Converting a tweed sport coat to a Braemar jacket

[Robertson]

Thanks Ted this is just what I need!

[macwilkin]

"So you're going to wear the kilt" has a good pattern for a sport-coat conversion, Tim.

I can recommend a good tailor in Springfield who should be able to do it for you.

Todd

[TecScot]

I'm also impressed. Nice work.

I also do jacket conversions. I have to get some pictures the next time so I can share them. May I offer a small suggestion? It looks as though your front curved edge may have a dimple or deviation in the curve. I suggest a sewer's curve or a drafter's french curve. Either will help even out that slope. Of course I haven't seen the finished product so it may not be there when you are done.

I also offer this cautionary tale to any would-be jacket converters. There is someone in this area who does lovely jackets that are off only by one small detail. She top stitches the front lower edge, a perfectly legit thing to do, but she needs to significantly lengthen her stitches and lighten presser foot pressure. I wish I knew how to diplomatically say something because this makes her curves and edges curl outward. It gives her work a loving hands at home look. The rest of her work is so lovely that it is a shame to have that one item stick out.

Shescot

[Rogerson785]

That jacket came out nice. I have my grandfather’s old tweed sport coat that I would love to do the same to but I lack the equipment and talent.

[Panache]

I'm sure my lovely Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess is delighted that people still find this thread useful.

Cheers

Jamie

[Bugbear]

I'm sure my lovely Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess is delighted that people still find this thread useful.

Cheers

Jamie

I just happened to have been able to look into the pricing on alterations at a few local shops yesterday. I'm not being charged per viewing of this thread.

[JRB]

I've had a Harris Tweed sport coat in my posession for about three weeks and keep looking at this thread to gain information. However, when it comes to actually starting to cut up my jacket I have continually chickened out. If I ever do screw up the courage to tackle my jacket conversion I'll definitely post some pics.

[Alan H]

I have a gray hounds-tooth jacket that is just waiting for some TIME to undergo a tremendous metamorphosis.

[Bugbear]

Post deleted.

[Dixiecat]

What a great piece of work F-HCAG! Good pictures and nice write up. I'm sure that all will find it userful.

As a long time sewer I'd like to offer a couple of tips and comments:
1) remove the buttons first
2) chalking your curve onto the garment is perfect, then when you get the curve you like, trace it onto tissue paper to create a pattern to transfer to the other side to get the curves exactly alike.
3) you don't need a french curve, dinner plates, bowls, glasses, etc have great curves to them.
4) don't double up your thread when sewing hems, lining, topstitching that pocket lining thingy. It makes your hand sewing too visible. The machine stitching on the jacket is only one thread. Double thread is only useful if the seam that you're sewing needs extra strength, even then I might just sew a seam twice with single thread, depends....
5) I loved how you put the epaulettes in! (btw, i always go to m-w.com to check my spelling ;) )
6) love your buttons! I used those exact ones on my Aboyne vest.

Btw, the cut on the jacket that was covered over by that little piece of lining, was the cut for a welt pocket. The manufacturer probably decided not to put one in, but the cut was already there for one, so it was covered up. Which brings me to:

7) Nice cover up! That little pocket looks like it was intended to be there!

All-in-all, a wonderful addition to you FIL's wardrobe, I salute you!


ps. I have an old Threads magazine article that explains how to shorten the sleeve for a jacket not at the hem, but at the sleeve's armhole. They ripped off the sleeve, traced off the top of the sleeve (to preserve the shape and length of it or else it wouldn't fit back into the armscye), measured down from the top of the sleeve the amount that it needed to be shortened, used the pattern from the top of the sleeve and cut it out, sewed the sleeve back into the armsyce. This method left the sleeve vent, lining, buttons, etc. intact. I've always wanted to try it, but never had the opportunity. Hopefully, this might help the converters.