How to alter a sheepskin coat: fashionable and stylish solutions

Do not rush to throw away a sheepskin coat that is outdated in style. It can be transformed into a unique and stylish wardrobe item, you just need to use your imagination and pick up a needle.

Review of stylish sheepskin coats 2018

Popular solutions:

• oversized models (loose fit, several sizes larger);
• biker jackets (short, with an oblique lock);
• in military style (large turn-down collar, straight cut);
• asymmetrical with wraparound;
• to the floor with rich fur trim;
• with inserts made of other materials (for example, genuine leather);
• sheepskin coats;
• boho type and models with ethnic notes.

In fact, all of the above options can be achieved by simply remaking an old wardrobe item. True, for this you need to choose the right source model, and also know the secrets of handling sheepskin and velor - the materials from which sheepskin coats are most often sewn.

Ideas on how to update a sheepskin coat

We offer several fashionable and simple ideas for repurposing an old sheepskin coat into a new wardrobe item.The work may require various accessories, patience and sewing skills.

Making a fur coat from an old sheepskin coat

The most time-consuming option is to use the wrong side of the sheepskin coat. If the fur is beautiful and has not faded, then feel free to use this method.

To do this you need:

1. Cut the product at the seams and cut off the pockets.
2. The pieces are then stitched back together.
3. A fur collar and lapels are added (you can do without them), holes for buttons are trimmed, a lining is sewn (directly on top of the bakhtarma) and pockets.
4. The final touch is combing the fur. You can’t do without this if you’ve previously worn a sheepskin coat.

Alternative way: sewing on pieces of fur of equal width and length. The result should be a fur coat with tanned leather inserts - a very fashionable solution.

The oblique lock looks great on a sheepskin coat

You can't do without a pattern. To accurately guess the dimensions, create a pattern based on a sheepskin coat pre-cut at the seams. Then sew the lock on the bias - and the fashionable item is ready.

Playing with accessories

Large pockets, which were so often sewn onto sheepskin coats 5-10 years ago, are definitely worth fighting for. The holes from them are masked with flaps of fur or stripes. Well, the salvation of children's clothing that has become short will be the finishing of the bottom.

Women you can refer to the belts. Ideally, the belt should match the color and texture of the sheepskin coat itself, so the materials for it are simply cut off from the hem. The hood is also made from it. If the length of the product does not allow such manipulations, you can cut the sleeves. The result is a sleeveless vest with a hood.

How to shorten a sheepskin coat to make a stylish thing

Since ultra-short shearling jackets are in fashion, you can safely cut off a lot of fabric.If this length does not suit your figure, find the widest part of your hip. Place a couple of fingers on it and get a suitable option.

• Method one.

If you need to shorten it just a few centimeters, then put the scissors aside. Take a blade instead. Add a long ruler, a contrasting pencil and a fine comb to it.

Important!

To avoid cutting yourself, cover the non-working side of the blade with a white medical plaster. You can use paper instead, but this option is less convenient.

Next, use a ruler to draw a cutting line.. In order not to spoil the thing, add 2-3 mm to the intended distance and start cutting. Hold the blade at an angle, not straight. And don't press too hard. Only the bakhtarma should be cut off, preserving the inner core. The fur pile will need to be combed (use a comb or comb with natural bristles). Fluffed, it will help hide traces of interference in the design of the sheepskin coat.

You can skip the next step; it is recommended and not mandatory. If you have excellent seamstress skills, then stitch the bottom. But you shouldn’t decide on this if you have insufficient experience in working with tanned leather or if you don’t have a good machine. Reason: needle holes on this material are very noticeable.

Final step: taping seams. You can also prevent their dissolution with the help of special clamps.

• Method two.

Allows you to shorten a sheepskin item of clothing as much as necessary.

Tools and materials:

• centimeter;
• sewing machine;
• stone base;
• marking pencil;
• hammer;
• furrier's knife;
• specialized needles for skin;
• thimble;
• comb;
• reinforced threads.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Lay the item out with the wrong side down. Using a ruler and pencil, mark the strip you are going to cut.
2. Trim off the excess.
3. Finish the edge with a furrier's stitch. From the hem line - 0.4-0.5 mm - first shave the fur.
4. Comb the pile upward. Sew the hem from left to right.

Important!

A stone backing is needed to beat off the edges. They then become thinner, making them easier to sew.

Tips on how to better alter a sheepskin coat

Notes and recommendations:

• If you decide to rip a pocket or trim, be prepared for the fact that the cleaned area will be different in color from the rest of the sheepskin coat. This is inevitable, because outerwear fades under the sun.
• You can sew not only by machine, but also by hand. Use this method only if your stitch is straight. Moreover, it should be this way, taking into account the thickness of the product. If you are unsure of yourself, then sew the item on a machine without using thread. You will get an even line of holes. Sew along these holes.
• If you take up hand sewing, buy triangular needles.

Most cutting and alteration methods require seamstress skills and special tools. The costs for the latter will be quite high. If you are not going to experiment with sheepskin or suede with a thick lining in the future, then it is better to seek help from a studio. The overpayment will not be so high.