DIY: Chain, Chain, Chain: Epaulet Trim

I have been wanting to make another trim with chain
for some time. Last year, I played around with chain quite a lot, but
many of the pieces failed to make it to the blog, given the extensive prep
or instructions. This time, I decided to simplify an old favourite and
give you a stylish epaulet chain. Being from a military family I almost
automatically gravitate toward military-inspired pieces with fashion, be
it a modern utilitarian cropped jacket or from intricate lapel detailing on
18th Century regimental coats.

Here’s the result of my “Chain, Chain, Chain Epaulet Trim,” which I will be wearing in the near future. Enjoy!


Materials:

Loose chain-(running yardage) *Various gauges (1-2) Large, (2-3) Small

Rhinestones -(running yardage)

Grosgrain ribbon– 10-12cm

Satin or felt-cut (1) for stability (cut same width/length of grosgrain) 

Beads or other custom trim (optional)

Needle and thread

Fabric/metal heavy duty glue

Brooch pin back (1) Large (2) for Version #1

Scissors

Pliers

 

TOP DIY Style Ideas Chain Trim

First, start by measuring and cutting grosgrain ribbon (this is your preferred length and width of the trim). If you aren’t certain, take your measuring tape placing it on the shoulder seam of your jacket or top and look in the mirror to see how large you want your trim. Skip to next paragraph for Stud & Glory version #2. *For the cap cover version (the gold/silver version #1) of this trim you will need to cut a half moon pattern, which is the shoulder seam length + approx. 3cm (at center) to 0 at the end. Cut fabric in this shape.

Fold grosgrain ends inward. Hand-stitch around the entire ribbon. Next, use the satin or felt piece that you cut to adhere the grosgrain to it. For version #1, it was best to sew around both fabrics since it’s larger and I also used heavier chain.

I created two versions of this trim, wanting both to be large enough to cover the shoulder seam of my jacket, yet small enough to be able to remove and use for other garments … hassle-free.

DIY Style Bloggers chain epaulets 

Begin attaching chains: first by placing larger chain on your back piece (grosgrain and satin) in three rows. Then, sew the chain onto the fabric. Using pliers, and/or glue, start embellishing the entire piece with rhinestones, beads, attaching other chains, and studs. I made my chain in various lengths and draped them for my design preference. Lastly, cut excess threads and glue pin back on the back piece to finish. For version #1 I used two pin backs to keep it secure. (see images).

 DIY Street style Bloggers Fashion

 

Stay tuned for more fun and style inspiring DIY’s on here and Instagram!

 

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63 comments

  • AlexisGrace says:

    These are seriously impressive!  I don't think I could ever make anything like this, but again, I am impressed! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks V! Ha, this was the simpler version, but I totally understand. I actually cannot do a fancy nail DIY to save my life, odd I know, but very true! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks dear! xx/Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Haha, maybe I will! 🙂 xxxoo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes, looking forward to wearing very soon! xo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks so much Cee, this was the simple version, haha! xo/Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Haha, thanks Kirstin! Oooh, I love MJ too, didn't even think about him.  I love creating so I appreciate the compliment. xx

    Reply
  • Grit & Glamour™ says:

    I love military-looking epaulets, and your result is superb! I admire your patience, though. I just do not have it in me to DIY. 

    Reply
  • Sam Frills & Thrills says:

    I need to get all these supplies you mentioned asap and make myself a chain epaulet, I love this, you are a great creative mind!

    Reply
  • laura says:

    It looks fantastic, Madison!!! I have tons of leftover chains just lying about too!
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

    Reply
  • compagnion2.blogspot.com says:

     Grat blog and nice post! I will be here more often, I'm ur new follower!
    Don't forget to visit my blog too!

    Reply
  • Jeans and a Teacup says:

    This is a great idea! I've always wanted a jacket with shoulder details!
    ~Jessica

    Reply
  • Jupe_Cambria says:

    This DIY is so fantastic…it looks like something from the runway of fashion week 🙂
    <3 Cambriajupefashion.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • Margaret Cruzemark says:

    Wow, I love what you have done with these chains. You have upgraded your jacket. Well done girl!
    Best Regards

    Miss
    Margaret Cruzemark

    http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  • Megan Zietz says:

    another awesome idea Xo Megan, http://www.TfDiaries.com

    Reply
  • Anouka says:

    This looks fantastic! I love the result. 

    LUXESSED

    Reply
  • Elle Sees says:

    i saw this on insta and couldn't wait to see it!

    Reply
  • Kirstin Marie says:

    Oh my goodness this is SO cool! I totally thought of Michael Jackson, and that makes me excited (I'm a HUGE MJ fan). You are so creative. I know I say that a lot, but I'm serious. The ideas you come up with are amazing. xo

    Reply
  • Rosa Car says:

    Ci proverò… GRAZIE.

    Chocolate
    Rose Style

    Reply
  • SACRAMENTO Amate says:

    It looks brilliant, but it looks difficult. Just make me one set, LOL.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    Reply
  • Cee says:

    This is a great DIY, although I must admit, way too complex for my limited crafting skills – the results are amazing, though!
    xox,
    Cee

    Reply
  • Rosa Car says:

    Ci proverò… GRAZIE.

    Chocolate
    Rose Style

    Reply
  • Angela Keeley-White says:

    Love the way it turned out!

    xo,Angelaheadtotoechicblog.com

    Reply
  • Amy B. says:

    prefect way to make an old shirt new again

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

     Thanks CC! xo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Rocquelle! Have a wonderful week!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Kim dear, I wanted these to be versatile so glad you like them too. xo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks so much Francesca! xx

    Reply
  • francesca romana capizzi says:

    You did a tremendous Job!!! I love the result!
    Don't Call Me Fashion BloggerFacebookBloglovin'

    Reply
  • DemiMist says:

    This is very creative!

    http://www.beautyandthemist.com/

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

     Thanks CC! xo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Rocquelle! Have a wonderful week!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks so much Francesca! xx

    Reply
  • Anna says:

    Lovely DIY!I have a similar epaulet on a t-shirt!

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    I love the heaviness and the amount of chain that you used for this epaulet trim. Can't wait to see it in an outfit post.

    Reply
  • Jenmarie says:

    This is incredible. I would never have the patience to do this!

    Reply
  • Viktoriya Sener says:

    I think it's pretty hard to do, but result is great!
    Have a nice day!!

    Reply
  • kimbim says:

    this so cool, i love the military style shoulder chain. great diy.
    rock4less.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • francesca romana capizzi says:

    You did a tremendous Job!!! I love the result!
    Don&#39t Call Me Fashion BloggerFacebookBloglovin&#39

    Reply
  • Feathers & Freckles says:

    Very cool! It turned out great. 

    Reply
  • Eidesign glamour says:

    Wow !!!! Really interesting !!!! If you want come into my blog, and tell me what you think about this
    Post
    about the trend exhibited on Macef 2013 !!! Kiss from Italy !

    EIDESIGN
    GLAMOUR

    Reply
  • DemiMist says:

    This is very creative!

    http://www.beautyandthemist.com/

    Reply
  • Anmari ish says:

    Awesome DIY! Love the creativity in it!
    thanks for dropping by my blog dear, how about following each other on GFC & Bloglovin? 

    http://anmari-ish.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • Rocquelle P. says:

    Very cool Madison!!

    Reply
  • Ofelia says:

    The end results are amazing!
    Great job Madison!

    Reply
  • Anna says:

    Lovely DIY!I have a similar epaulet on a t-shirt!

    Reply
  • Cafe Fashionista says:

    Ohmigosh this is so awesome! I can tell you now that it is not a DIY I would succeed at, but I adore it!  🙂

    Reply
  • sartorialsidelines says:

    Wow – that is so awesome! I love those sorts of details on blazers.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    I love the heaviness and the amount of chain that you used for this epaulet trim. Can&#39t wait to see it in an outfit post.

    Reply
  • Vicky Brearley says:

    Fabulous, very rock chick! Thanks for the tute. xxx

    Reply
  • Adeola Naomi Aderemi says:

    This is more than amazing!!!
    wooow you are so creative!!

    Reply
  • Annie says:

    That looks awesome…such a fun way to dress up a plain jacket!

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

    Reply
  • Dainty Doll says:

    I love these things…I was thinking of making some for a jacket a while ago and here is a diy for it now :)) You are brilliant at these :)) I hope your having a wonderful week so far doll!! xx

    Reply
  • Luna Tiger says:

    OMG ! This is brilliant and precious !
    http://selenite.weebly.com

    Reply
  • Carrie Critton says:

    Amazing DIY, darling!
    Thanks for the tutorial!

    xoxox,
    CC

    Reply
  • Viktoriya Sener says:

    I think it&#39s pretty hard to do, but result is great!
    Have a nice day!!

    Reply
  • kimbim says:

    this so cool, i love the military style shoulder chain. great diy.
    rock4less.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • Feathers & Freckles says:

    Very cool! It turned out great. 

    Reply
  • Eidesign glamour says:

    Wow !!!! Really interesting !!!! If you want come into my blog, and tell me what you think about this
    Post
    about the trend exhibited on Macef 2013 !!! Kiss from Italy !

    EIDESIGN
    GLAMOUR

    Reply
  • Anmari ish says:

    Awesome DIY! Love the creativity in it!
    thanks for dropping by my blog dear, how about following each other on GFC & Bloglovin? 

    http://anmari-ish.blogspot.com

    Reply

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