The Best Way to Put Spikes on a Leather Jacket

Add spikes to a leather jacket for a rock and roll look.

Metal spikes and studs add a tough, industrial look to leather clothing. Alternative clothing stores sell prespiked leather jackets, but punk rock musicians and fans traditionally add metal accents themselves, in keeping with the genre's do-it-yourself philosophy. You can purchase spiky metal rivets from leather supply companies and add them to leather with a few common hardware tools.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric chalk
• Craft knife or ice pick
• Cutting board
• Thimble

Instructions

1. Draw chalk lines to mark your desired stud pattern on the leather jacket. Indicate the placement of each stud with a small "x." Symmetrical patterns with studs placed about 1 1/4 inches apart tend to be the most aesthetically pleasing.

2. Look at the marked pattern from a distance before cutting into the jacket and installing spikes. If necessary, erase the chalk with a wet cloth and mark the jacket again until the design is perfect.

3. Place a cutting board or block of wood underneath the "x" markings and move it around as you cut into different parts of the jacket. This will prevent your cutting tool from piercing through to the other side of the jacket.

4. Punch holes in the "x" markings with the tip of a craft knife or ice pick. Make the holes as far apart as the tabs on your spike tabs.

5. Thread the spike tabs through the holes in the jacket. Use a thimble to bend the tabs over to secure the spikes in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Spikes on the jacket's back or arms can create uncomfortable pressure when sitting. Consider using flat rivets on these areas, and using spikes exclusively on the jacket's front and shoulders.

• Use the same techniques to add studs to leather belts, pants and shoes.

References

• Mocc's Place: Studding Your OEM Seat Covers
• eLeather Supply: Spikes, Studs and Crystal Rivets Studs