

🧥 Explore the 57" Batik Corduroy Collection ➜

Here’s to crisp mornings, cozy corduroy, and the joy of saying, “I made this!”

Until next time, keep sewing, smiling, and sharing!!