How to DIY a Cozy Fleece Denim Jacket for Fall
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to thrift flip an oversized denim jacket by adding a thick, cozy lining.
Make sure that the jacket is large enough for you to be able to add a lining and still be able to wear it over clothes.
I used a very lightweight but warm acrylic blanket that I also found in the thrift store.
Tools and materials:
- Oversized denim jacket
- Acrylic blanket
- Fabric marker
- Seam ripper
- Scissors
- Pins
- Gas lighter
- Jeans or leather needle
- Sewing machine
- Hand sewing needle and thread
1. Cut out the lining
Fold the collar and sleeves of the jacket to the inside.
I cut my lining with the blanket doubled for extra thickness.
Place the jacket on the blanket and trace around half the lower back, up one side seam and around the armhole and then half of the top back edge.
Cut around your marks, then fold the fabric over and use it as a template for the other half.
Fold the back in half and cut around it to make the two front pieces.
2. Assemble the lining
Zigzag stitch around all the edges.
Pin the fronts and back together at the side seams.
I realized that the lining armholes were too big so I had to adjust this before sewing.
3. Cut the sleeve lining
Copy the armhole of the lining onto another piece.
Lay the sleeve on the lining and trace the length. I wanted a foldback cuff so I added another 4 or 5 inches (10 or 12 cm) to the length.
Cut two sleeves.
4. Insert the lining
Use a seam ripper to remove the jacket collar.
Pin the lining to the edges of the jacket with the right sides together. Try to ensure the lining is laying flat and unwrinkled.
Sew the lining in place along the fronts, bottom edge and the shoulders, leaving the collar area unsewn.
The denim and lining together are very thick, so use a denim or leather needle or be prepared to break a few!
Trim off the excess lining.
Finish the raw edges. I used a gas lighter to seal them but you can overlock or serge the edges if you prefer.
Turn the lining to the inside.
5. Line the sleeves
Join the long seam of each sleeve lining.
Pin the sleeve lining around the armhole, with the right sides together. Sew with a regular straight stitch.
Push the lining into the sleeve.
Turn the excess length to the outside and fold it over the jacket cuff. I ignored the button and opening as I never use them anyway, and simply covered them with the lining.
Pin and sew the edge of the cuffs in place to the outside of the sleeve. I found it easiest to do this on the sewing machine when I turned the sleeves inside out.
6. Collar lining
Trace around the collar on to the doubled lining and cut it out.
Sew the lining to the top side of the collar around the top and side edges, leaving the edge that connects to the jacket unsewn.
Turn the collar right side out.
Fold the bottom edge of the lining under and sew it to the collar.
Pin and sew the denim side of the collar to the jacket with the right sides together.
I used a thread to match the contrast stitching on the rest of the jacket.
Turn under the free edge of the lining and pin it to the jacket lining. I sewed this with a mixture of hand and machine stitching, so I could still use the jacket hanger.
7. Finishing
Cut holes in the lining for the buttonholes and seal them with the gas lighter.
Top stitch the edges of the jacket so the lining shows on the outside by 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch (1 to 2 cm).
I used the contrast thread as the top thread and a white thread in the bobbin.
DIY fleece denim jacket
I’m delighted with my super soft and warm DIY denim jacket lining!
This is definitely going to be my new favorite winter jacket. I love the way the lining shows on the outside and I’m especially happy that I managed to keep the hanger at the neckline. It’s the little things!
I hope you found this tutorial easy to follow and I’d love to know what you think of it in the comments below.
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What a great idea, it looks very good. If I was younger( not an older senior citizen) I would definitely try it.
Fabulous job! Much nicer than purchasing a "lined" jacket as those rarely have lining in the sleeves. Just love that you did that. Thanks for posting.