How to Customize A Denim Jacket
Written by Abby Garrett, photos by Abby Garrett
Taking a regular jacket and adding a few new elements is a fun and affordable way to add a one-of-a kind piece to your closet! For this super easy tutorial you’re going to need the following materials:
A denim jacket (I thrifted mine for $10)
A t-shirt (I used band merch from Primitive Rage)
Scissors (fabric scissors work best)
Large safety pins (optional)
Spray paint
Sewing needle
Thread
5 mm crochet hook and medium weight yarn to make your own patches or store-bought patches and buttons are fine!
Most jean jackets have square-shaped seam lines on the back. First,cut the logo of the t-shirt out and place it within the seam lines on the back. I cut out a big square and then made it smaller to fit. If your jacket doesn’t have these same seams, just make a square!
Next, I laid out all of the safety pins I wanted to use (10 on each side, 40 total) so I knew how many I needed.
I took all of the safety pins and spray painted them. I used an old tupperware container so I could shake them around and cover every spot. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area or outside. You can also save yourself from time by buying colored safety pins or keep them the way they are!
While the safety pins were drying in the sun, I crocheted two red hearts following this tutorial from Crochet Lovers Youtube channel. This crochet heart is the perfect pattern for anyone who's just learning how to crochet. Making crochet appliques is a quick and cheap way to make your own custom patches, but feel free to use any other kind of patch or button you like that best suits you. The uniqueness is what makes it special.
After making the two hearts I sewed them onto the sleeves of my jacket using the needle and thread.
Once I finished sewing the hearts, I waited a couple hours for the safety pins to dry and then I carefully arranged them around the jacket and then stuck them in.
Customizing clothes can be an inexpensive and fun way to get exciting new looks in your closet. Try adding the front or back of a t-shirt that you like to your denim jacket, buttons, pins, patches, or even adding spikes or sewing faux fur around the inside. The possibilities are endless.