Ribbon-Yoke Denim Jacket

Unleash your creativity on a plain coat with this craft project.

No matter what the latest look dictated by style writers may be, denim never really goes out of fashion. To give a favourite denim jacket a new lease of life, hand stitch rainbow stripes of braid and ribbon across the yoke.

You Will Need
Denim jacket
Sewing kit
Selection of 40cm (16in) lengths of 10 ribbons and braids with different widths
Matching sewing threads

1. Lay the various ribbons across one side of the jacket yoke, changing the positions until you are pleased with the arrangement. Alternate plain colours with patterns, and try placing narrow braids across wideribbons to varyhe effect.

2. Remove the ribbons, keeping them in the correct order. Starting at the lower edge, pin the first length just above the horizontal seam.

3. Tack the ribbon in place, removing the pins as you stitch. Trim the two ends to 6mm (¼in) and tuck them under neatly.

4. Slip stitch the ribbon in place with matching thread. Start each line of stitching from the same end to prevent the ribbon becoming puckered. Remove the tacking thread.

5. Sew the remaining ribbons and braids in place, adjusting their lengths to fit the curve at the shoulder seam. Decorate the second part of the yoke in the same way.

This extract is taken from Details Details: Embellishing Clothes and Accessories, by Lucinda Ganderton, published by New Holland, priced £16.99 at all good book shops. Alternatively, purchase it from Amazon.

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