To be honest, I haven’t gotten yet to making my own jacket. I haven’t been able to find an affortable denim jacket yet, but I own a battle-back pack!
It’s a weird idea, but it works well..! It’s basically a plack back pack covered in handstitched patches and DIY pins!
Well, let’s get to the subject shall we? (Fenriz approves :p)
It is preferable to start with a denim jacket. No leather/faux leather. These will be ruined when you started stitching on them. I have seen a vest’s faux leather flaking and falling apart because the idiot that had made it didn’t get a denim one.
Getting your jacket from a thrift store it your best bet. Paying 40+ euros for a jacket that will be covered in patches and dirt isn’t worth it. Go for the cheap 10 euro ones at the thrift store of your choice.
If you have a hard time keeping the patch in place while you stitch, use wood glue (or any other glue that can be disolved with water). It will keep it in place long enough so that you can stitch it on. Just give it a rinse after you are done.
If a patch starts fraying, apply decoupage glue on the distressed fabric. It’s waterproof, but unlike nail polish it won’t shine as much.
Stitching over the border of your patches is a big no no. It is hard and it will make your fingers hurt for days to come. Stitch right next to the border, and the closest you get to it, the better.
Once you are done stitching your patch, turn your jacket upside down. Apply decoupage glue/fabric glue on the stitches in the inner side of the jacket were the stitches are and let it dry overnight. This will prevent you from tearing the stitches apart while you wear it.
Put some fucking safety pins on your damn jacket! They can be used in order to secure patches that have started falling off. This will come in handy in situations where you can’t sit down and stitch them back again, like in a mosh pit or during a walk.
Some people like honour stains, but many of us hate the smell of mold building up under the patches. If you don’t want to lose your stains, while getting rid of the smell, get a bowl and fabric softener. Mix them together and allow your jacket to soak inside the mixture.
But, what about patches? And pins?
These will come later on, when I will upload my tutorials on how to make your own pins and patches, for a quarter of the original price! Stay tuned!
While waiting, check out those awesome videos:
How to sew on patches and a little clever trick
The practicality of the jacket
Different ways of stitching your shit
The battle jacket’s history
theartofmadeline
areudirty
origamiaround
gummygunk
