With a simple pattern and a little imagination you can create your own clear plastic raincoat that will do the same job as the high priced designer coats.
The materials you need to make your own unique raincoat are:
Coat pattern""it can be a pattern you buy or just something you designed yourself
(If you draw your own pattern it is easier if you use a thin paper like tracing paper so it can be pinned on to the plastic and it will bend while cutting to ensure a straight cut)
Clear plastic""you can choose some with a colored hue or no color (make sure it is heavy-duty not the thin kind that tend to tear easily).
Fabric""something thick like denim or a water resistant material
Snaps or Buttons""you will need about 5 or 6
Sharp scissors to cut the fabric and the plastic
Sewing machine: (optional)""make sure your sewing machine will sew on plastic
Yarn""use this to sew the coat together by hand
Needle""big enough for the yarn
Once you have collected your materials you are ready to get started. Place the pattern on the plastic and cut out the pieces to your raincoat. You can cut the front and back of your sleeves right into the body of the jacket this will allow you to have fewer seams and less sewing. Typically you will have 4-pieces, two pieces for the front and two for the back. Sew along the side seams first and form the sleeves. Then sew down the back to connect the pieces. Next sew your material directly down the outline of each opening in the front of the coat to create a border on your coat. After you have stitched the material around the coats edges you are ready to sew on your buttons or put on the snaps. It is important you line up the sides accurately so the buttonholes and snaps will be aligned and the sides will be even.
You can add some variations to your coat like a hood would be a great idea since it is a raincoat and protection for you head is important. In order to make a hood you can cut out two cone-shaped pieces and sew them together on one side leaving it open on the other so you can put it over your head. Cut out some extra fabric to sew along the edges for your hood and add some strings to tie it under your chin. Make some pockets either out of the extra plastic or fabric. You can decorate your coat and personalize it to fit your personality. Try sewing some patches of material on the body of the coat so you have a patchwork pattern. You can also buy some flower shapes or cut out an umbrella and sew it on the coat to symbolize the rain. A unique design will make your raincoat more enjoyable to wear.
This simple pattern can be used for adults or children. A plastic raincoat can provide a covering and help to protect you body and clothing from the rain. It doesn't have to be fancy, just satisfy your needs.
