Can you recognize the jacket? And no, it’s not a Halloween costume for Sidra.
Recently I told Sidra that since the weather was going cooler, I would make him a jacket, then I asked if he had anything particular in mind. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked him first and just carry on making the jacket because -of course- he wanted a Thriller jacket.
Um, wouldn’t it be a bit costumey? What about a Thriller-inspired jacket with the same red and black combo? No, I want it to be exactly look like the one that Michael Jackson wore! You can change the insides but the outside has to look exactly the same. Owkay.
After an extensive research (= google) to study the shape and lines of the Thriller jacket, I began to look for a jacket pattern that I can use as a base. I finally use the Nectarine jacket pattern from Tamanegi Kobo, a Japanese pattern shop and alter it to make the Thriller jacket. This is another red and black combo jacket based on this pattern that I’ve made previously, unfortunately this cool jacket is now unwearable due to the growing speed of a child.
Making the jacket with leather all-over is a bit too much, so I use cotton jersey for the red part and vegan leather for the black stripes. The jacket will also has a zipper under those three flaps and black jersey for lining.
Sewing it turned out to be much more difficult than I thought! In fact, this might be one of the most difficult things that I ever sew. My sewing machine hates those thick layers and leather. Sometimes the sewing feet just stopped over the leather and refused to move. Maybe I should use a special sewing feet for leather. I’m sure there is such thing.
I also failed on making the single welt pockets, so those pockets are fake. I quite regretted it. Sidra tried on the jacket for fitting last night and instinctively tried to put his hands on the pockets. Note to self: a jacket has to have pockets!
The inside of the jacket was nothing to be proud about, but at least it looked fine from the outside. I still have to finish the cuffs, all those leather straps, and attaching the snap-on buttons. Sidra had been playing Michael Jackson songs everyday now, talking about no pressure!
12 Comments
I’ve been admiring what you do for a while :)
This jacket is awesome.
For sewing leather – aren’t there teflon feet available for your machine? Those slip better on leather. Also seen feet with special little wheels at the bottom for heavy fabrics – (these are both available for my Elna) although not sure if all brands have something similar.
Wow, this looks great. Can’t wait to see the end result! And your son is so cute!!
Wow, looking good. Can’t wait to see the finished jacket!
Here is a hint for your presser foot… put blue painter’s tape on the underside (cutting out all areas for the needle to go through) This will make it go over the leather much easier. Also, make sure your presser foot tension is set higher and use the best quality leather needles you can find. I use Klasse.
Good luck!
Awesome! I didn’t know that there is special needles for leather. Thank you so much for the tip!
adorable!
Wow! What a jacket! Can’t wait to see more photos!
Wow! I can’t wait to see the finished jacket!
Sidra is a lucky boy! I haven’t sewn for my little Bean in ages… Must get on to that soon… He needs toddler pants now that it’s getting cold. :) Look forward to seeing Sidra model his jacket :)
Brilliant!
Aww, this is adorable! It looks great; I’m sure he’ll rock it in style.
This is the best jacket ever! He is one lucky little guy!