How to Do a "Quick Fix" Suit Alteration

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By timobe
User-Submitted Article

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This should get you through the day, or until you can get to a professional. This also works on tuxedo rentals

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

The suit
Scissors or Seam Ripper (optional)
Sewing Pins (optional)
Needle & Thread
Iron

Step 1

Take the suit you wish to "quick fix" and turn it inside out. At the end of the arms of the coat and legs of the pants, remove the seams with the scissors or seam ripper. Turn the coat and pants right side out.
Step 2

Put on the coat, and have someone cuff the end of the jacket about 1/4 inches from the edge of the shirt (unless you are trying to show off your status with seriously suave cufflinks). If you are not wearing a shirt, the jacket should be at about 1/2 inch past the bone in the wrist. Bear in mind that one arm may be a little longer than the other. Be sure to keep the cuff straight. Here is where having sewing pins is helpful.
Step 3

Put on the pants, and have someone cuff the end of the each pants leg at the same level as the top of the heel of the shoe. If you are not wearing shoes, the pants legs should fall about 1/4 inches from the floor. Again, keep the hem straight, and be aware that one leg may be slightly longer than the other.
Step 4

Remove the coat and pants, turn them inside out again, and sew in the new hem, not letting the needle and thread come through visibly on the other side. I call this tacking. Do this to each arm of the coat and each pants leg.
Step 5

Iron the fabric to create a new crease at the new hemline of the pants, and the new cuff of the jacket.

Comments

soanyway said

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on 10/25/2009 Great tips, but I'm thinking that if you rented a tuxedo the last thing the place would want you to do is cut off hems and re-hem them! Could cost you lots in the return! Other wise great article. I have recomn'd you. Pay it forward to all!