How To Hem Leather Jacket Sleeves
Leather jackets never go out of fashion. They are one piece of clothing that is easily accepted in several social instances. As a result, many people have leather jackets in their closets.
One thing about leather jackets that stands out is the fit. If it fits right, it becomes the best fashion accessory one can have. IF the fit is wrong, you look shabby and overdressed.
One of the main areas of fitting a leather jacket is the sleeves. Many times, when your leather jacket doesn’t fit properly, it may have long sleeves. To make it the ultimate fashion statement, you will need to hem its sleeves.
How To Hem Leather Jacket Sleeves?
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Hemming leather jacket sleeves is not easy but it is possible. This is because, most times, leather jackets already have a lining.
To hem a leather jacket, you will have to identify how long the sleeves are and their desired height. Turn the sleeves inside out, mark the desired length, undo the lining and hem to your desired length.
While hemming the sleeves of the leather jacket, do it carefully. Any mistakes you make during this process will be quite difficult to rectify. Here is how you can go about hemming your leather jacket sleeves at home on your own.
Step 1. Measure the sleeves of your leather jacket. You can do this by wearing it and identifying how much length on the jacket you will need to cut off.
Step 2. Identify and mark where you would like your leather jacket sleeves to end.
Step 3. From your identified appropriate length, you will need an additional two inches for your hem and seam allowance.
Step 4. With your jacket inside out, mark your hem measurement with a piece of tailoring chalk. Avoid using pins to mark as they will make holes in your leather jacket.
Step 5. Before you cut the excess fabric, make sure you have ripped open the lining and moved it inside your sleeves. Do not cut the lining with the excess leather fabric. Cutting the lining will spoil the fit of the jacket.
Step 6. Make sure to mark the lining to meet the new measurements. Also, leave a hem allowance when you mark the ideal fitting length.
Step 7. When you have your ideal measurements, do not cut your leather jacket. Rather, fold it in up to the point identified as the ideal length. You may need to lengthen the sleeves again in the future. Leather jackets are long-lasting and you may also grow tall. Make sure you leave enough space for the seam allowance.
Step 8. Press the fold in place. Place a thick fabric on your leather jacket as you do this to avoid burning it.
Step 9. Also make sure that the lining is also folded properly to get to the desired length. The lining needs to be folded more than the outer sleeve.
Step 10. Carefully hem the leather jacket sleeves and lining in place. Use leather needles to avoid spoiling the jacket sleeves. If your leather is too hard to be sewn, you can use leather glue to fix the sleeve and lining into the ideal position.
How To Repair Stitching Holes In Leather?
In the course of working with leather, you are bound to make stitching holes in your leather jacket. They do not look good especially if they are large enough to be visible. Follow this step-by-step guide to repair the stitching holes in your leather jacket.
Step 1. Remove any stray threads with tweezers, scalpel, or sharp razor blade. Use a tool that will cut as close as possible to the leather fabric itself.
Step 2. Where the holes are in the seams, you can use a sewing machine to repair them. Make sure to use leather needles on your sewing machine. If the leather fabric isn’t heavy, you can use an ordinary needle.
Step 3. When the hole or holes you are repairing are not in the seams, you will need leather glue and a patch. This is especially true if you are dealing with tough leather. If the leather is light enough, you can repair the holes with a sewing machine. Make sure to use a leather needle and beeswax thread to repair the leather jacket.
Step 4. Apply the glue on the patch and place it on the hole to fix it.
Step 5. After some time, press the patch in place to firm it up and to keep the glue in place. You will need to use a protective fabric on the leather jacket as you press it. A towel or any other thick fabric is the best to protect your leather jacket.
You have now repaired the hole or holes in your leather jacket. If you can’t do this, you can always have a professional do it for you.
Factors To Consider While Working With Leather Garments
1. Leather is a unique clothing fabric. There are different types of leather. Some leather fabrics are too hard to sew by hand or sewing machines while others are light enough to sew by sewing machine.
2. When working with leather, you must use the appropriate needles and threads for leather. The texture of the leather breaks ordinary needles. These ordinary needles also just may spoil the leather garment of fabric they are used on.
3. When measuring leather, avoid using pins to mark. You can use tailoring chalk or paper clips to hold in place folds.
4. If you can’t do it by yourself, you are better off getting a professional to do it for you. If you don’t know what you are doing, you will spoil your leather jacket. Get a leather tailor near you to work on it.
Types Of Leather Used To Make Leather Jackets
Cowhide
Cowhide leather is very tough. Leather jackets made from this type of leather are suitable for outdoorsy people. These include bikers and those who love nature and adventure. A cowhide leather jacket is warm during the cold weather. It is affordable and easily available.
Lambskin
Lambskin leather is soft and easy to sew. It makes comfortable and elegant clothes. Unlike other leather, it doesn’t last as long.
Goatskin
Goatskin leather makes leather jackets that can be worn in cold weather areas. It is a long-lasting leather that is much easier to sew than cowhide leather.
Common Alterations In Leather Jackets
Shortening The Sleeves
Many people who buy leather jackets prefer to shorten the sleeves. Most leather jackets have long sleeves and the need to shorten the sleeves is common. We have already seen how you can do that easily. It is one of the most common alterations most people need for their leather jackets.
Adjusting Shoulders
This is done when the shoulders and sleeves both need work. Long or short shoulders may be adjusted to become a perfect fit.
Tucking In The Waist
Many times, leather jackets do not fit perfectly right off the shelf. You may need to cut off some fabric around the waist to ensure that it is a perfect fit.
Changing The Lining
If you have an old leather jacket whose lining is stained or torn, you can have it changed easily and quickly.
Zipper Repair
You can have your leather jacket zipper repaired rather than not wearing your leather jacket. You can also have zippers added to the sleeves of your jacket if you like.
These are the most common alterations that leather jackets need. You are not the only one who needs your leather jacket repaired.
Even so, leather jackets are quite easy to maintain. They don’t require dry-cleaning or exposure to rain. Use a damp cloth and shampoo to clean.
When storing your leather jacket, hang it properly to maintain the shape and texture. When buying a leather jacket, make sure to get one that is comfortable rather than stylish.
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