Meet the Fowler Jacket, Our First Pattern of 2026!

It is the first day of a new year, which means we're not just releasing a new pattern; we're also launching our theme for 2026! Our theme for Crew this year is Living, where we're exploring what it means to live a good life. The patterns we have planned this year are a mix of heirloom-quality designs and carefully refined foundational pieces that fit seamlessly into your real life – comfortable and wearable for your daily routines yet special enough to honour and elevate each and every day. You can read all about that here.

We couldn't kick off with a better design than the Fowler Jacket! A true "does-it-all" piece of outerwear, Fowler is both an on-trend barn coat and a quilted jacket, in gender-neutral alpha sizing. Bet you can't stop at just one! Read on to the end to learn how you can get Fowler, as we are changing how we deliver patterns this year, including French translations for each design!

The Design

The Fowler jacket gives you not one, but two completely different styles in a single pattern: a workwear-inspired barn coat and a quilted jacket. We couldn't decide which direction to take this design, so our brilliant pattern team figured out how to give you both - with different construction methods and finishes, Fowler is infinitely customizable. It's also available in a versatile, oversized fit with a dropped sleeve and gender-neutral alpha sizing, making it work for just about everyone.

What makes the barn coat version special? Start with the double-layered pockets - a classic flap pocket plus an angled second pocket that's actually comfortable to put your hands in. There's beautiful topstitching throughout, optional rivets for that workwear detail, and a standless collar construction that creates a completely clean finish inside.

Our two-piece sleeve features a separate inner hem facing, which means you can play around with contrast fabrics (may we suggest corduroy?!) for a little peek of something special when you roll up the sleeve. Overall, it's an updated take on the chore coat with a rustic edge.

And oh, this quilted jacket version! While the silhouette and proportions are the same, the construction is completely different. All visible edges are finished with bias tape, along with a simple, angled patch pocket. A classically quilted jacket with a more modern shape, the oversized fit and dropped sleeve mean it layers beautifully over chunky sweaters, a cool-weather must.

Still on those country vibes, we were feeling very inspired by the classic quilted Barbour coat, so much so that we had to recreate it with one of our samples! With that said, the sky is the limit in terms of finishing. Quilt your own fabric, use solid fabrics with topstitched patterns, or use pre-quilted fabric – we love what a choose-your-own-adventure this design is.

All versions are gender-neutral, with flexible alpha-sizing that accommodates a wide range of body types. This is the kind of pattern you'll return to again and again, whether you're making something for yourself or someone you love.

Suggested Fabrics for Fowler

For the barn coat view: Look for sturdy, durable bottom-weight fabrics like canvas, denim, twill, or heavy cotton. This is workwear-inspired, so you want fabrics with structure and heft that can handle all that beautiful topstitching. The classic barn jacket combines canvas or denim with a corduroy collar - an option we'd love to see you try!

For the quilted view: You have endless options here. Use vintage quilt tops (we love sourcing these from Etsy or eBay), create your own quilted fabric with batting and backing, use pre-quilted fabrics, or work with substantial jacquards or brocades that can stand on their own with bias tape finishing.

If you'd like to recreate our samples (we bet that quilted green Barbour version is calling to you!), get a custom kit at Core Fabrics, or shop our collection of suggested fabrics.

Unlimited Crew members enjoy a standing discount at Core Fabrics! Get 15% off any order of fabric, notions, tools or kits in the shop for as long as you are an annual member. Visit the Crew Hub when you're logged in to see your exclusive Core Fabrics code.

Watch the Design Story

Heather walks you through all the details of this pattern and gives you some tips for fabric and styling!

How to Get Fowler

We're changing things up a bit this year and have a few different options to access every pattern we release in 2026, which will also now be available in both English and French.

For the month of January, Fowler is exclusively available to our Crew members – join monthly for just $14 USD / $17.50 CAD (no minimum commitment!) or upgrade to our annual Unlimited plan for access to our entire Living collection this year, 11 future patterns, and special perks like:

• Access to Gabby, our fitting expert, for personalized one-on-one fitting help
• Standing discounts at Closet Core Patterns, Deer&Doe and Core Fabrics (patterns, classes + fabric!)
• Exclusive access to member-only resources and community
• A live Fowler sewalong for Unlimited members

However, if you'd like Fowler without a Crew membership, you'll be able to get it next month as a standalone pattern! Please note that the price will increase to $18 USD and does not include any Crew perks. We're also releasing this particular pattern as a print pattern, so if you prefer to add the hard copy envelope and tissue to your stash, get it in February!

We can't wait to see what you make with #ClosetCoreFowler!