How to Hem a Peacoat Sleeve

Because they never seem to go out of style, you can wear your peacoat year after year.

Originally worn as part of a European seaman's cold weather uniform, the peacoat has become a fashion staple for men and women alike. The classic peacoat is a short navy wool jacket featuring a double-breasted front with six large buttons and wide notched lapels, but it can also be found in a wide variety colors. With a little time, concentration and sewing skills, you can hem your peacoat's sleeves fairly easily by hand.

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Seam ripper
Scissors
Straight pins
Measuring tape
Needle or sewing machine
Thread

Instructions

- 1
  
  Turn the peacoat inside out, including the sleeves.
- 2
  
  Examine the end of the sleeves to find the existing hem. Because it is a winter jacket, most peacoat sleeves are lined. Look for the seam where the lining meets the wool at the end of the sleeve.
- 3
  
  Clip the threads of the existing hem, using a seam ripper or a small pair of scissors with pointed tips. Progress slowly and carefully, so you don't accidentally cut the lining or the wool.
- 4
  
  Fold the end of the sleeve up to the place where you think the new hemline should be. Use several straight pins around the circumference of the folded sleeve end, to keep it in place.
- 5
  
  Put the peacoat on inside out, and determine if each sleeve length is appropriate. The end of the sleeve should cover your wrist bone with your arm at your side. If necessary, adjust the sleeve length until you find the proper length.
- 6
  
  Take the peacoat off, and lay it on a large, flat surface -- leaving it inside out.
- 7
  
  Match the lining seams with the sleeve seams, and baste the lining in place 8 inches above the new sleeve hemline. This prevents the lining from twisting or crumpling while you're hemming the coat sleeve.
- 8
  
  Fold the lining up, so it is out of the way.
- 9
  
  Trim any excess fabric from the peacoat sleeve, if necessary. Use sewing shears, and allow at least 2 inches of material to remain above the new hemline.
- 10
  
  Hem each sleeve with a needle and thread, using a slip stitch. You can also sew the sleeve hem using a sewing machine that has hemming capabilities.
- 11
  
  Remove the pins from the hemmed peacoat sleeve, and slide the lining down. The lining may be longer than the sleeve, so trim away any excess -- leaving 1 inch of lining fabric below the end of the peacoat sleeve.
- 12
  
  Fold the lining under about 3/4 inch, making sure the lining fold covers the hem of the peacoat sleeve.
- 13
  
  Baste the lining in place above the fold, and hem the lining to the sleeve approximately 1/8 inch below the sleeve hem. This forms an ease pleat where the lining meets the sleeve, to allow for arm movement without tearing the lining.
- 14
  
  Remove the basting stitches, turn the peacoat right-side out and press the sleeves for a professional look.