How to Make a Michael Jackson "Thriller" Jacket
Red leather or faux-leather jacket
Tape measure
3 meters of black leather or faux-leather
Spool of black thread
Thick sewing needle
Things You'll Need
- Michael Jackson's emblematic look has inspired people all around the world for decades. Whether you are going for a thrilling Halloween costume, or you just want to add a bit of 80s glam to your wardrobe, making a "Thriller" jacket is a fun way to evoke the King of Pop's iconic style. You can channel his groovy spirit by making one of his memorable styles all your own.
Instructions
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1
Purchase a short-waisted red leather or faux-leather jacket. Consignment shops and used clothing stores often carry inexpensive clothing from the 1980s.
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2
Flatten your jacket on a smooth and level surface with the front facing you. Straighten the arms and adjust the material to reduce wrinkles.
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3
Measure diagonally from the center of the bottom waistband to the outer most corner of the right-hand shoulder with your tape measure. Record the measurement.
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4
Measure diagonally from the center of the bottom waistband to the outer most corner of the left-hand shoulder. Record the measurement.
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5
Turn over the jacket. Flatten the material and straighten the arms to reduce wrinkles.
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6
Measure diagonally from the center of the waistband to the outer most corner of the right-hand shoulder. Record the measurement.
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7
Measure diagonally from the center of the waistband to the outer most corner of the left-hand shoulder. Record your measurement.
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8
Measure the circumference of the cuffs and waistband. Record the measurements.
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9
Measure each sleeve from the top of the shoulder to the cuff. Record each measurement and set your jacket aside.
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10
Lay the black material flat and smooth away wrinkles.
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11
Cut four 3 1/2-inch wide strips, using your first four measurements to determine length. Set the strips aside.
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12
Cut out 2-inch wide strips for the cuffs, waistband and sleeves, using your measurements to determine length. Set the black material and strips aside.
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13
Lay out your jacket with the front facing you. Smooth any wrinkles and straighten the arms.
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14
Using a thick needle made for sewing leather, sew the two front 3-inch strips to the jacket. Align the strips from the center of the waistband to each respective shoulder, forming a "V".
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15
Turn over the jacket with the back facing you. Flatten the jacket and straighten the arms to reduce wrinkles.
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16
Sew the two remaining 3-inch strips to the back of the jacket, aligning them from the center of the waistband to each respective shoulder to form a "V".
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17
Turn the jacket over, straighten the arms and smooth away wrinkles.
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18
Sew the five 2-inch strips onto the jacket by aligning each strip along its respective cuff, waistband and sleeve.
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Tips & Warnings
Pinning the strips before sewing will help to keep the material straight.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Maßband image by Tribalstar from Fotolia.com
