Tips on How to Design a Child's Jacket from a Sweatshirt

After a child has worn the sweatshirt for a while, it can be changed. There are ways and tips to change a child's sweatshirt with a different design. Sometimes the shirt can get too short to wear along. However, there are things to do that will solve this problem. If there is a spot or hole, this can be resolved too. Often the child can wear it for two seasons but a change would be nice. Maybe the child just does not want to wear the shirt any more. Therefore, it will look different.

These are the items needed to complete the new or different jacket. First thing needed is the child's sweatshirt. Then needed is thread that will match. A sewing machine with scissors is used. Straight lace one inch wide can be used too. If the shirt is small, lace may be included. The length of the lace to one inch or two inches does depend on how short it is. Velcro may be sewn in for the closure the front. Buttons can be worked with if there are a button hole maker on the machine. Besides those two items, a zipper added for closure. If an older shirt with, a spot or hole an iron-on will cover it. In addition, a piece of material will cover the hole or spot.

Start by using a new or an old sweatshirt first. It will be all right if it has a hood. Fold with the front of the sweatshirt out. With the scissors cut up or down the center of the front. Then sew a ½-inch seam on both sizes of the cut front. If attaching lace then sew a piece on each side on the seam. Now add lace to the sleeve above the elbow to match front. Then if applying Velcro cut three or four one inch strips. Next, sew them one on each side to attach the front of the jacket. Next let the lace overlap a bit in the front. If using buttons cut the holes the size of them. Now with the machine sew the buttonholes. With needle and thread, sew the buttons in place. Instead of using one of these, attach a zipper. Just pin the zipper on the inside of the seams on both sides. Making sure that the zipper latch is facing the outside.

Now if needing to cover something cut a piece of material in a circle, triangle or heart. Then attach it with pins over the place and sew it from the outside. Next, if the sleeves and/or bottom of the shirt are too short add lace to make longer. Just pull the sleeve and bottom a little so it will give when wearing.

After it is finished, it will be a new looking jacket or cardigan. Now it is one that the child will like wearing and/or it will not be too small anymore.