DIY Tinsel Jacket Tutorial

Looking for a unique accessory for a party or event? Look no further than a DIY tinsel jacket! A tinsel jacket is a perfect addition to any special occasion outfit and gives major *main character* vibes. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I created this Tinsel Jacket to surprise my best friend for her Disco Bachelorette Party! It was a HIT and so much fun!

Here’s the materials I used:

Plain jacket or blazer (check out your local thrift store to save money!)
Tinsel strands in your preferred color(s) (I used 3 of these silver ones!)
Silver Duct Tape
Fabric glue or a hot glue gun + gluesticks (I chose a hot glue gun because it dries faster)
Scissors
Measuring tape
Optional: embellishments like sequins, beads, or rhinestones
Optional: needle and thread (I love this little sewing kit!)

Plan the Design

Decide on the design you want to create. You can cover the entire jacket in tinsel or opt for specific areas like the collar, pockets, or cuffs. Pro tip: Sketch your design on a piece of paper to have a visual reference as you work. Pinterest is also great for finding design inspiration!

Gather Materials

Lay out your jacket and gather all the materials you’ll need. Ensure that you have enough tinsel strands to cover the areas you want to decorate.

Measure and Cut the Tinsel Strands

Using a measuring tape, measure the areas of the jacket where you want to apply tinsel. Cut the tinsel strands to match these measurements. If you’re unsure about the length, it’s better to cut them longer and trim them later if needed.

Set Tinsel Strands on Duct Tape Strips

This can be done many different ways, but I decided to attach each tinsel strand onto a piece of duct tape. Once all of the tinsel strands were in place, I folded over the tape onto itself. Then, I glued the duct tape strip to the jacket. I did this to save time instead of gluing each individual strand to the jacket. Either way, this is a time intensive project so keep that in mind!

Apply Glue and Attach the Tinsel to the Jacket

Decide whether you want to use fabric glue or a hot glue gun for attaching the tinsel. If you’re using fabric glue, apply a thin, even layer on the back of the tinsel strand using a small brush. For a hot glue gun, simply apply a line of glue along the back of the duct tape strip.

Carefully press the tinsel strand onto the desired area of the jacket, following your design. Start from one end and work your way across, ensuring the tinsel is straight and evenly attached. Continue this process until you’ve covered all the areas you planned.

Secure the Tinsel

If you used fabric glue, let the tinsel dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you used a hot glue gun, the tinsel should adhere instantly. You may want to reinforce the tinsel’s attachment by sewing it to the jacket using a needle and thread for added durability.

Add Embellishments (Optional)

To take your tinsel jacket to the next level, consider adding some extra embellishments. Use adhesive to attach sequins, beads, or rhinestones for additional sparkle and personality. Be creative and experiment with different designs!