Last spring, I bought myself this blazer at H&M. I really liked it at the store, but when I got it home, I realized the sleeves were just a little looser than I liked. Since I didn’t wear it all summer because of the heat, I’m finally getting around to fixing it now.
This is what it looked like — you can kind of tell that the sleeves are loose:
Here’s a better picture to show you how roomy they are:
With two easy steps, the sleeves are now fitted and exactly what I wanted.
Step 1. Turn your blazer inside out, and making sure your lining and the blazer material are lined up and not bunched up, pin the sleeve.
I pinned mine from the armpit down to about 6 inches from the end of the sleeve. I didn’t want the wrist area any tighter because then I couldn’t roll up the sleeves (which I will probably always do when I wear it). Also, stopping at this point allows the sleeve to be rolled without any (or very little) visible alteration.
Sew along the sleeve with a straight stitch, as seen below with the dotted line. Slowly angle away from the sleeve and eventually sew off the fabric where the dotted line ends.
Step 2. Once your seam is done, try on the blazer and make sure it’s altered to your desired fit. Trim the excess fabric and zigzag or serge the raw edge, as seen below.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 on the other sleeve.
And here’s the final result — a super fitted and slim sleeve. Exactly what I wanted!
And here’s a little before and after to show you the difference. So easy and makes a huge difference.
As always, comment or email me with any questions. Happy sewing!
Completely fascinated with your refashioning!
http://www.shilohstaste.com
Do you have any suggestions for making the actual body smaller? Would you just take it in the same way as the sleeves?
I wish I could refashion clothes like you — the blazer looks so much better! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
I also have the same problem with my blazers. Thank you for the great tutorial. I have to try it out.
xo
Audrey
http://inches2style.blogspot.com
Absolutely loved your post on refashioning! You are seriously talented woman!
That's awesome! I could totally find a blazer at Goodwill, but mostly likely it would be all 80s. What an easy way to update it!
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So you sewed the lining and the blazer together? I always thought you'll have to slim both separately! that makes it much easier if I dont have to and that way I can consider the other loose sleeve options.
I always have a problem with blazers not fitting, so I just rarely buy them! So happy you showed us this tutorial to fix this problem 🙂
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I just bought a blazer at H&M yesterday and this is something i noticed too but it was better on that blazer than on the 287 I tried on over the past 18 months and I loved the lining and perfect color so much that I just bought it. So good to know I can slim the sleeves if I want!
sul on siin nii ilusad lokid 🙂
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It looks great Merrick! I'm still waiting on getting that sewing machine……… LOL xoxo
what sewing machine do you use? any recommendations? I'm looking at replacing mine & your sewing always looks so good. Thanks
Rebecca Cooke:
I use an old Kenmore machine that was a hand-me-down from my mom. Since it's a good brand, it's lasted forever and only needs a tuneup every year or so. When you're looking, go with a good brand name, even if you buy the cheapest one of that brand, and look online at reviews. That should get you the best machine for your money.
Love your ideas specially the gray polo shirt!
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