How to shorten the sleeves of a coat

If you have a coat that fits you perfectly everywhere except for the sleeve length, don’t fret! Shortening coat sleeves is a relatively simple and cost-effective alteration that can be done at home. With a few basic sewing supplies and some patience, you can achieve a professional-looking result. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shorten the sleeves of a coat.

1. Gather the necessary supplies: You’ll need a sewing machine (or a needle and thread if you prefer hand-sewing), scissors, pins, a seam ripper (optional), a measuring tape, and matching thread.

2. Determine the desired sleeve length: Try on the coat and roll up the sleeves to the desired length. Use a measuring tape to measure this length from the shoulder seam to the desired end point. Make sure to take accurate measurements for both sleeves.

3. Prepare the coat: Turn the coat inside out and lay it on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases to ensure accurate measurements and precise cutting.

4. Mark the new sleeve length: Beginning at the shoulder seam, measure the desired length down the sleeve and mark it using pins or tailor’s chalk. Repeat on the other sleeve to ensure evenness.

5. Prepare for alteration: Carefully remove any buttons or decorative elements near the cuff of the sleeves. If necessary, use a seam ripper to undo any stitching that may interfere with the alteration process.

6. Cutting the sleeves: With the marked lines as a guide, carefully cut off the excess fabric from both sleeves. It’s better to cut slightly longer than the desired length initially, as you can always trim off more later.

7. Fold and pin: Fold the raw edges of each sleeve under to create a neat hem. Pin the folded fabric in place, making sure it lays flat and smooth. Continue pinning along the entire circumference of each sleeve.

8. Sew the new seam: Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the folded edge of the sleeve, removing the pins as you go. Ensure your stitching is straight and even. For added durability, you can sew a second row slightly below the first.

9. Finishing touches: Once the new seam is secure, carefully trim any excess fabric. This will prevent extra bulk and make the alteration less noticeable. If desired, you can also serge or finish the edge with a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.

10. Reattach any removed elements: If you had to remove buttons or other embellishments, now is the time to reattach them. Make sure they are securely fastened using the appropriate thread and techniques.

Congratulations! You have successfully shortened the sleeves of your coat. Take a moment to try on the altered coat and assess the fit. If any adjustments are required, you can always make minor tweaks at this stage.

Remember, altering garments can be a trial-and-error process, so don’t be disheartened if it takes a few attempts to achieve your desired result. Practice makes perfect, and with each alteration, you’ll gain valuable skills and confidence in your sewing abilities.

By following these steps and investing a little time and effort, you can transform a coat that doesn’t quite fit into one that’s perfectly tailored to your liking. Enjoy wearing your newly altered coat with pride and confidence!