Denim Coat Hack using the Bow Patchwork Shirt Pattern

This is an Hack Guide only and will need to be used in conjunction with Bow Patchwork Shirt (PDF Pattern), as sold on our website.

For the Hack we made 3 changes to the design as outlined below:

  1. We added one patchwork row to the original design length using the replacement Row 5 and Row 6 from the free Shirtdress Extension KiT for this project.

  2. We removed the cuff piece, removed the sleeve opening and spread pieces S3B and S3D.

  3. We also used the ‘alternative’ patchwork collar for this project, smoothing off the scalloped edge for a simpler, minimal finish to the collar

We chose to leave off the cuffs for a slightly cropped sleeve length, and removed the sleeve openings for simplicity which creates a straighter / less tapered sleeve. To do this, we opened up the circumference of the sleeve hem by slashing / spreading 2 of the Row 3 sleeve pieces - adding 3cm to each piece, so a total of 6cm per sleeve opening, as shown below

Shown below are the pattern alterations we used to smooth off the alternative scalloped collar design.

For the patchwork we collected repurposed scrap denim including a few pairs of jeans in ecru / light beige tones. Instead of using the fabric allocation of the original project, we chose to randomly mix the fabrics - except for the bow pieces (‘fabric 3’) which we grouped together so that each bow (made up of 3 patches) is cut from the same jeans fabric. We also used a seaming technique where the vertical seams are sewn externally and left raw - i.e WRONG sides together, then pressed to one side and top-stitched 8mm away, securing the raw edge onto the patchwork. Horizontal seams were sewn right sides together as usual, finished with overlocking inside. This is a great finish to try with mixed denim fabrics for a raw look, which results in a neat internal finish.