Transform Your Trench: Upcycle Your Coat into a Chic Fall Vest

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As summer turns into fall, it’s time to get creative with your wardrobe! By giving a classic trench coat a sleeveless makeover, you can craft a chic vest that’s perfect for layering as the seasons shift. Plus, we’ll show you how to use those sleeves to make stylish bias strips. Keep reading to discover how to upcycle your trench coat into a fabulous fall staple!

Trench-style dresses and vests are having a major moment, blending classic sophistication with contemporary flair. The best part? You can create your own, channeling designer vibes without the designer price tag.

Head to your local thrift store—this project is the perfect chance to give a second life to a stylish thrifted gem!

Supplies

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Trench coat

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Seam ripper

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Acrylic ruler

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Iron

No trench coat to upcycle? No problem! Start from scratch with a trench coat sewing pattern, skipping the sleeves, and finish the armholes with bias strips as detailed below. For an even easier approach, try sewing this Trench Dress pattern, complete with video instructions to help you achieve the look.

Prepare

Using a seam ripper, remove the sleeves from the jacket. If the jacket is lined, remove both the main and lining sleeve pieces. Remove the sleeve cuffs and any additional details from each sleeve. Cut the sleeve open along the underarm seam.

Working on a flat surface, find the grainline of the sleeve and position the sleeve with the grainline vertically.

Using a clear acrylic ruler, position the ruler at a 45° angle from the grainline.

Cut strips of sleeve fabric that are 2 1/4″ wide (1). Between the two sleeves, cut enough strips to finish the armholes.

Place the ends of two pieces of bias strips with right sides together perpendicular to each other. With the ends extending slightly beyond each piece, stitch together with a straight line across the two strips (2).

If you want to add some contrast, consider using a different fabric for the bias strips. It’s a great chance to add a pop of color.

Trim the seam allowance to 1/4″ and press open. Repeat until you have the desired length needed for the armhole (3).

Construct

If your coat has a lining, baste the two layers together along the armhole. With right sides together, match the center of the bias strip with the shoulder seam of the coat.

Pin the bias strip in place around the opening (4).

Stitch the bias to the armhole with 1/4″ seam allowance, stopping 1″ from both sides of the underarm seam (5).

Cross the tails of the bias tape and mark the intersection (6).

Stitch the tails together along the mark, trim the excess, and press the seam allowance open. Pin the remaining section in place and stitch the bias to the armhole.

Trim the seam allowance and clip into the curve around the armhole. Press the seam allowance toward the bias binding and understitch in place 1/8″ from the previous seam (7).

Fold the raw edge of the bias binding toward the wrong side of the coat. Align the raw edge with the previous stitching line; press well.

Fold the entire bias binding to the inside of the armhole and press well. Stitch the binding down along the inside folded edge (8).

Repeat with second armhole.

With just a few simple steps, you can transform your old trench coat into a modern, sleeveless masterpiece or even create a new one from scratch. Whether you’re upcycling a thrifted find or sewing a chic trench dress from a pattern, this project is a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe with a trendy, designer-inspired piece—without breaking the bank. So grab your supplies, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the satisfaction of wearing something stylish and uniquely your own.

Happy sewing!