how to make a hoodie more *unique*

a quick patchwork DIY and video

I made a new video for you! I summarized it here if you’d like to read about the process, but if you would rather watch it, then you can find the video here.

I just know you have seen a zip-up hoodie at the thrift store! I knowwww it! Here in Portland, it’s still a bit cold, and I have wanted to add a light jacket to my rotation, so I picked up a green hoodie from the thrift. But if you know me, then you know that I need my clothes to be a little less than basic. I always want to make my clothes a little bit *unique*, so below I have summarized just how I did that for this hoodie.

The goal for this DIY is to take contrasting fabric and patchwork it into the sleeve of the hoodie.

---

What You’ll Need

• Two coordinating hoodies (one becomes the “base,” the other your contrast fabric)

• Paper for a quick pattern

• Marker or chalk

• Fabric scissors + paper scissors

• Sewing machine threaded for knits (zigzag stitch ready)

• Iron & pressing surface

• Seam ripper

---

Step-by-Step

1. Plan the Cut

   • Decide where the contrast stripe will live. This will depend on where you want to place it. Measure with your heart.

2. Create a Pattern Piece

   • Lay the cutout flat on paper, trace the shape without seam allowance.

   • Add ¼ in. (6 mm) seam allowance everywhere except the edge you placed on the fold. Label that edge “Fold,” then cut out the paper pattern.

3. Build Your Patchwork Fabric

   • Rough-cut generous chunks from the contrast hoodie.

   • Treat the pieces like puzzle tiles: line up straight edges right sides together and join them with a wide zigzag (width ≈ 5, length ≈ 2.5, tension ≈ 4).

   • Keep adding scraps until the new patchwork is big enough to accommodate the paper pattern on the fold.

   • Press every seam flat—crisp pressing is the secret to patchwork that looks pro.

4. Cut & Form the Insert

   • Fold the patchwork, align the pattern’s “Fold” edge, and cut out the insert.

   • Sew the side seam to form a tube, mirroring the original sleeve shape.

5. Join Sleeve + Insert

   • Turn the original sleeve inside out. Slip the patchwork tube inside right sides together, matching underarm seams first.

   • Sew in the round with a zigzag, then press the seam toward the insert.

   • Repeat for the upper seam to reunite the sleeve with the hoodie body.

6. Upgrade the Cuffs

   • Carefully slice off the original rib knit cuff right next to its seam.

   • Harvest the contrasting cuff from the second hoodie the same way.

   • Stretch-match the new cuff to the sleeve opening, align seams, and zigzag around. (Stretch as you sew so the fabrics meet evenly.) Press again.

7. Swap the Drawstring (Optional but Cute)

   • If your hood drawstring clashes, yank it out.

   • Thread in the matching string from the donor hoodie. Tie knots at the ends and call it good.

---

Finishing Touches

• Give every new seam a final press—heat + steam flatten the bulk and set the stitches.

• Toss the hoodie on, admire the asymmetrical sleeve pop, and brainstorm where else you can splice in color.