Can puffers be altered? - YouLookFab Forum

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Can puffers be altered?

JAileen

Veteran

I thrifted this Cabela's puffer a few years ago. It is super warm. It wasn't until I posted a picture on Angie's thread that I realized it looks like I'm wearing a sleeping bag. I bought it when I weighed more. I don't need it very often, but when I do, I love it.

Can this type of coat be altered successfully? What do you think?

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26 replies

Latest reply was from JAileen

Anonymous

I am quite confident in saying - yes, technically one could do it, but it means the channels end up being cut open and requiring a bound/taped finish on the inside (plus , if it's lined, it's even more difficult) . It's a lot of work, and you may not find a tailor willing to do it. I'd pass it on and find something that fits you better.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Lisa P said. Alas, the work involved is not worth it!

JAileen

Veteran

Lisa, thank you for your thoughts, especially since you're often held up as the expert of cold. This coat is lined, but I think it's only attached at the hem, sleeve cuffs, etc.

I've been looking for a similarly warm one, and suggested to my husband that it might make a nice Christmas present, but he's unenthused. He thinks I have too many coats. But if I had a good replacement for this one, I'd donate it to the thrift store, so we're talking one in, one out.

Suz, I just saw your response. Thank you. You too are a cold expert, IMO.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I'm not sure I'd change it, either. (Where would you begin with the alterations? Take waist darts in back?) But it seems a useful coat to have around for those times when you have to go out in very cold weather and style isn't a big priority. I'm thinking: great to have in the car trunk (along with a shovel, etc.), for emergencies like getting stuck in the snow.To me, it doesn't look that bad--just a functional, long, boxy puffer, rather than a sleeker, shorter stylish look that is more available now.

JAileen

Veteran

Firecracker, thank you for your thoughts, as a sewing expert. In the picture I'm wearing a tee under it, and in real life I would probably be wearing a sweater, so maybe you're right, the fit isn't that bad. I hadn't thought of keeping it in the car for emergency purposes. It could do double duty, as a coat or a sleeping bag!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I hear you on the weight loss and wanting to do away with everything that reminds you of the before time!
Emergency use/sleeping bag idea is great.

Anonymous

The sleeve length looks right and I don't know how much more flattering it would be if it was narrower?

I think boxy is fine in really cold weather and for myself if there's anything I'd change it would be the length.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I think I must be the only one saying, "Go for it!" I seriously considered altering a puffer I bought last year that ended up being much boxier than I'd hoped. (On sale, so no returns ) Anyway, I considered it pretty carefully and decided that I'd pre-sew the intended cut lines just a tiny bit inside of the line--that way the filling doesn't get out. It might be helpful to sew a tiny, thin channel to cut within--especially if the filling is feathers and you don't want them to get loose. My jacket had a lining, but it seemed easy enough to split the lining at the side seams in order to accesses the parts that I wanted to alter. My plan was to increase the size of the back darts. I did worry, though, about organizing the alteration in such a way that it didn't mess up the linear quilting, which is such a graphic element on a puffer. I planned to start and end the darts in places that accentuated (or at least didn't detract from) the existing pattern.

Joyce B

Veteran

I would not change anything and would keep it for very cold days when you will appreciate having a very warm coat. It may be for utilitarian wear but that is what things are in frigid weather. I also have a blanket coat which is not my favorite but I wear it in the coldest days and appreciate it then. Also, if someone visits you have an extra coat for them.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

If it's lightweight quilting, I'd maybe try cinching it with a dress clip or two at the back to give it some extra shape.They look something like this...

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JAileen

Veteran

FashionTern, thank you for your thoughts. It does remind me of being a lot bigger.

Isabel, thank you for offering your opinion. I wasn't thinking of changing the sleeves, just the body a little bit. And you're right, it's pretty long! I thought about shortening it, but that's partly why it's so warm.

Joyce, thank you for your thoughts. You might be right. Leave well enough alone. I'm still thinking about it.

Emily, did you alter your coat? I think this one would need only the smallest bit on each of three seams. It has side seams and back side seams where a little bit could be taken in. Maybe only enough to suggest a bit of waist. I don't want to mess with front side seams because that's where the pockets are.

Approprio, that's an interesting solution. Thank you.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Maybe I should start signing FashIntern. As plucky and cute as they are, I am not a little shorebird.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

JAileen, I did not...the coat had other fit issues as well and was pretty inexpensive to begin with so I passed it along to Goodwill. But, my mom regularly alters her puffer jackets--things like shortening the sleeves, removing a hood, or changing up the pockets.

JAileen

Veteran

Fashintern, I think you can change your online name.

Emily, I'm disappointed, I was hoping to see your finished product. What a coincidence - I bought this coat at Goodwill. I'm going to mull this over more before I act, if I do. Several people have made good points for not altering it.

karen13

Veteran

Is it down or fiber fill? I sewed some patches on DD's down jacket that had to be machine sewn, and it was mostly a matter of smoothing the down out of the way from the where the new stitching would be and pinning it carefully. You don't have much to lose if you can DIY. I can help next time we meet up.

JAileen

Veteran

Karen, it's down ("premier northern goose down"). I think it's a high quality coat. Due to the length, it might be old, but I don't really know.

karen13

Veteran

It looks like the side seams would be the place to take it in - I would not add darts - they would be too bulky. Here's a thought - what about a channel at the waist for some elastic? You could sew it to the lining so it doesn't show through, and just hand stitch a few spots on the quilting to keep the outer shell and inner lining together. Try belting it to see if you like the way it hangs and if the pocket still look good.

BTW this is how so many of my overly complicated projects begin -
1) "I wonder if . . ." , followed by
2) "How hard can it be?"

JAileen

Veteran

Karen, these are some good ideas. Thank you!

Anonymous

I have kept my boxy old long puffer for those really cold times or when I want to layer a jacket or chunky sweater under it. I would definitely take it on a winter car trip in case a road is closed. Another vote for keeping it as is and looking for a puffer that already fits the way you want it to.

Gaylene

Veteran

I’ve sewn down ski jackets and 3-season down sleeping bags so taking in a couple of side seams would be a no-brainer. If you decide to do it yourself, I’d go with Emily K’s approach on each of the 3 seams. You can push the down fill to the side to make it easier to shape the seam. If you moved the seam inward a 1/4”-1/2”on each seam line, you’d nip in the waist 2-3 inches which would make quite a difference. You might not even have to bother trimming the seam, but, just in case you decide to, make sure to use a short stitch length, a bit of Fray Chek ( from Michaels) on the cut edges, and a close overcast stitch to prevent fraying. Oh, and use a sharp needle (size 14) to make it easier to get through the nylon fabric.

If that seems too daunting, any decent seamstress or tailor should be able to handle the job.

By the way, I also sewed a 3-season 2-person backpacking tent with an attached fly and optional mosquito netting window/door opening. The sewing part was fairly easy, but it’s the bulk and the need to waterproof all those seams which was challenging. But that tent is still going strong after 25 years of use...

Staysfit

Veteran

I am going to tell one of my stories...... I once altered a puffer when I was in high school. I had a bright yellow puffer with long sleeves and decided one day that it should be a puffer vest not a jacket. A few snips, lots of flying feathers and some inexpert sewing and I happily had the best vest ever! No problem! Puffer alteration can be co pelted by any 15 year old.

Sisi

Veteran

Adding a belt?

JAileen

Veteran

Joy, Sisi, thank you for your thoughts.

Gaylene, Staysfit, you guys are fearless!!! Thank you for sharing your stories. I'm not sure if I'm in your class or not.

Gaylene

Veteran

I’m not sure it’s fearless as much as it is just being dissatisfied with the current situation and realizing I could do something about it. Both my mother and grandmother needed to be resourceful in order to keep their families warm, dry, and well fed. My situations have always been much less dire.

No living creatures will be harmed if you attempt to transform that coat into something more useful. Think of it as honoring those ducks who gave up their down to keep someone warm. Shame to leave their sacrifice bundled up in the boot of a car!

karen13

Veteran

And since it has a lining, you don't have to make the inside seams look too professional, just secure.

JAileen

Veteran

Gaylene, Karen, thank you. I think you're both right. I might attempt this on my own. Nothing drastic, though.