When I was going to school, one of our favorite sayings was “X, Y, Z…examine your zipper!”, followed by a whole bunch of giggles galore! Hehehe, real mature right? Jessica from Running with Scissors is luckily showing us that “X” stands for more than a silly saying that has to do with zipper mishaps. Jessica is sharing her incredible talent for sewing with her Back to School project, this adorable jacket for your handsome fella. This “X” Jacket is awesome and will work perfect for those chilly school mornings. Enjoy!
I’m Jessica from Running With Scissors, and I have been looking forward to this series all summer because it gave me an excuse to sit down and sew! Creating something for Back to School, I wanted to sew something for my son who started 1st grade. In our climate you only have a few weeks before cold weather sets in, so my son got geared up for Fall with a new denim jacket. My letter X is featured in the top-stitching details to make a jacket where “X marks the spot”!
My son picked the exposed zipper, and I added details like the pieced sleeves, chest welt pockets, and X-patch pockets.
But the big feature is the back of the jacket:
*this technique can be used on garments, throw pillows, blankets, etc.*
1. On the right side of the fabric, mark a center back vertical line with tailor’s chalk.
From the center line mark an X with the lines 60 degrees to the vertical center.
I used scrap fleece as the batting for the jacket back, but actual warm and natural batting would also work.
2. Top-stitch (I used contrasting thread) on each diagonal line, and then 1/2″ from the original lines on each side.
As you sew, make sure the batting stays lined up and the two layers are stretched flat.
3. Draw a horizontal line where the X intersects. Using the vertical and new horizontal line, you can now sew 1/2″ from the previous stitching, pivot at the line, then continue to the raw edge.
In the end, the contrasting stitched X is surrounded by quilted “V” shaped texture in matching thread.
I lined all the pockets, hood, and jacket with cozy flannel so this denim jacket can transition into Fall as it cools off.
A great texture detail for all those after school treasure hunts.
I so want this jacket for my boys! This jacket is awesome, rad and so totally cool. My two fellas would look handsoooome in this incredible jacket! Thank you Jessica for sharing your amazing talent with us! We are so exited to add you to our list of amazing Contributors! Welcome and thank you again for hanging out with us today! For more spectacular sewing tutorials by this talented lady, make sure to visit her at Running with Scissors!
Have your kiddos started school yet in their new fancy clothes, super cool shoes and shiny new school supplies? My kids start in one week, and they are counting down the days, hours and possibly the minutes. Their backpacks are packed, and they couldn’t be more excited to get their desks set up and get dressed in their new wardrobes. Here are a few more excellent projects to add to your kiddo’s Back to School wardrobe…
What is your favorite piece of clothing to sew for your kiddo?
Happy Creating & Happy Jackets!
