I’ve refashioned shirts, sweaters, skirts and accessories. And with the Winter months coming, I thought it would be fun to try some Coat Refashions!!

We all have a coat that we’ve had for years. It’s good quality, and keep us warm, but it might be a little on the blah side or a little outdated. Instead of giving it to the thrift store and spending money on a new jacket, why not try updating your old coat?? Or, find an old coat at a second-hand store and refashion it — save yourself mucho $$$.

Wednesday I went on my local morning show Studio 5 and shared my coat refashions. It was so much fun! I also shared the tutorial on how to make a Detachable Faux Fur Collar.{ I am having a bit of a crush on faux leather and fur right now. I bought mine at Joann’s and I was surprised at how affordable it is! Plus, it’s so soft. It was regularly $8 per yard and was 50% off the week I bought it — so $4!! And I can seriously make 8-10 collars out of a yard of material.}

I also was really lucky to have a couple FB friends bring over their coats for me to refashion. It was so much fun!

So instead of donating that old coat, keep it and update it. Here are 14 easy Ways to Update Your Old Coat:

1. Add a little ribbon or lace to the bottom, sleeves, or up the front of the coat.

2. Shorten the sleeves. A 3/4 sleeve lets a pop of color come through from your sweater or shirt underneath and add so much interest.

3. Add a Faux Fur or fabric collar. Bring in some texture or color with a different collar that you sew right over the existing one!

4. Change out the buttons. New buttons can really update the look of a jacket. Add some brightly colored ones, or even some sparkly ones to dress up your garment.

5. Add embroidery trim to the bottom or sleeves. Pom poms can add some whimsy to your coat, or even a nice fringe.

6. Add a belt. A belt will give your silhouette a nice fitted look. Go for a leather one, or a thick stretchy belt will accommodate even the bulkiest jackets.

7. Make a brooch or pin and add it to your lapel. This is a way that you don’t have to alter the existing garment at all, yet it will add a pop of color and bling to your jacket.

8.Shorten a long coat. If you have a long, outdated coat, shorten it to hit or even waist level and it will transform your jacket!

9. Add a fur or fabric cuff to your jacket. If you have a jacket that is a little worn at the end of the sleeves, cover that up with a fauz fur cuff. You can buy faux fur at your local craft store and line it with satin. then stitch it on top of those worn cuffs.

10. Embroider the front panels or the bottom of your coat. Get out your floss and add a fun design to your coat. You can find designs online.

11. Add a detachable collar to your coat. If you aren’t sure if faux fur is for you all the time, make a detachable collar with snaps and you can add the fur for special occassions.

12. Instead of buttons, sew on a faux leather belt. You can buy faux leather material at your craft store. It’s thinner than regular leather and you can make a belt out of it and then sew it right onto your jacket. It really updates your look, plus the tie lets you cinch the coat up and gives you a great leaner look!

13. After shortening your coat, take the left-over material and make a ruffle. Attach that to the front of the coat.

14. Or, after shortening the coat, take the left over material and make a brooch. Make a flower using die cuts, then attach it to the front of the coat and put a vintage button in the middle.

 Here’s what I did to refashion my 6 coats:

1. The first coat — I found this at my local thrift store for $4. It was in sad shape. A little boxy with outdated flap pockets and a worn collar.

• Take in the waist
• Cut off the fake flap pockets
• Stitch on a faux leather belt {Joann’s}
• Cover the existing collar with a shawl faux Fur collar.

2. The second jacket — this is my jacket and it was in pretty good shape, except for the collar which was a little worn. I solved that problem by making a Detachable Faux Fur Collar. the fur collar really dresses up the jacket. And for days when I am buzzing around town in my yoga pants, I can remove the fur collar for a more relaxed look.

• Add a Detachable Fur Collar.

3. The third coat — This was my new FB friend Lauri’s coat. Can you believe it was a petite? It was so long and a little bit boxy. I cut off about 8 inches from the length and took the bottom 4 inches of seamed material and made a ruffle going up the front of the jacket. To cover up the exposed bottom, I wrapped a long piece of black faux fur along the exposed cut and sewed it up. I love how soft the faux fur is! I saw the idea of ruffling the left over coat material on the FAB blog — Grosgrain Fabulous. Be sure to check out her tutorial.

• Shorten the length.
• Take the left-over fabric and make a ruffle. Attach it to the front.
• Add a Faux Fur length to the bottom.

4.  The fourth coat — this one was another one from my closet. I dressed it up with a new collar and cuffs. It really perks up the coat. Plus, when I put it on the mannequins at the studio, I added a belt and that really made the jacket have more of a silhouette. A belt is an easy, fast way to change the look of any coat. And if you have a bulky coat, just add a stretchy belt.

• Add a Faux Fur Collar and Cuffs. {Joann’s}

5. The fifth coat – this was my neighbor’s coat. You know those trench coats that were all the rage in the 90’s? They actually have a wonderful figure-flattering fit. So if you have one, don’t throw it out. Just add some gorgeous lace to the bottom and give it a new look. I also made a brooch that I added to the lapel. Another idea is to add the brooch to the belt and showoff your figure.

• Add some thick cotton lace to the bottom. {found it at Hobby Lobby}
• Add a brooch to the lapel.

6. The sixth coat — is from another FB friend and reader, Erin. There were only 5 dress forms, so I was not able to show this one on the air, but this is a coat from Old Navy a couple of years ago. It’s made out of that sherpa material and is so warm. The problem with this coat was it was so long, it kind of swallowed Erin up. So I took off about 5 inches in length. I took the leftover material and used my Big Shot die cut machine to make a little embellishment out of the material. And to top if off I sewed on a vintage button I found at an estate sale. To dress up the coat, I added some cotton lace to the bottom and stitched it on.

• Shorten the length.
• Used the left-over fabric to make flower embellishment. Add a vintage button.
• Add trim to the bottom of the coat.

I’d be glad to do more in-depth tutorials if anyone is interested. Leave me a comment if you would like me to do that. I have tons of step-by-step pictures.

Thanks Brooke and Darin and the Studio 5 team for having me on again. Here’s a link to the segment if you want

to check it out

xoxo

PS — I’m linking up to these fun parties!!

Today’s Creative Blog – Get Your Craft On Party!

and

Tidy Mom’s I’m Lovin’ It!!

PS — It’s Friday!! How did that happen???? I’m excited to party with you tonight. Come show off YOUR Great Ideas!! I love featuring you!! The party starts at 6 pm MST. I hope you can join us!!

PPS ––  Nothing brings the feeling of the season into your home more than a festive Fall mantel or shelf vignette. I’m sharing 24 of my favorite Fall mantels at The New Home Ec today

Happy Creating!!

The post 14 Easy Ways to Refashion a Winter Coat!! {tutorial} appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.