Transform Your Trench: Upcycle Your Coat into a Chic Fall Vest
Breaking Down the Article
- Introduction to upcycling a trench coat into a stylish fall vest
- Supplies needed for the project
- Step-by-step guide on preparing, cutting, and sewing the trench
- Constructing the armhole binding
- Finishing the final product
Embrace Autumn with a Chic Upcycled Vest
As summer transitions to autumn, it's the perfect time to get creative with your wardrobe. One innovative way to refresh your fall attire is by transforming an old trench coat into a chic, sleeveless vest. This stylish upcycle is ideal for layering as the weather cools down and offers a designer look without the hefty price tag. Discover how you can breathe new life into a classic trench coat and make it a central piece of your fall fashion.
Why Trench-Style Vests Are Trending
Trench-style dresses and vests are currently in vogue, effortlessly combining timeless sophistication with modern flair. Creating your own designer-inspired vest from a pre-loved trench coat allows you to add unique touches and exhibit personal style. This eco-friendly project is perfect for thrift store enthusiasts seeking to refurbish stylish garments and give them a second life.
Gathering Your Supplies
To begin this project, you will need the following:
- Trench coat
- Seam ripper
- Acrylic ruler
- Iron
If you don't have a trench coat to upcycle, starting from scratch with a sewing pattern is a viable option. A trench coat sewing pattern can be modified by omitting the sleeves, and you can use bias strips for a polished finish on the armholes.
Preparing the Trench for Upcycling
Start by using a seam ripper to remove the sleeves from the trench coat. Ensure you detach both the main and lining sleeve pieces if the coat is lined. Open each sleeve along the underarm seam and flatten out the sleeve fabric on a work surface. Locate the grainline of the sleeve and position the fabric accordingly, with the grainline running vertically.
Using a clear acrylic ruler, cut strips of the sleeve fabric at a 45° angle from the grainline. These strips should be 2 1/4 inches wide. The goal is to have enough bias strips from both sleeves to finish the armholes of the vest.
Consider using a contrasting fabric for the bias strips to inject a burst of colour and personality into your new vest. Place two pieces of bias strips with right sides together perpendicularly and stitch them using a straight line. This will create continuous bias strips for binding the armholes.
Constructing Your Chic Vest
Once your bias strips are ready, it's time to construct the vest. If the coat has a lining, baste the two layers together along the armhole edge. With right sides of the fabric together, align the centre of the bias strip with the shoulder seam of the vest. Pin the bias strip around the armhole and stitch it with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stopping 1 inch before and after the underarm seam.
To finish the seam, cross the tails of the bias tape and mark their intersection. Stitch together along the mark, trim the excess, and press the seam allowance open. Secure the remaining section of the bias strip in place and finish stitching it around the armhole. Trim the seam allowance, clip into the curve, and press the seam allowance towards the bias binding.
Fold the raw edge of the bias binding toward the wrong side of the coat, align it with the previous stitching line, and press well. Finally, fold the entire binding to the inside of the armhole and press again before stitching it down along the folded edge. Repeat the same process for the second armhole.
Savour Your Stylish Creation
With these straightforward steps, your trench coat transforms into a trendy sleeveless vest, perfect for autumn layering. Whether you chose to upcycle a thrifted coat or create a new piece from scratch, this project ensures a chic addition to your fall wardrobe. Unleashing this creative potential not only refreshes your style but also supports sustainable fashion by giving old garments a new lease of life.
First Trim's Hot Take
Innovative and eco-friendly, this upcycling project strikes the perfect balance between sustainability and style. Transforming a classic trench coat into a chic fall vest allows you to showcase your creativity while embracing current fashion trends. It's a fantastic way to enjoy unique, personalised fashion without breaking the bank, all while making an environmentally conscious choice. Ready to reinvent your wardrobe? Grab your supplies, channel your inner designer, and embark on this rewarding sewing journey!
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