How to Hem a Lined Coat

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Hemming a lined coat can seem impossible. First you have to tear the old hem out when you can't even see where it's hemmed. You will learn that hemming a lined coat is not as difficult as it sounds and it only requires the normal hemming materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Straight Pins

  • Scissors Or Snips

  • Hem Gauge

  • Lined Coat

  • Needle

  • Seam Ripper

  • Matching Thread

Step 1

Begin by gathering the materials needed and positioning yourself in a well-lighted area. Where the lining meets the fabric of the coat, pull it apart until you see a stitch. With a seam ripper, catch the stitch and pull the ripper to cut the stitch. Pull the lining and the fabric apart and continue around the coat until the hem is completely free. Push back the lining in order to see the hem of the coat.

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Step 2

Determine how short you need the coat hemmed. Once you have determined the length of the hem, pin the hem up with straight pins. Use your hem gauge to make sure you have the correct length. Pin the hem up all the way around the coat.

Step 3

Cut away excess material from the hemline. If you are hemming your coat 2 inches, you will need to cut away 2 inches in order for the hem to remain the same width. You can mark this with a marking pencil or simply use the hem gauge to measure the width. Your hem should only be 2 inches in width. Any larger hem width will give the coat a bulky look and may even bunch the material up.

Step 4

Thread you needle with the matching thread. Bring both ends together and tie them in a knot. Use a whip stitch to attach the hem up. Catch 2 to 3 stitches of the coat fabric. Then catch 2 to 3 stitches of the hem and pull the thread through both layers. Move over one half to three quarters of an inch and catch 2 to 3 threads of each material. Pull through both layers. Continue this stitching until you have completed the coat hem.

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Step 5

Cut any excess material from the lining as you did for the coat. Repeat threading the needle and tie the ends into a knot. Fold the lining under (this will hide the raw edges of the lining and the raw edges of the hem) and catch 2 to 3 stitches of the lining and 2 to 3 stitches of the hem. Pull the needle and thread all the way through both materials. Move over one half to three quarters of an inch and repeat catching 2 to 3 threads of each material and pulling through both layers. Continue this until the lining is completely hemmed and attached to the hem material. Tie your thread off and cut. Your coat is ready for wearing.

Tip

It is not necessary, but you can use a fabric marker or pencil to mark the fabric before cutting excess off. Leave enough material on the underneath side of the lining to allow for fraying of the material.

Warning

Never cut any material before measuring it's length. Never catch more than 3 fabric threads when hemming a garment. This allows your thread to show on the outside of the garment.

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