Tweed Jacket Conversion Question

[Captain Karrot]

I have seen a lot of threads with photos and instructions on converting a tweed sports jacket for use while kilted. The one common thing I see with respect to the pockets is that they should be patch pockets. I have a couple of tweeds that I would like to modify, but neither has patch pockets. I am wondering if it is still possible to convert these - Maybe after removing the bottom of the jacket, before hemming it closed, sewing the pocket inside closed?

Anyhoo - just looking for a little advice before I start, so I know if I would just be wasting my time.

Thanks!

[Tartan Hiker]

The opening of a slash pocket can be stitched together, and if you are able to line up the diagonals in the tweed they can almost disappear. Not what you'd wear to an audience with the Queen, but certainly good enough for most occasions.

[James MacMillan]

Two of my jacket conversions had slash pockets that had flaps and openings parallel to the bottom hem. On one, the flap was removed and simply moved up a little, thus allowing use of the pocket. On the other we used fabric left over from the part trimmed from the bottom edge to form a new slightly larger flap.

Patch pockets seem to be preferred only because they are easier to modify.

I have two jackets now at my tailor being converted. One is a simple two button blue sport jacket and the other is a black corduroy. The blue one has slash pockets and the corduroy has patch.

Also remember that the left over fabric can be used to form cuff flaps and epaulets, if you want. Buttons can also be changed to complete the look.

It’s the cheapest way to go, that’s for sure. And if you or your tailor are good at sewing, the end results are very good looking.

[Captain Karrot]

James -

You wouldn't happen to a any pictures of your two converted jackets that you could share, would you?

Thanks!

Keith

Two of my jacket conversions had slash pockets that had flaps and openings parallel to the bottom hem. On one, the flap was removed and simply moved up a little, thus allowing use of the pocket. On the other we used fabric left over from the part trimmed from the bottom edge to form a new slightly larger flap.

Patch pockets seem to be preferred only because they are easier to modihave fy.

I have two jackets now at my tailor being converted. One is a simple two button blue sport jacket and the other is a black corduroy. The blue one has slash pockets and the corduroy has patch.

Also remember that the left over fabric can be used to form cuff flaps and epaulets, if you want. Buttons can also be changed to complete the look.

It’s the cheapest way to go, that’s for sure. And if you or your tailor are good at sewing, the end results are very good looking.

[James MacMillan]

Sure - at least, with me in them. Are you interested in close-ups of the pocket? With the digital, all I need to know is what you want.

But having said that, there are some great tutorials on this board, that look better.

But I can post what I have readily available.

[woodard]

Would it be possible to stitch closed the slash pocket and use a scrap from the cut-off section to form a patch pocket?

[ChattanCat]

I found a great source for modifying a jacket by Alan H:
http://www.geocities.com/alanhsails/...t_jacket3.html

This is the explaination for why you want a patch pocket:

You want patch pockets on the outside of the jacket rather than slash pockets because the pockets in a kilt jacket are in a different place than they are in a sportcoat. They're higher up and further back. Patch pockets can carefully be cut off and the material used for ersatz pocket flaps, slash linings even epaulettes if you have the energy.

[Captain Karrot]

Thanks, James! I really appreciate it. Yes, I would specifically like pictures of what you did regarding the pockets.

I do understand that patch pockets would have been better, but slash was all I could get my hand on.

Sure - at least, with me in them. Are you interested in close-ups of the pocket? With the digital, all I need to know is what you want.

But having said that, there are some great tutorials on this board, that look better.

But I can post what I have readily available.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

The tailor who did Panache's first tweed conversion simply sewed the slash pockets closed and moved the flap up a little, so it looks as though the pockets have been moved up. So, no useable pockets, but it looks good.

Be well,

[James MacMillan]

On one jacket the flap was big enough to make the pocket still usable, on the other jacket, The one in the photo, I had my tailor make a bigger scalloped (is that the word?) flap, and I still have usable, although smaller pockets. Oh yea and I put some buttons on the flaps for looks. -and epauletts too.