Let me start out by saying I love DIY’s (have you seen my personal blog, Material Delight?) — but one annoying thing about starting so many projects is the plethora of leftover materials. Ribbons… fabric cuttings… beads… It’s a lot to store! That’s why I’m always so excited when a new idea uses the same materials as a previous project.
A few weeks ago we made appliquéd ribbon statement sunhats and it was one of my favorite DIY posts yet! I had plenty of black trim left over, so we decided why not take the same idea of our looping cursive statement hats and apply it to my favorite denim jacket?
Tools
Materials
- Denim jacket (we rounded up some great options below)
- Trim of choice (we used super cute pom pom trim, but any thin ribbon will do!)
- Matching Thread
Start by writing out a few ideas of what statement you’d like to make. I went with “bye” for a sassy vibe that’s still cute and friendly. Next, unwind your trim and place it on the back of your jacket, playing with the placement as you go. When you’re happy with how the letters looks, pin it in place.
Okay, now step back. Can you read the word? Does it work with your jacket’s seams? If not, now’s the time to change it… before you stitch it into place! Going with a shorter word makes this step way easier, too.
Once you’re pleased with the layout, thread your needle and knot firmly. I used a very simple straight stitch all the way down my trim. As long as your thread matches the color of your trim, the needlework should blend in and be almost invisible, while being sturdy enough for when you wash the jacket.
Take your time and enjoy the ten or fifteen minutes it will take you to secure the trim to your jacket (i.e. do this while watching The Bachelor). Finish with a sturdy knot and trim the excess thread.
Hope this helps you breathe new life to an old favorite… bye!
P.S. as promised, here’s a few of my favorite denim jackets:
project by Material Delight for Jojotastic.
Art Direction by Jojotastic.
Photography by Meghan Klein.

Leave a comment and let us know what you think of this statement trim jacket tutorial! And if you make one, be sure to post a photo and tag @jojotastic on Instagram so we can see.