Remove Pockets from Velvet Jacket

[Graziano]

I have a velvet jacket that I've owned for quite a few years. I love the cut for my body, but I'm not a fan of all of the pockets. Looking on the inside of the top pockets, there is velvet that runs all the way through underneath. I'm thinking that I may be able to remove those pockets and have the jacket look less cluttered. I'd love to remove the bottom pockets too, but the velvet does not run all the way through. Anyway my question is:

If I remove the top pockets, will the velvet fabric underneath show the alteration (as in the holes or some sort of outline from the previous pocket) or will it hide it and not show evidence of the alteration?

Here's a pic below of the jacket. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[Holdfast]

I think there's a very high likelihood that there'll be marks (and possible colour differences), where the pockets were, should they be removed, especially knowing that you've owned & worn it for years.

However, if you dislike wearing the jacket as is, because of the pockets, then there's nothing to lose. Just keep expectations low.

But if you don't mind the jacket as is, then I wouldn't take the risk.

 

[Ianiceman]

Ran into a similar issue with a cotton jacket. My wonderful seamstress said she would undo a bit of the stitching and take a look, and if there were no problems continue with the removal, which is what she did. If there had been a problem she could have easily redone the stitching. Try that?

 

[GBR]

Velvet is very different from cotton and is highly likely to show significant differences in the cloth.

Try if you must be prepared to either burn the coat or else try an unsatisfactory reattachment. The stitching of the latter will always look different.

 

[Ianiceman]

I think the stitching can probably be replicated, I think the potential for failure is higher with velvet than cotton as its likely the nap of the velvet will have been flattened under the stitched seams and may not be able to stand up again.