Latest Design: Color Block Denim Jacket

Does this jacket have good jeans or what?! Spring is right around the corner, so we figured why not add some color to our ongoing Denim Jacket Series. In this blog post, we will share the bold details of our latest design— Color Block Denim Jacket.

Inspiration for this jacket came from our marketing coordinator Natasha. While on a trip to Japan in 2018, Natasha fell in love with the bold yet feminine color combos found in Tokyo. Natasha is moved by what she sees, so she wanted to create something based around her travel photography. Pictured below is the photo that inspired this color combo.

​Project Specs

• Made up of over twelve pattern pieces
• Four sewing machines were involved— three industrial machines & one domestic sewing machine

• Took a total of 6 hours to sew 
• White, red, and pink denim fabric from Fabricana

​Design Elements

Our color block denim jacket has several design details involved. The pattern was first created while teaching two of our clients how to reverse pattern draft their favorite denim jackets. In this section we will go through our top details that make up this jacket.

Color Blocking

This was the most important design detail and basically what inspired the jacket. During a studio field trip to Fabricana, white, pink and red denim fabric were perfectly stacked together. The color combo looked so good together, we couldn’t resist. Natasha (our marketing coordinator) was always taught that “red and pink should never be seen, unless it’s in the washing machine”. Well...challenge accepted mom!!!

One of the easiest and most fun ways to create a bold look is to use the technique of color blocking. Color blocking is thought of as the exploration of taking colors that are opposites and pairing them together to make complementary color combinations. Be prepared to swap your thread colors back and forth!

Metal Buttons

We wanted a clean look for the front of this jacket, so metal buttons were ideal. We even added a bonus button at the hem, just for show! Funny story: Natasha had never installed metal buttons before and she accidentally hammered a button to a rotary mat...WOOPS!!! If it's your first time installing metal buttons, proceed with caution.

When sewing the buttonholes, we found that the denim was too thick for the machine. We really had to push to help move the fabric through the presser foot. This is common when working with denim. For an easy guide to help you sew stubborn buttonholes, click HERE.

​Top Stitching

Top stitching gives this bold jacket a clean finish. All thread colors match their corresponding pattern pieces.

Sewing Tip- When using top stitching thread (thicker thread), use regular size thread in the bobbin if you are having trouble with tension issues. Keep the upper thread thick though.

Box Pleat Patch Pocket with Flap

The most traditional pockets found on a denim jacket- a box pleat pocket with a flap. This design element is our personal favorite. At first, we considered keeping the flap the same color as the box pleat, but figured that would be too boring. This jacket is a statement piece, so go big or go home right?!?

​Cropped Hem

The cropped body on our denim jacket is both flattering and versatile. We paired it with white high waisted pants to complete the full ensemble. How would you style this?

​Final Design

We’re obsessed with the back view of our color block denim jacket! This is actually our third time making this denim jacket. So far we have made it in all white and all blue- the usual denim suspects. Our next version will be as colorful as this one...once we throw some paint on it!!! Coming soon...

Color blocking is one of the easiest and most fun ways to create a new look. If you would like to learn more about color blocking in garment construction, contact us to book lessons. 

Happy Sewing!
Designed, photographed and written by Sheila Wong Studios