How to Alter the Length of Jacket Arms
The length of jacket arms makes a big difference in the appearance of a jacket. If the sleeves are too long, the jacket appears sloppy and too large. If the sleeves are too short, it seems like you are wearing an old, borrowed jacket. Thus, altering the length of jacket arms is important to avoid looking awkward. However, alterations can at times cost almost as much as the jacket itself. Alter the length of your jacket arms at home to avoid these high costs.
Instructions
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1
Mark with a fabric pencil the location where you would like the jacket sleeve to end. A jacket sleeve should fall just below the wrist bone.
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2
Measure 3/4 inch below this marking and make a mark with a fabric pencil.
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3
Baste the lining and the outside fabric together 8 inches above the end of the jacket sleeve. To do this, thread a needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Hand-sew the two fabrics together using loose running stitches.
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4
Remove the lining from the outside fabric using a seam ripper. Pull the seam between the sleeve lining and outside fabric taut. Carefully insert the end of the seam ripper under one of the stitches in the seam and pull the seam ripper toward you to rip the thread. Pull the fabrics apart to find the stitch above the one you just ripped. Rip the thread in the same manner. Continue with this process until you have ripped all of the stitches in this seam.
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5
Fold the lining up inside the sleeve and out of the way.
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6
Cut the sleeve at the marking made in step 2. Fold and pin the sleeve along the marking made in step 1. Sew the sleeve in place with a sewing machine.
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7
Turn the coat inside out.
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8
Pull the lining below the outside fabric of the coat. Measure 1 inch below the outside fabric and make a mark on the lining with the fabric pencil. Cut the lining along this line.
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9
Fold the lining under 3/4 inch and iron flat.
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10
Sew the lining to the outside fabric of the coat with a sewing machine.
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Tips & Warnings
Unless otherwise stated in the instructions, use a 5/8-inch seam allowance.
References
- Photo Credit George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
