How to Redesign a Thrift Store Jacket
Redesigning or reconstructing a jacket found at a thrift store or an old jacket is an excellent way to save money and create something really unique. The final jacket will vary depending on the style of the original jacket. These instructions are for a blazer-type jacket that is turned into a ladies wrap-around jacket. Little additions such as cute buttons or ribbon personalize your new jacket further and make it even more unique.
Things You'll Need
- Seam ripper
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Needle with matching thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Buttons
Instructions
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1
Lay the jacket down on a clean flat surface. Use a seam ripper to remove the sleeves of the jacket (including the sleeve lining).
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2
Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to take in the seams on the shoulders of the jacket (and the corresponding lining). The amount will vary depending on the original jacket, but the new seams should be flush with the collar and angle down toward the sleeve holes (about two or three inches). Trim excess fabric and iron smooth.
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3
Iron the collar of the jacket flat and flip the jacket around so the bottom of the jacket faces away from you.
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4
Cut the opening of the sleeves to fit the newly created armholes. The sleeves should be going in the same direction that they were before so the bottoms are pointed toward you (they are in the opposite direction from the jacket itself). Pin the sleeves in place.
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5
Sew the newly cut sleeves back to the armholes by splitting open the lining and first sewing the arm lining back to the jacket body lining. Sew around the entire sleeve to attach it to the jacket. Leave the raw edges on the outside of the sleeve.
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6
Create a ruched or pleated effect by sewing up the back seam from the original bottom of the jacket. This section will be the back of the neck of the new jacket, so ruche it enough for it to feel comfortable. Repeat the same technique from the side seams all the way up to the shoulders.
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7
Try on the jacket and have an assistant help you figure out where the new buttons should be placed. Remove the jacket.
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8
Create new button holes or use the existing holes and sew on the buttons.
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