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Sleeve Replacement!
My client asked me if I could "patch" the sleeves on his leather jacket. I told him I'd take a look at it.
When I saw it, I told him 2 things:
1. It was not leather - it was faux leather (really vinyl)
2. The sleeves needed to be replaced entirely!
He gave me creative license - and I was able to find this cool faux leather. I liked it so much that I bought enough for another project for myself!
I removed the sleeves by accessing the interior through this opening. The jacket is a size small - so even though the other sleeve lining did not have this same access, I created one with my seam ripper to make the process easier.
After removing the sleeves, I carefully traced around them onto the fabric. I'd considered
making a paper pattern, then realized I wouldn't need or use it again.
So on with the tracing I went!
The sleeve is a 2 piece curved sleeve. The curve had been edge stitched, but I decided to top-stitch it. I'm so glad that I did, because the results added a great looking detail!
I used my roller presser foot, a 80/12 Schmetz needle and a 2.8 stitch length. Because the fabric is a lightweight faux leather, there was no need to use a leather needle.
After sewing the sleeves together, I added them to the jacket. Using the clips was great - pins would have left holes in the faux leather.
Remember, I was working through those lining opening, so I had to do a bit of twists and turns to attach them.
I dropped the jacket off and loved seeing the smile on my customer's face.
He noticed the topstitching first!
He owns a hair salon and showed the jacket off to his wife and a few of his clients!
There was some serious ohhhing and ahhhing going on!
Happy customers make me happy!
What kind of alterations or repairs have you done? Let me know in the comments!
