If you live somewhere other than the equator chances are you own a coat or jacket of some kind. If you live on the equator...I guess you can just replace the word coat with, bikini and try to ignore my cold, frozen tears.
Eventually that thin lining in your coat gives up and splits...on the coldest day of the year.
So what do you do? Run out and drop half your paycheck on a new winter coat?
OF COURSE NOT! How will you afford a dozen cronuts this weekend?!?
This is a super simple fix that I think everyone should be able to do.
SUPPLIES
- MEDIUM SIZED NEEDLE FOR HAND STITCHING
- THREAD IN MATCHING COLOR
- PINS
- SCISSORS
- COAT(S) TO FIX
- SEAM RIPPER (not necessary)
- REPLACEMENT FABRIC
- FABRIC MARKER (optional)
First, we need to see what we are working with and assess the damage.
(source)
Let's hope you did less damage than Tommy Callahan.
Flip your coat inside out on a flat surface and locate all of the holes to repair.
Most of the holes can be easily fixed with a needle and thread. I probably would have been fine fixing all of my holes that way too but there was a tear in the sleeve that ran almost the full length from shoulder to cuff. I decided the best bet would be to replace (more accurately cover up) the existing lining.
Once you decide what hole to work on, trim any stray threads and straighten your seam so it lays flat.
Pin the hole back in place. Thread your needle and hand stitch it down. Be sure to only go through the top layers. You don't want the seam to show through on the front. If you mess up, use the seam ripper and just start again. Remember that the lining is on the inside of your coat. It is hardly seen so it doesn't have to be beautiful.
If like me, you want to put a new lining in you can take your seam ripper and carefully remove the entire lining from your coat and trace it onto the replacement fabric. While this is the best way to get an EXACT pattern for the lining, it really isn't necessary.
To get your new lining for the sleeves, take your replacement fabric and fold it in half making sure that it is at least 1inch wider than the widest part of your sleeve. (*Tip- lining in jackets are usually a slick fabric so that taking on and off is easier, my jacket was really loose fitting so I was able to use a flannel lining and still easily take my jacket on and off) Lay your sleeve on top of the fabric with the top of the sleeve even with the fold in the fabric. Trace around your sleeve adding about 1/4"-1/2" to all sides.
Cut two of these, one for each sleeve.
To attach it, first pin one end of the fabric to the seam of your damaged sleeve with the right side of the fabric facing you.
Don't stitch around the cuff yet, just leave 1/4 inch hanging over to finish off last. I repaired the existing holes before adding the new fabric. Hand stitch along the seam where you placed pins starting at the cuff. Continue down the arm around the shoulder, stopping in the armpit area.
Before you stitch down the arm fold under the edge about 1/4". This gives the seam a neater look and keeps the fabric from fraying. Pin it in place and then finish stitching from the armpit down to the cuff.
Fold under the open end of your cuff 1/4inch and stitch down.
Repeat with the other sleeve.
For the back body of the coat, lay the replacement fabric face down over the body of the coat.
See that pleat in the center back of your lining? You will want to fold your fabric matching this pleat (pin it in place) before you trace the lining to make sure you have enough fabric to fit comfortably.
Trace the body lining adding 1/2 inch seam allowance on all sides.
Starting at the top (shoulders) of the coat, fold the top edge under 1/4" (just like you did with the sleeve and cuff) and stitch down.
Don't forget that pleat.
Finish off the sides the same way. Leave the bottom hem for last.
I made one back piece, one inside front right and one inside front left piece. Each piece had a section that went around the arm, which can be a little tricky. But after attaching those sleeves you are a PRO. This will be a breeze.
TIP- when you finish the seams around the sleeves make a few clips on the edge of the fabric before folding it under. This will help you get that seam to lay flat. Fold under the edge 1/4 inch, pin in place and stitch away.
Now finish off the bottom hem the same way.
I ran a sweater comb over my coat because it was a sad pilling, fuzzy mess.
Now she is oh so lovely and sure to last the rest of this frosty season.
YOU DID IT!
Happy dance!
Resist all urges to wear your coat inside out
and......
PASS THE CRONUTS!!!!!