linen sack coat question(s)

[decivilian]

I am making my husband a summer linen sack coat out of a mediumish weight light oatmeal-colored linen. Two questions (at least so far! ):

1) Should I put interfacing in the collar and if so, what should I use? (OK, that's 2 questions but only one sentence.)

2) Do you lightly starch the finished project or what to keep it from being a horrendous pile of wrinkles?

As always, thanks in advance for the help.

[Jim Williams]

1) The linen coats I've seen didn't have interfacing, from what I could tell. I also made a linen frock without interfacing, and after a good pressing and starching, it keeps its shape for the most part. If you do want to use an interfacing, I'd use a lightweight linen canvas, possibly even using the same linen you're already using.

2) I would pre wash the linen before cutting either by hand or machine. This will soften the fabric and make it slightly less prone to wrinkles. It supposedly strengthens the linen as well. You can read more here: http://www.trimfabric.com/linen.html. I do starch my linen coat before wearing it, as the starch helps keep things in place and helps repel dirt a little.

Hope this helps,
Jim

[decivilian]

Thanks! Great link.

I did wash my linen before starting the sewing. I learned years ago the folly of making something with unwashed fabric, only to have it shrink like crazy and unevenly the first time I washed it.

I figured maybe starch would be helpful.