Weave Your Jacket! + TGIFF

Thursday, June 7, 2018

I've created a few woven quilts (like this one and this one), even a couple open woven quilts (like this one and this one). I absolutely love the texture and uniqueness produced with each weaving. So when I saw Tara of WEFTY Needle putting her weaving into a jean jacket, I knew I had to copy the idea!

Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving



I purchased a white jean jacket from my local thrift store (last November!). The fit is a little big for me, but given that I was going to cut it up for an experiment (that may or may not work out), I figured it would be fine.

I chose a canvas Rifle Paper Co. fabric called "Rosa Navy" from the Menagerie line for Cotton + Steel (the middle print in the photo). I got it in the bundle I purchased at Sample Spree during spring Quilt Market 2017.


Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving

I first cut the back panel out of the jacket. I just used regular scissors and cut between the existing seams of the jacket. The edges do continue to fray, so I am considering adding a product like Fray Check to see if that might help.

I cut the canvas into 2 1/2" strips, then sewed the strips into tubes. Turning the canvas tubes proved to be a bit trickier than regular quilting cotton fabric! After turning, I pressed the seams into the middle of the back of each strip.

Then the project just sat, waiting for it's turn in the spotlight again. In March, my BQF (best quilty friend) and I had our own quilting retreat at a house we rented for the weekend. I took the jacket along just in case I got an itch to finish it - and I did!


Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving

Using the 1" strips, I laid out an open woven design over the open panel.


Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving

Once I decided on the layout, I used Wonder Clips to hold the strips in place.


Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving

I used a denim needle and white 50wt Aurifil thread on my Juki TL-2010Q to stitch along the seam of the jacket, over the woven strips. I went super slow as the layers of canvas and denim were too numerous to even count!

My Juki never once complained. I stitched along each edge of the panel twice to secure the strips to the jacket.


Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving

I did not finish the inside of the jacket in any way. The Fray Check might be a good idea for the ends of the strips too, but I haven't done anything yet.


Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving

I have worn the jacket so much this spring! (And can't believe I'm just now finally blogging about it!) I love that it's semi-handmade. Definitely something I would love to do more! Now that I know the concept works, I'm on a hunt for a better fitting jacket so I can try again!


Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving
Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving
Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving
Upcycled jean jacket using fabric weaving

What have you finished lately? Link up for TGIFF (Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday). Today I'm saying, "Thank goodness it's finally blogged!"





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11 comments:

  1. OMG, this is genius! Love the effect of the quilty back when you wear different shirt!

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  2. Very cute addition to the jacket.

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  3. I love how the color of your shirt compliments the design in the photos! Most of the time I need a jacket just for my arms, so this seems like a really fun modification.

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  4. Well this is too cool! I might just have to give it a try. Thanks for hosting TGIFF!

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  5. This is something new! How creative! I have a project I've been thinking about for a long time using my wefty needles...thanks for inspiring me!

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  6. Whaat?? What a genius idea. And perfect for those really hot days when you don't want to wear 2 layers and want a breeze on your back ;)

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  7. That is so clever! I really love the way it looks and gives the SliceofPi flare to your jacket.

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  8. What an interesting concept. Well done.

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  9. So cute! Great job up cycling the white jacket - so unique now!

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  10. Wow, what a neat embellishment! Looks great!

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  11. That is so fun! Thanks for hosting this week :)

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