Question about altering sleeves - ETA update in comments - YouLookFab Forum

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Question about altering sleeves - ETA update in comments

Christina F.

Veteran

Hi everyone! I have a question about a jumpsuit I just got - can't make Finds on this browser - https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us.....-d0553-bla

The fit is great except that the elastic on the sleeves is too tight. Tailors of YLF, is it possible to have the elastic removed to make it a normal sleeve hem? Or some other possibility I'm not aware of?

I am happy to alter it, but I use the Nordy's tailor and don't want to bother making an appointment and getting myself over to them if I'm just going to be told it's not feasible.

Further context: I am going to Morrocco soon and am hoping this can be a relatively modest warm weather outfit if I want to dress up a bit. Most of my summer dressy stuff doesn't cover my shoulders.

Thanks all, and I hope you're all doing well!

Shopping

21 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

Vildy

Veteran

Sure. Some specialty fabrics like leather or pleather will have permanent stitching holes because there is no weave to fill it back in
but this looks easy enough. If you just have it removed ane the hem restitched you will have a somewhat longer floaty sleeve. If you want to keep the poofed sleeve, then a longer piece of elastic has to be inserted where the original too tight one was. If the original is just freely moving inside the casing, then an incospicuous small length of seam can be opened and an additional lengthening piece of elastic sewn to the original, bridging the distance you want.

SarahD8

Veteran

Cuuuuute jumpsuit!

There is a high probability that this is an extremely, extremely easy alteration.

I can't tell for sure from the photos, but it's likely that the elastic is simply enclosed in a channel/casing similar to the way a drawstring would be. If that's the case you can simply unpick a few stitches on the channel, snip the elastic, and pull it out as you would an unwanted drawstring, then stitch up the spot you unpicked.

You might remember me dithering about whether to remove the elastic from the hem of one of my summer tops:
https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....xperiments
Well, I finally did it, it was exactly as simple as I described above, and I am SO GLAD I did it.

If the elastic in your jumpsuit is somehow sewn into or attached to the channel/casing it is still possible to remove it, just a bit more complicated.

If you like the gathered sleeve look you could likely have the existing elastic replaced with a longer piece of elastic that would be more comfortable for you to wear. Again that alteration is easy peasy if the elastic is free floating in the casing, more complicated but still doable otherwise.

Christina F.

Veteran

Thanks, both! I do believe the elastic is encased in a channel of fabric, so it does sound feasible from what you both say. I am not sure yet if I want to keep the elastic sleeve or not. Since jumpsuits are hard to fit overall, I figured it was worth looking into whether this is an easy fix, so I'm glad I asked!

Vildy

Veteran

It's a little more tedious for the tailor the other way but each method is totally feasible.

LJP

Veteran

Why can’t you just insert a longer piece of elastic ( after taking the existing one out ) and loosen the cuff ?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Cute jumpsuit, Christina! I'm sure the alteration should be a snap.

Christina F.

Veteran

LJP - also seems feasible! Elastic sleeves are not my faves, though. I am hoping the tailor will help me decide what will look better. I have no skill whatsoever in sewing myself.... usually, I need to have the straps of a jumpsuit taken up, so I expect to do some kind of tailoring when I buy one anyway.

Hi Suz! Isn't it? Thanks

Vildy

Veteran

Sorry, my suggestion about the bridging method was thinking about someone doing it themselves but not having enough fresh elastic handy for both sleeves, so they could get it done in short order at home with scrap elastic without having to run out to a store.

Anonymous

Should be an easy thing, but you may lose a bit of the puff in the sleeve. Morocco sounds fun

Christina F.

Veteran

No worries, Vildy!

suntiger, sleeves are WAY TOO PUFFY nowadays so I don't mind....

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes to your questions! You can also have the elastic made less tight. The tailor inserts a long piece. Easy

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Tanya

Veteran

I am no expert on alterations. However, I wants to say that the jumpsuit is gorgeous and I hope have a wonderful trip!

Indigoprint

Veteran

Depending on how the elastic is inserted. If it is in a casing it is a simple fix to replace/ or insert a piece to make the elastic bigger.
If the elastic is stitched with a serger type application it is a bit more tedious to pick out and replace but still a relatively simple alteration. Sometimes if it is serged into place I just cut the elastic under the arm. To give me some ease....the serge stitch will keep the rest secure.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Exactly what everyone else said. Since the elastic is inserted through a casing as you described, it is a very easy alteration. If you decide on no elastic, the sleeve will be quite wide. You could always put tucks in to make it more narrow.

April

Veteran

So glad to see that my instinct (as a sewing dum dum) was confirmed by our actual sewists. Should be easy - let us know if it was!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a jumpsuit from many years ago that has elasticated hems at the ankle, like a pair of cropped joggers. They were always a little tight and stuck on my calves until I finally took them to my tailor, who simply cut the elastic inside but left it in place for a slightly ruched effect — the legs now hang without being tight on my calves, but have a slight gathered appearance. I think the same thing might be possible for your sleeves if you want to retain some of the shape.

Christina F.

Veteran

Thanks everyone! I hope to post my travel capsule "draft" soo, but we still need to finalize the exact destinations within Morocco. I have a rough idea though.

Sorry for posting and disappearing - work is extra stressful right now.

Christina F.

Veteran

Hi all! I ended up having the elastic loosened slightly, but keeping the puff sleeve shape. Worked like a charm - it's much more comfortable now but looks basically the same as it did!

Val

Nice! The easiest and most straightforward fix.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

So glad to hear the sleeve alteration worked out!

Tanya

Veteran

Glad it hear it all turned out well!