Upcycling a leather jacket is a fantastic way to give it a new lease on life, transforming a worn-out piece of clothing into a collection of stylish, modern accessories. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing the jacket to creating a variety of unique items. We’ll focus on practical, step-by-step instructions, ensuring you have the knowledge and confidence to tackle this creative project.
Getting Started: The Foundation of Upcycling
Before you even touch a pair of scissors, careful preparation is key. The success of your upcycling project depends on the quality of your materials and the thought you put into planning.
Choosing the Right Jacket
Not all leather jackets are created equal. The type of leather will determine what you can make and how easy it will be to work with.
- Goatskin and Lambskin: These are soft, supple leathers, ideal for smaller, more intricate accessories like wallets, pouches, and jewelry. They are easy to sew and manipulate.
-
Cowhide and Steerhide: These are thicker, more durable leathers. They are perfect for structured items like bags, belts, and keychains. They require heavier-duty tools, but the results are long-lasting and robust.
-
Faux Leather: While technically not “leather,” faux leather jackets are a great option for beginners. They are inexpensive, easy to cut and sew, and come in a wide range of colors and textures.
Look for a jacket that has some salvageable sections. Worn elbows, cracked collars, or a ripped lining are common. The key is to find areas of the jacket that are still in good condition, as these will be your primary source of material.
Essential Tools and Materials
Having the right tools makes the process smoother and the final product more professional.
- Cutting Tools:
- Rotary Cutter: A rotary cutter with a self-healing mat is the cleanest and most efficient way to cut straight lines.
-
Heavy-Duty Scissors: A good pair of scissors specifically for fabric and leather is a must. Don’t use your regular kitchen scissors.
-
Hobby Knife/Box Cutter: Useful for making small, precise cuts, especially for details or corners.
-
Sewing Tools:
- Leather Sewing Needles: These have a sharp, triangular point designed to pierce through leather without tearing it.
-
Heavy-Duty Thread: Choose a strong thread like upholstery thread or a specific leather thread.
-
Sewing Machine (Optional but Recommended): If you plan on making larger items like bags, a sewing machine with a walking foot attachment is invaluable. A walking foot helps feed the leather evenly, preventing it from bunching up.
-
Hardware and Embellishments:
- Rivets and Rivet Setter: These are essential for creating strong, professional-looking connections.
-
D-rings, O-rings, and Buckles: For straps and closures.
-
Zippers: Salvage them from the jacket itself or buy new ones.
-
Snaps and Snap Setter: For closures on wallets and pouches.
-
Other Useful Items:
- Leather Glue/Cement: For temporarily holding pieces together before sewing or riveting.
-
Leather Hole Punch: For creating clean holes for rivets, snaps, or laces.
-
Ruler and Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
-
Chalk or Silver Pen: For marking your cutting lines on the leather.
Deconstructing the Jacket
This is the first step in turning your jacket into a blank canvas. Take your time with this part.
- Lay the Jacket Flat: Place the jacket on a large, clean surface.
-
Remove the Lining: Carefully cut and tear out the lining. You can use it as a pattern for your new accessories, or discard it if it’s too damaged.
-
Separate the Seams: Using your seam ripper or a small pair of sharp scissors, carefully open the seams that connect the sleeves to the body, the collar to the body, and the different panels of the body.
-
Harvest the Hardware: Don’t throw away the zippers, buckles, or D-rings. These are valuable components you can reuse.
-
Flatten and Clean: Lay out the individual leather panels. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the leather, removing any surface dirt. If the leather is very stiff, a leather conditioner can help soften it up.
Project 1: The Everyday Card Holder
This is an excellent first project, as it’s small, requires minimal material, and teaches you basic leatherworking skills.
Design and Measurement
A standard card holder has two to three pockets. We will make a simple two-pocket version.
- Measure a Credit Card: A standard credit card is approximately 3.375 inches by 2.125 inches.
-
Cut the Main Panel: You will need one piece of leather for the body. A good size is 4.5 inches by 3.5 inches. This gives you a little extra room on all sides.
-
Cut the Pockets: You will need two pieces for the pockets. A good size is 4.5 inches by 2.5 inches.
Assembly
-
Mark the Stitch Lines: Using a ruler and a silver pen, mark a straight line 1/8 inch from the top edge of each pocket piece. This will be your sewing line.
-
Attach the Pockets: Place one pocket piece on top of the main panel, aligning the bottom edges. Make sure the pocket piece is centered. Repeat with the second pocket piece on the other side of the main panel. Use a few drops of leather glue to temporarily hold them in place.
-
Sew the Pockets: Using a leather needle and heavy-duty thread, hand-sew the top edge of each pocket piece. A simple running stitch or a saddle stitch works well.
-
Fold and Stitch: Fold the main panel in half, with the pockets on the inside. Stitch the two side edges together, again with a strong hand-sewn stitch. Trim any excess threads.
-
Finishing Touches: Use a piece of sandpaper or a leather burnishing tool to smooth and finish the edges for a professional look.
Project 2: The Structured Crossbody Pouch
This project is a step up in complexity, but it’s a great way to use larger sections of the jacket and create a truly functional accessory.
Design and Measurement
We will create a rectangular pouch with a flap closure.
- Body Panel: You need one long piece of leather for the body and the flap. A good starting size is 12 inches by 8 inches.
-
Gusset (Side Panels): The gussets will give the pouch its depth. You need two pieces, approximately 3 inches by 8 inches.
-
Strap: You can use a salvaged strap from the jacket or cut a new one from a long, clean section of the leather. A good size is 1 inch by 45 inches.
Assembly
-
Mark the Flap: On the 12-inch body panel, mark a line 4 inches from the top. This will be the fold for the flap.
-
Attach the Gussets: Place a gusset piece along one of the 8-inch sides of the main body panel, right sides together. Use a strong stitch to sew them together. Repeat on the other side.
-
Create the Box: Fold the main body panel so the bottom edges meet. Sew the remaining two side seams. This will create a box shape with the gussets forming the sides.
-
Install the Closure:
- Magnetic Snap: This is a popular and easy-to-install option. Place the female part of the snap on the front of the pouch, about 2 inches down from the top edge. Mark the prong locations with a pen, cut small slits, and push the prongs through. Place the washer over the prongs and fold them down with a pair of pliers.
-
Place the male part of the snap on the inside of the flap, directly above the female part. Follow the same installation process.
-
Attach the Strap:
- D-rings: Use a hole punch to create two holes on each side of the pouch, just below the flap fold. Attach a D-ring to each side with a small leather loop and a rivet.
-
Strap Attachment: Use a hole punch to create a hole at each end of the strap. Attach the strap to the D-rings using a rivet or a small piece of leather to create a secure loop.
Project 3: The Statement Keychain
This is a fast, fun project that lets you use up the smaller, irregular scraps of leather.
Design and Measurement
You can make a simple folded keychain or a more intricate layered one.
- Simple Folded Keychain: Cut a piece of leather 1 inch by 6 inches.
-
Layered Keychain: Cut a variety of small shapes: circles, squares, or even a star. A good size is 1-2 inches.
Assembly
-
Simple Folded Keychain:
- Attach the Keyring: Fold the leather strip in half, feeding the keyring through the loop.
-
Secure with a Rivet: Punch a hole through both layers of leather, just below the keyring. Use a rivet to secure the two layers together.
-
Layered Keychain:
- Stack the Layers: Arrange your different leather shapes on top of each other.
-
Punch a Hole: Use a hole punch to create a hole through the center of all the layers.
-
Attach the Keyring: Use a small jump ring or a split ring to attach the leather pieces to the keyring.
Project 4: The Braided Leather Bracelet
This project is great for using up long, thin strips of leather and can be customized in endless ways.
Design and Measurement
- Cut the Strips: Cut three long, thin strips of leather. The length will depend on your wrist size. A good starting point is 15 inches. The width can be anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.
-
Closure: You will need a small buckle, a snap, or a button for the closure.
Assembly
-
Secure the End: Use a small piece of leather and a rivet to secure the three strips together at one end. This will be the starting point of your braid.
-
Braid: Begin braiding the three strips together. Keep the tension even to create a consistent braid.
-
Finish the Braid: Once you have a long enough braid to wrap around your wrist, secure the end with another small piece of leather and a rivet.
-
Attach the Closure:
- Snap: Attach one half of the snap to one end of the bracelet and the other half to the other end.
-
Button and Loop: Attach a button to one end and create a small leather loop on the other end that is just big enough to fit around the button.
Tips and Tricks for a Professional Finish
The difference between a homemade accessory and a professionally upcycled one lies in the details.
- Practice on Scraps: Before you make your final cuts, practice on a scrap piece of leather. This will help you get a feel for the material and your tools.
-
Use the Right Needles: A sharp, new needle is essential for clean stitches. A dull needle will tear the leather.
-
Embrace the Imperfections: Upcycled leather often has a story. A small scratch or a faded spot can add character to your final piece.
-
Invest in a Good Hole Punch: A cheap hole punch will give you ragged holes. A quality punch will give you clean, precise holes, which are crucial for professional-looking rivets and snaps.
-
Finishing the Edges: Sanding or burnishing the edges of the leather with a special tool or even a simple piece of denim can smooth them out and prevent fraying.
Conclusion
Upcycling a leather jacket is more than just a craft project; it’s an exercise in creativity and sustainability. You’re not just making accessories; you’re preserving a piece of history and giving it a new purpose. By following this guide, you have the knowledge and the tools to transform a forgotten jacket into a collection of modern, stylish, and functional items. Each piece you create will be a testament to your resourcefulness and a reflection of your unique style. Embrace the process, have fun with it, and wear your new creations with pride.