Didn’t have time to post last night.
To modify a coat, the easiest way is to cut the back.
Start at the bottom and end the cut at least several inches below the collar - you don’t want to cut the collar.
If you use a down jacket, be prepared for feathers all over - best to use a coat with fiberfill.
Fleece is easiest to adapt because the seams don’t need to be finished (much or at all) - cut edges won’t ravel.
I actually found a good Step by Step tutorial with photos:
http://adaptingcreatively.blogspot.com/2010/11/split-back-wheelchair-jacket.html
She used Velcro to close the back, but I’ve also seen a zipper, just leaving it open and pushing it behind the person or attaching a flap to one side to wrap around.
If you are using fleece, you won’t need to finish the edge as much as she did.
Some other hints:
- the opening doesn’t need to be exactly at the center of the back. It may be more comfortable offset to one side so the seam/closure isn’t right on the spine. Not as much a problem with Velcro, but might be better with a zipper.
- If using Velcro, I’d suggest soft Velcro if your garment is fairly lightweight. It’s more flexible, won’t catch on things as much and is more comfortable if you are putting pressure against it. It works well for fleece or other lightweight fabric and should work with some quilted fabrics. Really good for fleece since it won’t stick as much to fleece as regular Velcro does.
https://www.velcro.com/products/for-fabrics/900205__sew-on-soft-flexible/
- extension flaps can be very simple - just something to tuck in behind the person. Fleece works well for that.
Other alternatives with a flap would be to open the coat down the center back, but have one flap that is long enough to pull over to one side, almost to the side seam.
You can secure the flap to the side with Velcro or a separating zipper. One side of the zipper/Velcro would be attached to the flap and the other to the outside of the coat near the side.
- I’ve seen coats with back zippers, but that would be my last choice. Harder to put a zipper in and hard against the back. If you use a zipper, I would make a flange of fleece or something on the underside so the zipper has a little more padding between it and the skin. Attaching a loop to the zipper pull also helps with getting it on and off.
The person needs to be able to lean forward more using a zipper than with Velcro or fleece flap.
I’ve also seen people open up the arm/side seam on one arm. You would close it similar to closing the back with Velcro the way the tutorial shows. That works best for a really simple coat/jacket with a single layer - like fleece jacket without cuffs.
That kind of jacket is pretty easy to put on, especially if the person can’t lean forward much.
Hope this makes sense. Feel free to ask questions if it doesn’t.