How to make it

Fiber Optic Tail Coat

Beginner friendly9 steps

Basic sewing and a weekend of hand stitching

After the dress, Joel needed something he could wear too, so I made him this coat. Lighting up a coat you already own is far less work than making a garment from scratch, which makes it a great first fiber optic project.

Photos and video by audreyobscura, modeled by GordonKirkwood.

Guide by Natalie Walsh, fashion designer and former Instructables designer, shared with her permission. See the original on Instructables, comments and pattern files included.

Part 1 · Prep

Why a tailcoat: Fiber Optic Tail Coat build photo

Step 01

Why a tailcoat

A skirt spreads fibers 360 degrees with lift. A coat has no lift, so loose fibers all around would look flat. A tailcoat lets them hang free off the back for movement while clean lines show off the front.

Step 02

What you need

A coat, the kit, matching fabric and a zipper, and clear thread.

Make a pouch for the light: Fiber Optic Tail Coat build photo

Step 03

Make a pouch for the light

A zip pouch on the back hides the light and still lets you get to the buttons and charge port. Cut two pieces with a curved bottom for the round body. Invisible zippers suit light fabrics, regular ones are tougher on heavy coats. Sew 1/2" at the bottom first and use it as a guide to set the zipper.

Step 04

Attach the pouch

Sew the pouch to the outer layer only, not through the lining, or it pulls on the wearer. Open the lining, pin with the light inside for a good fit, sew, then fold the lining under and close it.

Part 2 · Sew

Separate the fibers: Fiber Optic Tail Coat build photo

Step 05

Separate the fibers

Don't comb them out, they just tangle. Pull out one bundle at a time: I used about 12 fibers per bundle, 30 bundles, 15 per side. Tie each with string where the stitching will start and end. The light likes to twist in the pouch; work with it rather than against it.

Hand sew the lines: Fiber Optic Tail Coat build photo

Step 06

Hand sew the lines

Start at the back and stitch across all 15 bundles while they're tightly packed: a line across the back, one at the top of the shoulder, a few on the front. Once they spread, sew each bundle on its own. For even spacing, sew the outer and inner bundle first, then the middle, and keep halving.