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DIY Denim Jacket with Embroidery

When Leah got a hand-me-down denim jacket, I knew right away that I would embroider something on it.  I waited and waited for inspiration to strike, and it never did.  Finally, I decided to just add a bunch of flowers.  Can’t go wrong with those, right?  For a DIY denim jacket, I think it turned out pretty darn cute!

DIY Denim Jacket with Embroidery

So far, just the back panel has flowers on it.  I think I’ll put a couple more embroidered flowers on the front, and maybe one or two on one of the sleeves.

DIY Denim Jacket with Embroidery

(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended.)

To make a DIY denim jacket with embroidery, you’ll need:

  • denim jacket embroidery pattern – Instructions to download are at the bottom of this post.  The pattern will likely need to be adjusted for the specific jacket you are working on.  You might be able to resize it or just overlap different parts of the pattern.
  • denim jacket
  • embroidery floss (Aurifil 2021, 2600, 2110, 2605, 5006, 2888, 5018, and 2535)
  • water soluble stabilizer
embroidered denim jacket

The best thing I’ve found for embroidering on denim is this water soluble stabilizer.  You trace the pattern on the soft side, peel it off the paper backing, stick it on the denim fabric, and embroider straight through it.  When you are done, you soak it in water, and it rinses away.  See my post on how to transfer an embroidery pattern for pros and cons using this method.

how to embroider on denim

This was my first project using Aurifil embroidery floss, and it was great!  I love the wooden spools.  They come with so much thread on them!

DIY Denim Jacket with Embroidery

I used a lot of satin stitch for this one.  When embroidering something that’s going to get a lot of wash and wear, you don’t want to use a lot of dimensional stitches.  Things like the woven wheel stitch don’t hold up well do a lot of washing.  I’m still going to be hand washing this one every time though.

jean jacket embroidery

I also made sure my stitches were extra secure on the back, and I’ll be ironing some permanent interfacing on the back to make sure everything is protected while being worn.

DIY Denim Jacket with Embroidery

And… I’d love to say Leah was super happy to wear the jacket, but she couldn’t wait to get it off.  Little stinker!  Hopefully I’ll be able to talk her into wearing it, or someone else will be getting a nice, homemade gift.

DIY Denim Jacket with Embroidery

Get the free embroidery pattern!


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Stephanie

Monday 29th of January 2024

I have a denim coat that I want to decorate with embroidery. Your lessons are very helpful.

Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts

Monday 5th of February 2024

Glad I could help!

Violeta

Sunday 7th of May 2023

Your embroidered jacket looks amazing! I love how it turned out! Also, I wanted to drop a quick message to let you know that I featured your awesome tutorial on Crafts on Display, a growing community of crafting enthusiasts who are always looking for fresh ideas and inspiration. You can check it out here – https://craftsondisplay.com/embroidery/denim-jacket-embroidery-tutorial-30713/

BEVERLY GREENE

Wednesday 6th of April 2022

I just purchased the jacket but the floss is out of my budget. Can a cheaper floss than Aurifil be used with similar results?

Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts

Wednesday 20th of April 2022

Yes, you can use different floss.

Celia

Saturday 19th of February 2022

How fun to see your embroidered denim jacket. My young granddaughter heard about the jacket I embroidered on years ago--it is definitely vintage now--and wanted to know if I could do one for her. I couldn't find a little girl's denim jacket in my local thrift stores, & the brand new ones were beyond my pocketbook. So, I enlisted the help of her other grandmother. She is a champion shopper, but does not sew. I don't shop much, but *I* can *sew*!! My partner in project found a good sized jacket that won't be outgrown too quickly, even washed it before sending it to me. I chose a number of flower motifs as well as some kitty & fox designs, because they like them at their house. One of the kitties is trying to catch a tiny bird button, sewn just out of paw reach. Happy, happy granddaughter!!!

Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts

Thursday 10th of March 2022

Oh my gosh, that sounds adorable!!! I wish my daughter would have worn this one. My niece is enjoying it though.

Tay

Thursday 4th of March 2021

what's the best way to secure the stitches at the back of t-shirts or bags?

Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts

Thursday 8th of April 2021

This might help: https://cutesycrafts.com/2019/03/start-embroidery-without-knots.html

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