A sheepskin coat is a classic option for practical and warm winter clothing. Today, clothes made of genuine leather and fur have a considerable cost, so if you notice that the sheepskin coat has become small, it makes sense to try to stretch the product.
The need to increase winter outerwear made of leather and fur by a size may also arise if the item was purchased in the summer and was tried on without taking into account the thickness of the sweater, jacket or other wardrobe items that have to be worn in winter.
It is recommended to entrust the stretching procedure to professionals - this is done in studios whose specialization includes working with leather and fur products. But you can increase the size of the item at home. Let's look at how to stretch a sheepskin coat one size yourself.
How to stretch a sheepskin coat
How to stretch a sheepskin coat to the required size and is it even possible? This question may arise when you gain weight or if you got your sheepskin coat from someone else’s shoulder.
Of course, when the leather things we love become too small, the question arises of increasing them by at least one size. There are several available ways to stretch a sheepskin coat without ruining its appearance. You can turn to professionals to solve this problem, but if you know how to stretch a sheepskin coat at home, you can avoid wasting money.
For this procedure, you will need warm water, liquid soap or a chemical product for stretching leather products (for example, from a shoe store).
It is worth knowing what specific leather your sheepskin coat is made of. Because some products made from artificial material cannot be stretched and can cause irreparable harm. Pay attention also to the quality of the material. Keep in mind that low-quality material can deteriorate and lose its decent appearance. If tanned leather has very thin places or minor damage (see photo), then after stretching the leather in these places may burst.
But, if your sheepskin coat is made of good quality leather, then after such a procedure it will not be in any danger.
In general, stretching leather (including tanned leather) occurs as follows - the wet product must be stretched in all directions with the same force and allowed to dry completely in this position (see photo).
How to stretch a sheepskin coat at home?
To stretch a sheepskin coat, you need to purchase a special product designed for stretching leather and products made from it. After treating the entire surface of the sheepskin coat with this product, put it on and fasten it. Please note that if there is no lining on the sheepskin coat, then the inner side is also treated with a stretching agent for better effect. You need to walk in a sheepskin coat that you have treated with a stretching agent for several hours. If you are not satisfied with the result and the sheepskin coat has not stretched to the required size, then you can take a risk and repeat the procedure again and again, but do not forget to monitor the condition of the skin so that in the most tense places it does not burst and spread.
If you don’t have a stretching agent at hand and you can’t buy it, then liquid soap will come to the rescue. How to stretch a sheepskin coat using liquid soap? Very simple. Prepare a soap solution from colorless liquid soap and warm water, in a ratio of 1 to 4, and spray, using a spray bottle, the soap solution on the entire outer surface of the sheepskin coat, and if there is no lining, on the inner surface. After waiting for some time until the solution is absorbed a little, put on the sheepskin coat for several hours.
This homemade method of stretching a leather sheepskin coat is quite effective and popular.
Know the material and coating of sheepskin coats
Sheepskin coats are made of different materials with different properties, so before stretching the product, you need to understand what material it is made of.
| Sheepskin It is believed that sheepskin is the best material for sheepskin. It is very dense and durable, so it can be stretched 1-2 sizes without harm to the product. Types of sheepskin:
| |
| Astrakhan A very thin material with an interesting texture, so it costs much more than sheepskin, but does not exceed it in wear resistance. Astrakhan fur cannot be stretched independently by more than 0.5 sizes, otherwise it may tear or become thinner, it is better to contact a special workshop | |
| Faux sheepskin Faux sheepskin is the cheapest, but lower quality sheepskin material. When stretching, it is worth considering that a sheepskin coat made of such material cannot be expanded by more than 1 size, because artificial leather stretches very poorly and can tear or crack |
The coating with which the sheepskin coat is treated also plays an important role in stretching. If it is glossy, such a sheepskin coat can only be stretched in a workshop, where it is treated with special solutions so that it does not crack.
| Crack Perfectly protects sheepskin from moisture and dirt, giving it a matte texture. Products with this coating have excellent stretch | |
| Laser coating Laser coating protects the material well from abrasions and moisture. Laser-coated sheepskin coats need to be stretched carefully and gradually | |
| Silk A coating that gives the sheepskin coat a glossy shine and protects it from dirt and dust. Products with such a coating should never be stretched by yourself, otherwise it will crack and lose its appearance. | |
| Pull-up This coating creates the effect of stretched leather, giving the sheepskin coat a bright glossy shine, as if it were varnished. Sheepskin coats with such a coating are often not stretched even in a workshop, because it can be easily damaged |
Which sheepskin coats make a woman fashionable in winter 2020
I want a sheepskin coat! The kind to love her like the one who was once upon a time. Warm, cozy and very elegant. Such thoughts appeared out of nowhere, and there was no way to get rid of them. And then I began to doubt: are there now ones that will both warm and decorate? And anyway, wouldn’t such clothes be old-fashioned? I realized that it was time to find out what news the world of sheepskin coats had to offer. Spoiler: a lot of interesting things!
Fashion trends
Before going shopping, I decided to find out what kind of sheepskin coats they are wearing now. Well, so as not to make a mistake when purchasing. Indeed, there are several details that have become signs of a modern and fashionable sheepskin coat that will be relevant this season.
In the winter of 2022, sheepskin coats have become one of the trends that make women's looks fashionable.
Have you noticed that in winter there is more and more black on our streets? And I really want there to be fewer “mourning” shades. Therefore, I was very happy to learn that now the color range of warm outerwear is very diverse . Of course, the traditional black and brown models are here to stay. But many other things also appeared.
I prefer calm coffee, floral, beige, chocolate shades.
But I also liked the new colors, which really suit the sheepskin coats: blue, purple, turquoise, burgundy, pistachio, apricot, etc.
Reference. It is especially important to use a contrasting shade for finishing and the fur back side.
Silhouette
And the cut of the products also makes it possible to find a model to suit your taste. Previously, sheepskin coats were mostly fitted. There are such people today.
And besides them, you can choose a trapezoid-shaped product or a loose oversized jacket. I think lovers of voluminous things will appreciate them.
Length
Where the bottom line of the product ends is up to you. And any choice you make will be relevant.
Shortened options for motorists, models that reach mid-thigh, just above the knee or almost to the floor - all are fashionable. The main thing is to choose a sheepskin coat that matches your figure.
Details and additions
There is also something to see here. Fashion trends include the following elements:
- voluminous fur collar;
- patch pockets;
- logos and other inscriptions;
- spraying;
- metal decorative elements;
- the use of different materials for finishing: expensive natural fur, faux fur, leather, suede, braid, water-repellent fabrics.
I don't know about you, but I like almost everything. True, models with a voluminous collar are smaller. Just like faux fur on a natural sheepskin coat. But this is my opinion, perhaps you have different preferences.
The use of “flaps” (patchwork style) and abrasions on the new sheepskin coat also became distinctive features of fashionable outerwear.
Models
We've sorted out the trends, now you can take a closer look at specific models. And the fashion designers tried to ensure that the most capricious of us could find a style, color and model that fully meets her desires.
Stretching aids
Recommended professional
| Special mechanical equipment | The devices are special structures made of wood or plastic with a directional screw mechanism. The product is put on the block and gradually stretches under the influence of force expansion. A set of equipment usually includes several attachments for stretching a leather item in a certain place. Suitable for stretching shoes made of genuine leather. |
| Professional chemistry | Special softeners, stretchers, and care products allow you to quickly achieve the desired result without putting an expensive item made of high-quality leather at risk. They are available in the form of sprays, aerosols, and foam in a wide range, allowing you to make the best choice for a specific product and type of material. The action of special chemicals is to soften the raw hides. Treatment with a special agent makes it possible to easily spread the item naturally, expand it by tension on a mannequin, block, or filling it with paper. |
| Popular folk | |
| Water | Surfaces moistened by rain or shower can be stretched more easily than dry ones, reducing the risk of cracks. Hot water poured into a thick plastic bag after placing it in the shoes for 10 minutes will make them more spacious. A similar effect is achieved by placing it in the freezer. The increased volume of frozen water will stretch the leather surface. |
| Oils (vegetable, camphor), fatty creams | Applied to the surface, they will soften the product. You will have to wear it for a certain time to get the desired result, preferably wearing it over another, bulky item (a woolen sock, a thick sweater). The effect will be improved by using preheated oil. When deciding how to stretch your genuine leather gloves, try regular hand cream. |
| Liquids containing alcohol | They have a principle of action similar to oils. Substances are applied to the surface for subsequent wearing. A solution of any alcoholic product (antiseptic, vodka, remaining perfume, eau de toilette, cologne) is suitable. You must first check the effect on the paint by testing the solution on an inconspicuous area. |
| Lather | A solution of laundry soap in a small amount of water, whipped into foam, and applied generously on the outside and inside will help in the stretching process. The soap used must be natural in composition. |
Repairing sheepskin coats: unique do-it-yourself design
A sheepskin coat is a unique piece of clothing in which you are not afraid of the cold in winter and not hot in the thaw. Some people get so used to this comfortable thing that they don’t want to exchange it for any branded fur coat or fashionable coat.
Many ladies really fall in love with the high-quality, soft and beautiful products of the Pyatigorsk fur factory “ALEF” so much that they themselves are ready to take a master class on repairing sheepskin coats. Indeed, what could be simpler than solving this problem: restoring a fresh look to worn-out and out-of-shape clothes? Everything seems extremely easy: you need to alter the sheepskin coat, but do it in such a way as to remove all the shortcomings, and even turn some of them into fashionable features. Then your pet will remain with you for several more seasons, and she will look new.
But how to start repairing a sheepskin coat?
- Inspect the sheepskin coat carefully, noting the most worn and frayed areas: “problem areas.”
- First of all, the cuffs of the sheepskin coat sleeves, the edges, the fur on the inside of the sleeves, the loops and the places where the buttons are attached wear out.
- Prepare scissors, a sharp knife or blade, strong threads to match the sheepskin coat, an awl or thick needles. You may need soft sheepskin, decorative fasteners and fur - artificial or natural.
Means for enlargement
There are quite a few means for stretching a sheepskin coat by one or two sizes, but if used correctly, you can get a very high-quality result. All of them are suitable for application to the entire product, as well as to individual parts, for example, to sleeves.
Stretching agent
The easiest way is to use a special product that is applied to the desired areas. After application, the sheepskin coat is put on and fastened; after a few hours the product will take on the desired dimensions. To get the best result, if there is no lining inside, you can apply it to the wrong side.
Liquid soap
If you could not find a special means for stretching in your city or did not do it for some other reason, then you can prepare a special composition at home.
To prepare it you will need:
As a rule, sales of winter items are held in the summer or late autumn, when we are still lightly dressed and wear T-shirts or thin sweaters. This is the most attractive time to buy an expensive wardrobe item. However, having tried on a new thing in winter, we sadly discover that it is too small for us. And it’s not just about extra pounds, the problem may lie in warm sweaters. Therefore, many are interested in the question of how to stretch a sheepskin coat by at least one size.
Rework options
First, you need to look at the model of the sheepskin coat and determine which elements can be updated. This could be new cuffs or hood trim. You can also consider options that involve completely ripping out the item at the seams with subsequent inserts made of natural or leather insulated with padding polyester.
An equally interesting option is to use sheepskin coat material as interior decoration. In this case, you will need to select a fabric for the top. Considering that the sheepskin coat is quite dense, the base should be made of thin material. For this purpose, you can use raincoat fabric or thin leather. In both cases, the result will look original.
At first glance, it may seem that changing the style of outerwear yourself is not the best idea. But if you figure out how to alter a sheepskin coat at home, it turns out that this process is not so complicated. And if you try and make every effort, the result will be quite decent.
Ideas for female models
For several seasons in a row, fashionistas have been shining in original fur vests. Of course, this looks like a very warm product, but considering that girls have to wear the thing over a spring jacket or a warm knitted sweater, one can only assume that such clothes are not particularly warm, especially when the thermometer is creeping down. But if you modify such a thing, you will get a completely cozy fur coat. And here you should consider options for how to alter a sheepskin coat. Fashionable and stylish solutions with fur fronts and reversed leather back and sleeves are a great solution!
For such a product, you can either take a piece of artificial fur like a mink or an arctic fox, or use your favorite fur coat, which is quite worn out and even frayed in places. This way you can kill two birds with one stone and have a great item for the winter cold.
Another stylish option is a striped coat made of sheepskin and fur. Here you will need to rip open the sheepskin coat and cut all the parts, evenly removing 10 cm strips, in place of which sew identical pieces of fur.
What do altered sheepskin coats look like before and after? The answer to such a question lies in the professionalism of the master. Of course, such a project cannot be completed by a person who has never operated a sewing machine or cut things on his own, because the basics of sewing and cutting are required for such an alteration. However, you definitely need to dream up the future style of the item before sending it to the workshop.
Ideas for male models
Men are less capricious in their choice of clothes and often wear purchased items, as they say, to the nines. And if a man’s sheepskin coat needs to be altered, it is most likely because it has completely lost its appearance. And there are few options here. It is clear that inserts made of artificial or natural fur are not an option for respectable outerwear of the stronger sex. But still, the appearance of a sheepskin coat can be transformed if you sew a cover for it in the form of a thin windbreaker made of raincoat fabric or denim. In the case of the latter material, you can even achieve the result in the form of a parka that is popular this season. Patch pockets with snap buttons, a cord inserted into the inner drawstring at the waist and along the bottom, a hood with fur interior trim - and the updated jacket is ready to wear. And so that the top layer does not move, it must be secured in the armholes and neckline.
Thus, you will get a warm jacket with fur inside and a fabric base on the outside, which, even if it gets wet, it will be imperceptible, since the product has its own secret, which outsiders do not need to know about. And to do such a thing, you just need to choose the most acceptable option for how to alter a sheepskin coat.
Ideas
Now let's look at other ideas on how to alter a sheepskin coat with your own hands.
The imagination of craftswomen when working with leather is limitless. So, when changing from a sheepskin coat to a vest, a sufficient amount of scraps remains. They can be put into action. You can sew warm boots with soft soles for the home. Such products are quite easy to make, and then worn with pleasure in the winter. You can also use old sheepskin coats to sew soft, warm covers for chairs, armchairs or cars. A little imagination, and an old sheepskin coat will turn into a stylish handbag and hat. You can easily sew a small blanket, decorating it with bright patterns and embroidered flowers.
It is quite simple to alter a sheepskin coat with your own hands, changing not only the size of the product, but also the shape. For example, as an option, sewing a winter poncho. It will look stylish on its owner:
- To do this, you need to cut five trapezoids of the same size from pieces of old sheepskin coat.
- Then sew them together, leaving slits for the arms and neckline.
- The edges should be trimmed with bright fur, and the poncho is ready.
Again, from the remaining pieces of leather you can create a small elegant hat, in the same style as the new thing. The exit kit will not just be beautiful, but unusual and original.
An adult sheepskin coat will make a good warm thing for a child. It will be light and warm at the same time. But it is best to entrust the sewing of a children's sheepskin coat to a master, since this item is much smaller and has a large number of small details.
Smoothing out creases with water
A leatherette jacket must be ironed very carefully, since the artificial material is very sensitive to high temperatures. Direct use of an iron on artificial leather will inevitably lead to its deformation and damage. Synthetic fibers will simply melt under extreme heat. Accordingly, the steam mode on the iron is used extremely rarely when processing outerwear made of vinyl leatherette. But it's not all that scary. There are several useful tips and rules that are worth knowing.
Firstly, the jacket must be turned inside out
It is important to try to smooth out the artificial leather, or rather, the folds, in the right direction.
Thirdly, you should initially try ironing a small area of skin to see how the material reacts. If you have great doubts, it is better to use a gauze napkin or calico cloth well soaked in water and slowly and methodically smooth out the creases. To iron the sleeves, use towels rolled into a roller and threaded inside; they are ironed in this form and left for a while so that the creases are leveled out and take the required shape.
Steam is used in extreme cases; the iron must be kept at a distance of at least 7-10 cm from the product. Treat the jacket with a hot stream of moist air. Again, it’s worth initially testing on a small area of clothing and only on the wrong side. Steam cleaners can do a great job of getting rid of large creases and creases in a matter of minutes, as long as you choose the right setting to smooth out the leatherette.
It is not recommended to wash outerwear made of artificial leather; they should be cleaned using wet wipes and sponges. Therefore, you cannot completely wet it, but you need to thoroughly saturate the entire fabric with moisture. Spray guns are used for this. Ordinary water at room temperature is sprayed onto the clothes, the artificial leather is leveled and smoothed, and the folded areas are generously moistened.
It is better to hang clothes on a trempel or lay them out on a terry towel. Make sure that the bottom of the jacket is well ventilated. Ideally, of course, the jacket should be put on a mannequin, but if there is not one, then after the clothes have dried slightly, you need to put it on yourself and walk around in it for about an hour.
We suggest you read What to do if there is a hole in the sole of your shoe? ways to repair a hole in the sole and heel of a shoe.
There is also a similar option for smoothing the skin using water and moisturizing creams. An ordinary cosmetic body cream, or even better if it is glycerin, is applied directly to the folds and curved areas of a raincoat or jacket and then moistened with water. This procedure can be repeated several times.
Furniture accessories
Not only the pet, but also its owner will not refuse soft and warm bedding in winter. in order to make furniture accessories, cut out the sheepskin coat and make beautiful covers for stools or a sofa deck for an armchair. The need for a fur seat cover is especially acute for drivers who have to warm up their car for a long time in the cold. Remember how it was once fashionable to decorate the living room with animal skins? But the skin on the floor plays not only a decorative role in the interior - it is so pleasant to walk on it barefoot, feeling the warmth and softness of natural fur. Sheepskin coats make excellent pillowcases for decorative pillows if one half is sewn from sheepskin and the other from textiles or yarn. The fur can be placed along the edge of the curtain, as is usually the case with fringe.
Still wondering what can be made from an old sheepskin coat? Return to it after a while, when you decide what you need more - a new jacket or a stylish sofa deck.
Fresh ideas
It is clear that fashion is a fickle phenomenon. In pursuit of fresh images and new silhouettes, designers and fashion designers resort to various tricks. The location of the pockets, the size of the collar, the number of raised seams, the design of the sleeve cap, the cuff, the length of the product and other elements paint the image of the product, its style and appearance. Proper placement of parts, fasteners, and a correctly constructed pattern that follows the curves of the body are the key to a perfect fit. And even if the second thing didn’t fit the figure very well, it can be improved. But is it possible to alter a sheepskin coat on your own, and most importantly, how? Fashionable and stylish solutions will come in handy. It is worth looking around or leafing through outerwear fashion magazines to determine the most suitable option for yourself.
Making a vest from an old thing
Now we’ll tell you how to alter a sheepskin coat. We will consider fashionable and stylish solutions below.
One of them will be to transform a sheepskin coat into a comfortable lightweight vest that will keep you warm in the fall and spring:
In principle, that’s all - a stylish light vest has already been created. You can decorate it with various decorative elements, change buttons, trim the edges of the sleeves and the bottom of the product with strips of fur. From the leftover leather you can make an edge for boots so that they are in the same style as the new item.
