How to Make Your Own Split Flannel Garments and Launch a Upcycled Fashion Brand

What is Split Flannel?

Split flannel refers to a type of flannel shirt or clothing item that is made by cutting up existing flannel pieces and stitching them back together in creative ways. This DIY upcycling technique results in unique flannel designs that have an artistic, patched-together aesthetic.

Upcycling Flannel for Custom Creations

The process of making split flannel allows people to take thrifted or recycled flannel shirts or fabric and turn them into one-of-a-kind garments and accessories. It's a popular way for DIY fashion brands, designers, crafters and clothing makers to upcycle materials into custom creations.

By gathering a variety of different flannel shirts, cutting them into irregular shapes or "patches," and stitching these split flannel pieces back together, intriguing fabrics with lots of character can be produced. This upcycling process gives commonly found flannel materials new life.

Techniques for Crafting Split Flannel

There are no strict rules when it comes to making split flannel designs. It invites experimentation with various deconstruction and reconstruction techniques. However, there are some basic steps that typically go into crafting DIY split flannel garments or accessories:

1. Acquire flannel shirts to cut up - thrift stores are great sources
2. Decide on a pattern or design
3. Cut the flannel shirts into shaped patches, strips, squares etc.
4. Arrange and play around with placing the split flannel pieces
5. Sew the patches and shapes together
6. Add other design details like extra stitching, patches or appliques (optional)
7. Incorporate the newly crafted split flannel textile into a work of wearable art

How to Sew DIY Split Flannel

It's important to have the right tools, thread, stitching technique and arrangement when sewing split flannel designs so they hold together well. Here are some key tips for sewing your own creations:

• Use heavyweight thread - standard sewing thread may break or unravel from the flannel's texture
• Tightly stitch shapes together by hand or machine
• Consider adding interfacing on the reverse side to reinforce stitched areas
• Play with directionality - arrange patches vertically, horizontally, diagonally etc.
• Cleanly finish edges with overcasting, zigzag or serging stitches
• Topstitch split shapes together for added durability
• Wash+dry newly stitched split flannel on cold and check for loose areas to re-stitch

Split Flannel Design Inspiration

There are endless creative possibilities when crafting custom split flannel pieces. Sources of inspiration include combinations of:

• Different plaid or checkered flannel patterns
• Contrasting colors and color blocking
• Varying flannel textures - soft brushed vs. thick blanket styles
• Tonal eclectic flannels in coordinating shades
• Assembling abstract shapes or distinct symmetrical patches
• Fraying raw edges for a grungier effect
• Integrating pieces of other fabrics like denim, corduroy etc.

Types of Split Flannel Garments

Some unique split flannel DIY projects you can try creating include:

• Flannel Patchwork Jackets - Mixing a collage of flannel swatches into one-of-a-kind jacket designs with hoods, pockets etc.
• Quilted Flannel Blankets - Stitching together varied flannel scraps into plush textured throw blankets.
• Reconstructed Flannel Totes - Sewing split flannel pieces into patched carryall bags.
• Remixed Flannel Shirts - Cutting up multiple flannel tops and reassembling into new button down or oversized styles.
• Flannel Lined Pants - Using split flannel as funky interior pant lining in trousers, jeans etc.
• Flannel Pet Apparel - Crafting durable and stylish split flannel coats, beds and accessories for dogs, cats and other pets.

Tips for Starting a Split Flannel Brand

Launching your own split flannel DIY fashion label allows you to fully embrace sustainable style through upcycling while making an income. Follow these tips to help build your custom split flannel business from scratch:

Define Your Design Aesthetic

Focus on developing a cohesive creative vision that carries across the split flannel pieces you construct. Guide all your patchwork, fabrics, accents, silhouettes and details towards this consistent, signature look.

Master Production Skills

Sharpen essential techniques like stitching, distressing, reconstructing and manufacturing to efficiently produce unique, quality split flannel creations at scale.

Photograph Your Work

Showcase finished split flannel fashions through compelling lookbooks, detail shots and lifestyle photography posted across your brand's e-commerce site and social media.

Promote Via Social Media

Strategically feature split flannel makes on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Share glimpses into your creative process from sourcing flannels to the finished recycled pieces.

Explore Pop-Up Events

Generate brand awareness and sales by hosting local pop-up shops, exhibits, open studios or temporary retail spaces to display your one-of-a-kind split flannel wares in person.

By intentionally growing your split flannel label over time - focusing on quality over quantity, connecting with customers emotionally through social media storytelling and staying true to sustainable values - your DIY upcycled fashions can find an audience of admirers.

FAQs

What type of fabric is best for making split flannel?

Look for 100% cotton flannel or cotton-blend flannel shirts that feature fun prints and plaid patterns from thrift stores. Soft, brushed flannel tends to work better than very thick blanket-weight options when stitching split flannel designs.

What basic tools do I need?

You'll want fabric scissors, a ruler, sewing needles, heavyweight thread, pins, an embroidery hoop and a sewing machine (or do intricate hand-sewing). An iron, interfacing and fabric glue are also helpful for pressing and reinforcing seams.

Who buys upcycled split flannel clothing?

Customers drawn to one-of-kind split flannel pieces tend to value creativity, individual style , high-quality craftsmanship and sustainable fashion. Your works can appeal to makers, designers and those who love artistic original garments.

Can I sell split flannel items online or wholesale?

Absolutely! Many independent designers and eco-fashion startups successfully sell split flannel fashions through Etsy, custom outfitting, boutiques and other online and offline channels.