Every person needs a good jacket that can be worn for multiple occasions. That’s why many people invest in a decent jacket that can be paired with almost any outfit. However, at times, you get a jacket that fits you perfectly except for the sleeves. If this is the case, you may want to learn how to hem jacket sleeves so that you can wear your jacket more often. Fortunately, hemming jacket sleeves is actually fairly simple to do. This is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes.
The first thing you need to do is to gather your materials. You will need a pair of sharp scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and a needle and thread. If you have a sewing machine, you can use that instead of a needle and thread. Once you have your materials, you need to decide how much you want to hem the sleeves. The amount you hem them will depend on how long you want them to be. Once you have decided how much you want to hem the sleeves, you need to mark the fabric where you want to cut it. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the fabric. Once you have marked the fabric, you can cut it.
Measuring the Sleeve Length
Determining the ideal sleeve length for your jacket is crucial for both comfort and a polished appearance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure an accurate measurement:
- Natural Arm Length: Stand comfortably with your arms relaxed at your sides. Measure from the point where your shoulder seam meets the top of your shoulder (acromion point) to the wrist bone (styloid process) on the outside of your wrist.
- Preferred Sleeve Length: Consider the desired sleeve length you prefer. Typically, it falls within 1-2 inches above your wrist bone. If you want your sleeves to cover your hands, measure the distance from your acromion point to the base of your thumb.
- Sleeve Break: Determine the shirt sleeve length you want your jacket sleeve to break over. A common break is between 0.5-1.5 inches. Measure this distance from the end of your wrist bone towards your elbow.
For a more precise measurement, consider the following:
- Have someone help you measure for accuracy.
- Wear the type of shirt you plan to wear under the jacket when measuring.
- If you have an existing jacket with sleeves that fit well, measure them for reference.
How To Hem Jacket Sleeves
One of the most common alterations you can make to a jacket is to hem the sleeves. This is a relatively simple task that can be done at home with a few basic tools. Here are the steps on how to hem jacket sleeves:
- Put on the jacket and mark the desired length. Stand in front of a mirror and put on the jacket. Mark the desired length of the sleeves with a piece of chalk or a fabric marker.
- Remove the jacket and measure the hem. Measure the distance from the marked length to the edge of the sleeve. This is the amount of fabric that you will need to remove.
- Fold up the hem. Fold up the hem by the amount that you measured in step 2. Press the hem with an iron to create a crease.
- Stitch the hem. Use a sewing machine or hand-stitch the hem in place. Make sure to use a stitch that is strong enough to hold the fabric in place.
- Press the hem again. Once the hem is stitched, press it again with an iron to set the stitches and create a professional-looking finish.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to hem jacket sleeves?
The cost of hemming jacket sleeves will vary depending on the tailor and the complexity of the alteration. However, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 for this service.
Can I hem jacket sleeves myself?
Yes, you can hem jacket sleeves yourself. However, it is important to have some basic sewing skills before attempting this alteration. If you are not confident in your sewing abilities, it is best to take the jacket to a tailor.
What is the best way to hem jacket sleeves?
The best way to hem jacket sleeves is to use a sewing machine. However, you can also hand-stitch the hem if you prefer. If you are using a sewing machine, be sure to use a stitch that is strong enough to hold the fabric in place.
