Mood DIY: Patched Denim Moto Jacket

Patches, denim, and moto jackets – all three hit runways this past Fashion Week, and all three have made their way into today’s project! Moto jackets are a great project since there are so many styles and directions you can go in. Make it in a classic leather for a daring look, or try a warm wool for the winter. This time I decided to give one of Mood’s new denims a go; the drape is comfortable for a jacket and the herringbone design is absolutely beautiful.

Fabrics & materials used:

• 2.25 yards Dark Navy Selvedge Denim with Chevron Design
• 2 yards Black Cotton Selvedge Denim
• 2 yards Black Poly Lining
• 1 21″ Silver Teeth Black Separating Zipper
• 2 5″ Silver Teeth Metal Zipper
• 6 3/4″ Nickel Spikes
• China Blue Sequined and Beaded Snake Applique
• Sequin Drunk in Love Patch
• V Letter Applique
• Black Faux Leather Closure with Gunmetal Buckle

I went with the Larissa jacket pattern, excluding the elbow patches and tabs, and cut the collar, waistband, shoulder gussets, and under sleeves in a contrasting black denim.

I added three 3/4″ spikes to each corner of the collar. The back screws off, so all I needed to do to install them was punch a small hole with an awl, insert the screw, and screw the spike on!

Mood has been growing the selection of patches and appliques, so I knew this was finally the project where I used some of the ones I’ve had my eye on. A varsity letter went perfectly on the lapel, and I added a sequined Drunk in Love patch on one of the pockets, because you can never have too much Beyoncé in your life. Each was hand-stitched on; make sure you don’t accidentally sew your pocket shut!

As soon as I saw this beaded snake applique, I knew it need to creep over a shoulder so that’s exactly where I placed it! I especially love that when the lapel and collar are down, you can see the snake’s little head peeking out between them.

A buckle closure at the bottom of the zipper brought the whole thing together! Both of the denims I worked with went easily through the machine, which was great; and while the herringbone had a softer drape, the solid black was a little more stiff, so I was able to skip interfacing on the collar.

Now that it’s done, I can’t wait to add more patches! Which ones will you be adding to your moto jacket?