I have just altered an ‘op-shop'(thrift shop) jacket. The shoulders were so well cut and fit so well that it was worth making it shorter, reducing the swing and altering the pockets and re sewing all the HongKong bound seams. I have worn it twice and just love it BUT…It would be easier to wear if it had at least one button to keep it in place while walking. This is the first jacket i have worn without buttons and I miss them.
What do I need to look for in the cut of the front of the jacket (which has a normal notched collar and lapels) to help me work out if it is possible to add a button? I thought one larger one would be nice.Where do I place it?
thanks
Lizabeth
Replies
I'll jump in...If it were me I would probably add a button just under the area (up to an inch lower) where the notched collars meet in the front of the body. I'm visualizing this to be just above the chest area. One large button would be a very nice touch.
I am so proud of you and your "new" jacket. I would be perusing ideas for a wearable art alternate closure to take it over the top! Do you still have some scraps? Galey
Why not try a frog instead of a button? The placement would be easier, you would not need to lap the front (in case it is not big enough to lap), and it would be much easier to reposition it if it was not right, rather than making a button hole and then -- oops, finding out it was not in the right place.
A toggle might work, too, depending on the style. Or, use a button but add a loop to the finished edge rather than a buttonhole: very easy and decorative. If the logical attachment point is at the waist, a tie closure would also work, and you could use cording, leather, piping, or trim as ties.
Thanks everyone for the ideas. I had not thought of a button and a loop or using a frog. Either one would be less scary than making a buttonhole but I am not sure if they will fit a traditional jacket. I will trial them before I sew...and hopefully attach a picture with the final result. I wore it again yesterday...still thrilled with it. Right now I am altering a beautiful pair of woollen slacks I had bought in 1977. They were just too good to throw out! Australian readers will recognize the Fletcher Jones brand. After losing a lot of weight I can now wear them again. BUT the waist was a really high cut and too tight for my current tummy ! Taking the waist band off, lowering the waist and reattaching the band is working well. This brand provided a 1" seam allowance at the centre back of the waist band so I didn’t have to join the old belt loops together to create some more fabric!!!While I am very short waisted what is weird is that my shape has changed in such a way that even though my tummy is far too rounded I still have to cut off more from the front than the back when I am altering pants. Oh well whatever works, and it gives me more decision time on that button. Elizabeth
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