Adding Embroidery Details to the Cashmerette Kimball Bomber Jacket

One of my goals this year has been to slow down and be more intentional with my sewing. Instead of rushing to finish garments, I've been looking for opportunities to add special details that make each project feel unique.

This embroidered bomber jacket is a perfect example.

I recently completed a sew-along for the Cashmerette Kimball Bomber Jacket and decided to use the project as an opportunity to experiment with machine embroidery. The result is a jacket that feels completely custom.  Read on or watch here:

Why I Love the Cashmerette Kimball Bomber Jacket

I've now made the Kimball Bomber three times, and each version has been completely different.

The pattern is an unlined bomber jacket featuring zippered welt pockets and plenty of opportunities to personalize the design. Depending on your fabric choices and finishing techniques, you can create anything from a casual everyday layer to a highly detailed statement piece.

The Kimball Bomber Jacket is a Cashmerette Club pattern available through their All Access membership. If you've been thinking about joining, my code TOMKAT10 will save you $10 on an All Access membership*. You can also use TOMKAT20 to receive 20% off eligible Cashmerette collection patterns*.

My first version was made from a jacquard fabric from Core Fabrics. I quilted the sleeves, finished the edges with my serger, and used ponte scraps for the collar, cuffs, and hem. Watch that video here:

That jacket became part of my New York capsule wardrobe and received compliments everywhere I wore it.

My second version was sewn for Jenni using a pre-quilted fabric from Minerva. Because the quilting was already done, the jacket came together quickly while still showcasing all of the great design features, including those fantastic zippered welt pockets. You can watch the the video about Jenni's Kimball Here:

 For the sew-along sample, I decided to take things a step further.

Creating a Fully Finished Interior

Since I was filming the sew-along, I wanted to demonstrate some of the optional finishing techniques available in the pattern.

For this version, I:

• Bound every seam with bias binding
• Used batting* in the quilted sections
• Added silk charmeuse sleeve linings
• Finished the facings with clean techniques

You can view the complete construction process in a sew along here:

The cotton twill* I used came from Minerva, and I paired it with contrasting orange zippers and coordinating interior details.

The jacket looked beautiful when it was finished, but I still felt like it needed one more layer of personality.

Taking the Leap into Machine Embroidery

I have a Bernina 790 Plus with the embroidery module on loan from University of Sewing. While I use the machine regularly for sewing projects and sew-alongs, I haven't spent nearly as much time exploring the embroidery features as I probably should.

This project seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I started browsing embroidery designs on the OESD website and quickly discovered how easy it is to fall down the embroidery rabbit hole. There were far more designs I wanted than I could realistically fit on one jacket.

I eventually settled on designs from Tula Pink's Everglow collection, and they were exactly the whimsical, colorful style I was looking for.

The Embroidery Details

For the front of the jacket, I added mirrored floral motifs on each side.

The design used 13 different thread colors and created a beautiful balance across the front of the garment.

On the back, I stitched a large giraffe motif surrounded by stars and geometric elements. This design alone used 20 different thread colors and took most of a day to complete.

The embroidery process required plenty of patience. While the machine handles the stitching, intricate designs involve frequent color changes and occasional troubleshooting.

Fortunately, by the time I reached the back design, I had worked through most of the learning curve and the process went much more smoothly.

A Helpful Embroidery Lesson

One challenge I encountered involved the adhesive stabilizer I used to attach the completed jacket to the embroidery hoop.

Because the jacket was already constructed, embroidering the finished garment was my only option. Under normal circumstances, it would have been much easier to embroider the individual pattern pieces before assembly.

Partway through the project, I noticed some stitching issues and realized the adhesive was likely creating buildup on my embroidery needle.

Fortunately, Oregon Needle had recently sent me several specialty embroidery needles to test. One of those needles was specifically designed for use with adhesive products.

As soon as I switched needles, the problems disappeared.

It's a great reminder that sometimes success comes down to using the right tool for the job.

The Biggest Compliment

Not long after I finished the jacket, my daughter came downstairs, spotted it, and immediately asked if she could have it.

She absolutely loved it.

At the moment, we're negotiating some sort of shared-custody arrangement, but I suspect the jacket may eventually migrate permanently into her closet.

Should You Try Embroidery on Your Garments?

Absolutely.

Whether you have an embroidery machine that's been collecting dust or you're interested in trying hand embroidery, adding embellishment is a fantastic way to personalize your handmade wardrobe.

You can add embroidery to:

• Jackets
• Denim
• Shirts
• Dresses
• Bags
• Thrifted garments
• Existing handmade pieces

It's a simple way to create something that feels completely unique and reflects your personal style.

This project reminded me how much fun it can be to experiment, learn new techniques, and add those extra details that make a garment truly special.

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