by Jennifer Smith July 18, 2023 6 min read

Are you tired of wearing the same old jacket and looking for a way to inject some punk attitude into your wardrobe? In this guide, we'll show you how to transform an old jacket into a cheap, cool, fun punk masterpiece. 

So, grab your scissors, and let's get started on this exciting fashion adventure!

DIY Punk Jacket Ideas for Edgy Designs

Punk fashion is all about being bold and unique to express your style. An old leather or denim jacket can be the canvas for you to unleash your punk inspired creativity. Here are some DIY ideas to help you get started:

Studs and Spikes

Elevate your jacket with a punk rock look by adding studs and spikes of great quality. You can search craft or online stores to find them. Use punch pliers to attach them to your jacket along the collar, cuffs, pockets, and shoulders in a pattern that suits your style. The type of studs and spikes you use depends on the material of your jacket, such as those that can be sewn on, glued to, or pronged to the jacket.

Dyeing

You can create a cool, punk effect by dyeing your old leather or denim jackets. Use different fabric dyeing techniques, such as tie-dyeing, spray dyeing, or ombre dye, for a unique look. 

Patches 

Patches are an iconic way to customize your punk jacket made of leather or denim. Look for a band or embroidered patches to adorn your jacket. Personalize it with your favorite logos or slogans to showcase your interests and beliefs.

You can also mix and match different punk jacket patches to create a new, eye-catching design that reflects your punk spirit. If you are one of those punks interested in learning DIY patch making, explore How to Make Your Own Punk Jacket Patches from Scratch.

Fabric Paint and Markers

Get creative with fabric paint or markers to create punk-themed designs on your jacket. To personalize your punk look, you can paint band names, punk symbols, or logos. 

Achieve a refined appearance by applying stencils on your jacket and coloring them with fabric paint or markers to add color and detail. 

Safety Pins

Safety pins are a punk staple. Attach them along the seams, cuffs, or zipper pulls for an extra punk touch. Strategically placing safety pins allows you to create different designs and patterns on your jacket.

Metal Zippers and Chains

Instead of traditional buttons, use metal zippers as closures for the jacket. You can also attach metal zippers as decorative accents on pockets, sleeves, or the back of the jacket for a punk flair. 

Add chains to the zippers, pockets, or other jacket areas for an extra bold and statement-making effect. Decorate the shoulders of the jacket with chains to add a touch of punk-inspired boldness.

Distressing

To give your jacket a worn, punk look, you can fade and distress it. Use sandpaper to create frayed edges or other distressed effects. Be careful not to cut too much or damage the jacket beyond repair.

How to use Fabric Paint and Studs to DIY Punk Jacket

Creating a DIY punk jacket using fabric paint and studs is fun and creative. Here's a step-by-step guide on using paint or studs on a DIY punk jacket to help you get started:

Step 1

Apply white leather paint to the desired jacket areas to create a base for your design. Doing this will enhance the vibrancy of the colors you add on top. Additionally, you can doodle punk-inspired words, popular punk band ads, or artwork to add an edgier touch to your jacket.

Step 2

When the white paint is dried, lightly sketch the desired design using a pencil or chalk on the jacket's surface to guide your painting and stud placement. Then, add color to your design using fabric paints. 

Use multiple colors to make your design stand out. You can use paintbrushes or sponges for different effects. If you need more confidence in freehand painting, opt for stencils to achieve more accurate and defined patterns.

Step 3

To apply the metal studs, decide on their placement. You can add them along the collar, cuffs, pockets, shoulders, or anywhere else you want to accentuate. 

If you're using screw-back studs, push them through the fabric and secure them at the back. Use a stud setter or leather punch pliers to attach them firmly to the fabric for pronged studs.

Your DIY punk jacket is ready to wear and showcase your unique style. 

DIY Custom Battle Jackets with Spike Details

Are you interested in creating a super cheap custom punk jacket that reflects your individuality and passion for punk fashion? Let's get started!

Step 1: Distressing

Begin by distressing your leather jacket for a worn-out appearance. There are multiple methods to distress, but if you want to distress your jacket easily and quickly, use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to sand the surface of the leather. Focus on areas that naturally experience wear, such as the elbows, cuffs, collar, or the entire jacket's exterior.

Step 2: Design Your Layout

Before you start attaching spikes:

  1. Plan out the design you want.
  2. To draw the placement of the spikes on your jacket, use chalk or a fabric marker. 
  3. Consider the spacing and arrangement of the spikes to achieve the desired look.

Step 3: Attach the Spikes

Start attaching the spikes with the jacket lying on any flat surface. Push the prongs through the fabric from the outside and use punch pliers to bend the prongs inward, holding the spike firmly in place. Make sure to attach them tightly to prevent them from falling off. Alternatively, you can also use screw-back spikes. 

To achieve a uniform look, create a pattern with the spikes. For example, you could make rows of spikes along the shoulders, lapels, and cuffs or place them along the entire collar. The design is entirely up to your preferences.

Step 4: Attach patches

You can attach theme-based patches of bands, movies, symbols, or anything that interests you.

Use chalk or fabric marker if you stitch the patch on the jacket to mark their positions. Place the patch on the marked spots and sew them on securely. Alternatively, you can use glue or iron-on patches. 

Step 5: Secure loose threads

Check for any loose spikes or patches and secure them with a needle, thread, or sewing machine. This will ensure the spikes and patches stay in place.

Your one-of-a-kind battle jacket is ready to be worn and adored!

How to DIY punk leather jacket with Safety Pins and Chains

Following the steps below, you can create a DIYpunk leather jacketwith safety pins and chains for an instant edgy, punk-inspired look. 

  1. Lay your leather jacket on a flat surface and decide the placement for your safety pins and chains. You can create a pattern or design, such as safety pin wings on the back of your jacket, using different-sized safety pins or anything that suits your style.
  2. Attach the safety pins on your jacket according to your desired pattern. You can use them to create a border around the cuffs and hem or create an abstract design.
  3. Next, attach the chains to your jacket. You can drape them along the shoulder, collar, sleeves, pockets, or back for a classic punk look. Experiment with different chain lengths and arrangements until you achieve the desired effect.
  4. Once you've attached all the safety pins and chains, try on your jacket and make any adjustments as needed. 
  5. Your cool DIY punk leather jacket is ready! 

Create a Punk Rock Vest from an Old Leather Jacket with DIY Techniques

Creating a punk vest from an old leather jacket is a great way to repurpose an old garment and give it new life. Here are the steps to follow. 

Step 1: Remove Sleeves  

Start by carefully cutting off the sleeves of your leather jacket. Use a seam ripper or scissors to make a clean cut along the seams. 

Step 2: Create a Cutoff Edge 

Create a neat cutoff edge by folding the raw edge inward and securing it with safety pins or sewing. You can leave the edge raw for a more rugged look.

Step 3: Add Embellishments

Next, add studs, spikes, chains, or other embellishments to your vest. You can use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew them on to create multiple patterns or designs. 

Step 4: Add Patches

If you have punk-themed patches, add them to the vest to give it more personality using a sewing needle and thread. Sew them securely to avoid coming off with wear.

Step 5: Try on the vest

Finally, show off your punk style by wearing your DIY punk rock vest. 

Embrace Your Punk Masterpiece

In conclusion, this DIY guide demonstrates how to make a punk jacket by transforming an old, ordinary garment into a fancy masterpiece. We have discussed various techniques, such as using paint to recreate band names, ads, or punk inspired quotes on your jacket to make it punk. Besides using fabric paint, you can add studs or use patches for a punk look. With just a few materials and a sprinkle of creativity, you can wave goodbye to the wrong fashion choices and say hello to a vibrant, punk-infused style that is all your own.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog | Leather Skin Shop

Are Leather Jackets Still in Style or a Thing of the Past?
Are Leather Jackets Still in Style or a Thing of the Past?

by Jennifer Smith July 28, 2024 7 min read

Hailey Bieber just rocked a killer maternity look with a leather trench, and let's be honest, it was magnificent! This isn't the only time celebs and influencers have been slaying in leather lately. It seems the classic leather jacket is back with a vengeance, making anyone who considered ditching theirs think twice(Let's be real, it was never truly out!) Get ready to dust off those jackets because the leather jacket trend is not going anywhere anytime soon! 
Read More
How To Wear A Leather Jacket Over 40
How To Wear A Leather Jacket Over 40

by Jennifer Smith June 23, 2024 7 min read

Leather jackets are highly versatile, comfortable, and stylish, but admittingly one of those garments that people over 40 tend to wear less. The reasons for this are multiple, which we will discuss later. But the main purpose of this blog is to equip you with several style choices so that you can keep rocking a leather jacket even after you turn 40.  

Read More
Rock the Trend: How To Style A Cropped Leather Jacket
Rock the Trend: How To Style A Cropped Leather Jacket

by Jennifer Smith June 17, 2024 7 min read

But how do you rock this trendy jacket without feeling too exposed or missing the mark altogether? In this guide, we will show you how to style a cropped leather jacket for a look that's both on-trend and effortlessly you.
Read More