How to Shorten the Sleeves on a Jacket *professional tailor's process*

Hello friends! In today's video, I wanted to show you my process of shortening jacket sleeves when the button holes are closed/fake. Try not to feel too intimidated by this video as this is a challenging alteration! Feel free to watch this video a few times until you feel comfortable attempting. I'd love to see your attempts too! If you have any questions, I could try to make a "shorts" video response to it so please don't be shy!
Music:
Bossa Antigua by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
For business inquiries, please contact [e-mail]

[@dsymns100]

Alteration it’s what I do every day for last 23 years and let tell you I love you’re videos just because in my área I feel like trade it’s disappearing and you’re videos can teach new people about our work asks by open eyes to customers about all the work involved 👍 love the sleeves job by the way 🙂

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@life8801]

It’s what I do as well, specializing in bridal and formals. But occasionally get mens suits. Not my favorite, and this was very helpful

[@fibienn250]

I’ve been sewing for 30 years and I had no idea how much I still don’t know. Thank you 🤩

[@DowntownTailoring]

I feel that!! Thank you!

[@justmek3395]

Ditto! Designing & sewing 42 years and feel like a newbie watching some of these. AND these tutorials are so detailed I’m able to quickly replicate.

[@dubmissions]

I second thaat! 😂

[@norahr.4415]

Thank you for sharing... 😀

[@tnone7873]

Sewing and tayloring are different things. Lost art

[@JuliaSophia52]

Thank you so much for your videos. I've been sewing for decades but it's so hard to find videos that show advanced alterations. MORE VIDEOS PLEASE.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much! I will definitely keep this in mind! 😊

[@LindaRaeSchenk]

@@DowntownTailoring I was following this other UTUBE video for Judith Turner who also did alterations and was fantastic also. You might want to look at all her videos and info. Unfortunately, she passed away a few years ago and I sure do miss her help and insights on altering. I guess we just can't stop trying to pick up new ideas and ways to do our craft. I am so glad I stumbled onto Downtown Tailoring. She is amazing and wonder where she learned her trade.

[@sharonrimsza7960]

I have been sewing for 55 years. I stopped for about 10-12 years and now I am remaking an entirely new wardrobe. Since I am now retired I have the time. I am some days surprised at what I remember for specialty and couture sewing and other days I am surprised at what I had done in my teens and twenties and other days I am frustrated at what I have forgotten. I appreciate this video as it sparks my memory. I can only chuckle at myself and shake my head. Having fun creating again!😀

[@wayne00k]

Thank you for sharing your alterations videos! Altering clothing for a family - especially with children - is so much more economical than sewing from scratch. With your kind help a family can enjoy altered, discounted designer clothes for for so much less $. You are a blessing!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you 🥰

[@rachaelharman5529]

Thank you, this has helped me brush up on my skills and also showed me that the way i was doing needed a bit of tweeking, but i now have a fabulous step by step guide that i can check as and when i need to do this alteration. Advanced skills are great i have just learnt as i have gone along sewing before now..

[@creativejoy2988]

I’ve been doing bridal alts for 3 years now, and I was easily able to watch your great video and take an alteration to raise the sleeve of a men’s suit jacket. Terrific directions!!! A huge THANK YOU!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰 Your comment means so much to me!

[@user-dm8xe7dp3v]

You give me such confidence to alter my clothes. I'm constantly amazed by you skills!

[@marciaashman4456]

I have been sewing for 65 Years and up until now I have never had to shorten the sleeve of a tailored men’s jacket. Thank you so much for your detailed instructions I could not have done it without your excellent video.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! This comment means a lot to me! 💞💞💕

[@seannamichaud7733]

I appreciate the professional step by step help! I don’t alter suits frequently enough to do it without thinking about what step comes next so sewing along with you was very helpful and gave me a little confidence boost!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@maguertae]

I love your channel, your presentation, skill and knowledge is impeccable. Thank you

[@Jen-b-real]

I am grateful you added that this is not an easy alteration.I hate when the seamstress says its easy,and you find its above your skill level,and really an advance alteration

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks! Yes, I feel that it wouldn't be honest from my part if I present this job as "easy" when I know that many of my colleagues don't feel comfortable doing it. Anyways, it's possible. Some viewers have commented that they were able to do it by following my instructions. Cheers 🙂

[@lanifisk3805]

Thank you so much for walking me thru this! With a husband and 5 sons and grandsons somebody always needs alterations. I had no clue how to do this one even after 60 years of sewing.

[@irenebreuhaus8066]

I have 2 jackets that I need to shorten. Have been stressing about them! This is an answer to prayer. I am not a alterations expert but try to help when I can. Thanks. Just love your videos. I think I can tackle this! God bless.

[@cdvax11]

I have seen several people do this alteration but yours is by far the best and easiest to understand. I now feel confident to try it on one of my jackets.

[@DowntownTailoring]

You are so nice! Let me know how it goes 😊

[@kathyjames9250]

Wow, thank you for this teaching! I am adopting your practices of patiently measuring and marking so the final result looks perfect. I respect that you practice “Excellence” in your work.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much 💓 💗

[@joandeluca6846]

You have explained and demonstrated everything so well. I’ve never shortened sleeves correctly, but now have the confidence to do it. Thank you very much.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 😊

[@tracypodaima3974]

I live the specific instructions you give. I was an avid sewer 20 + years ago and was just asked to alter a suit for grad. Hesitantly accepted and so appreciate your instructions! 😊 May venture into an altering business in our small remote town. Thanks!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yesssss! We all need clothing alterations. Everyone in your town will appreciate it! 💕💕💕

[@TkIsAmazing89]

Thank you! I found your tutorial to be very educational and clear and concise. I am in the process of renewing many sewing skills I had learned in trade school because I have begun working in the sewing and alterations business! After watching your tutorial I started to remember some of these classic tailoring skills from school! I haven't done professional tailoring in a long time, so thank you again for the refresher course.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wonderful! I'm glad you are coming back to sewing. Cheers 😊

[@EchoSackett]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I was able to use this video to save some money for our wedding by altering my fiancé’s suit myself. Definitely the most stressful sewing project I have ever undertaken, but your walk through and tips gave me all the tools I needed. You’re amazing!

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad you did it!!! Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@yvettebrinkman5865]

I wanted to thank you so much for such a wonderful video. You went step by step without forgetting anything, I was able to tailor a men's jacket because of you! You don't know how much your details meant to my tailoring today. Thank you!!!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad it worked out. This is so heavy alteration. It means a lot to me to know it's understandable and doable. Hugs 💞💞💕

[@MissHajj]

Fantastic video, thank you for sharing this alteration. I am doing some projects for some gentlemen that need only a 5/8" sleeve adjustment and I didn't want to have to desconstruct the cuff but if I want to do it right, I gotta do it like you! Your humorous disposition did much to change my mind from wanting to do a shortcut to doing it the right way. Love this tutorial, thank you so very much!!!

[@justmek3395]

Can’t believe I found this channel!! Yay! Brilliant tips, brilliant! Thx

[@reynanogales8419]

I am so grateful to you!!! How lucky to have found you!!! Did my very first attempt to shortening the sleeves on my new blazer and it was a complete success. No confusion whatsoever thanks to your step-by-step instructions! Thank you so much for sharing your tailoring skills!!! ❤🏆🙏🏼

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad! Thanks for letting me know 😊

[@melterpstra8999]

I always tried the jacket on when it was finished to make sure I didn't twist the lining. Saves embarrassment in front of a customer. Great video!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hahaha that’s smart!! Thank you!!

[@nanastrippin2006]

I was just doing these mitered sleeve hymns today and your video really helped me to see another way to do it and I like the way you did that when you went from one side to the other instead of trying to go all the way around, you just sewed one side and then the other which really made a lot of sense Thank you

[@user-kv1mi8xj7c]

Your video was so helpful! I needed to alter my son's sport coat for a wedding and I am so happy with how it came out. I have a good bit of sewing experience but not much of alterations like this. It is quite a job and I'm not in a hurry to do it again but I'd never have been able to this without your video.

[@mrscsstorytimeonline4343]

This is amazing thank you! I had no idea how to attempt this but after seeing your step by step I am going to give it a go.

[@doreenwarren1861]

You are a life saver! I do alterations for a side job. I have always shied away from men's suits, do to the lining. But this customer was so nice, he is a pastor for youths and doing a speaking engagement for youths. so I said yes. This whole time I have been literally freaking out. But watching your video made it so simple. I wish I would have watched it day one instead of daily thinking how I was going to do it. I can't thank you enough. I am going to watch more of your video's. I have written the name down. If you were here I would give you a big hug. Thank you so much! 💗💗💗

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰 I wish I could hug you right now 🤗 Comments like this, keep me motivated. Thanks 🥰

[@sabrinaashley72]

I completely agree!! I’m going literally going through the same thing right now!!

[@nicolejeann]

THIS VIDEO SAVED me with getting ready for our wedding. I had some sewing skills but nothing like this and if I hadn’t been for this video I honestly don’t know what I would have done. The suits are ready and look great! THANK YOU for this!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad! Happy wedding 💑

[@nicolec2470]

Omg..for years I wanted to attempt to alter the hem on a blazer. You have given me hope and the no how/the video. Thank you

[@DowntownTailoring]

I’m so glad to hear! Good luck and let me know how it goes :)

[@Byzantina1204]

Thank you so much for this. I have so many fit issues when I buy clothes and have had to learn how to alter them myself but I would never have dared do a split sleeve until seeing your video.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad you feel confident now. Thanks so much 🥰

[@erinoakes4363]

I love your videos. You explain everything so clearly and have video to match! I’ve been sewing for years, tailoring for a few of those years, I love to refer to your videos if I question an alteration I need to do, mostly I do things the way you explain them but man times you offer tips I didn’t think about!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your kind words. They mean a lot to me!

[@MomShots]

Great tips! I have a completely different way of doing it but the end result looks the same. That’s one of the great things about sewing- there are many ways to get the same result. I loved your comment about the lining twisting. That has happened to my many times. I’m going to use your little safety pin trick next time I’m altering a sleeve!

[@afriendcalled5]

Me too! Such a simple trick!

[@LindaRaeSchenk]

I agree. I cannot tell you how often I have done that. Makes me so mad to get the liner which I hand sew because I am unable to bag it and find out I twisted the liner.

[@emilygriesmyer594]

I just want to say thank you so much for your very informative and well-made videos. I’m working doing alterations from home while my children are little and it has meant all the world to our family to have the extra income and not have to give up the short years with my Littles. All the love of a mother thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I appreciate your kind words! It's comments like yours that make this channel so rewarding to run! 💕💕💓

[@debiervin4731]

This video is perfect! I appreciate the detailed, step-by-step narrative and demonstration of detailed procedure.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you 🥰 I'm glad you like it 😊

[@GalleryOnePointFashion]

So easy to follow; I have been altering sleeves for 20+ years and after doing this will do them this way from now on - great teacher; loved this video!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wonderful! Thanks for your comment. It means a lot to me! 💕

[@josephclarke8338]

Love this video!! So helpful and clearly explained! Thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you for watching!

[@emilygriesmyer594]

I commented before on this post about how grateful I am for the knowledge you share. I have an exciting update. I wanted to let you know that I opened my own shop! It’s going really well thank you again

[@DowntownTailoring]

That is sooo amazing!!!! Congratulations 🥳😁😁😁 I wish you the very best in your endeavours!

[@tess2hearts124]

After watch 3x's I got it, and i'm so proud of myself. I would put the video on pause as I went along.

[@rebeccaclements2553]

Thank you. My DD wanted a suit for her birthday, we found a beautiful one for her, but it needed the trousers shortening and taking in at the waist, which I did with not much difficulty. But the lined sleeves were a puzzle. Your video sorted me out perfectly, an she is very happy with the result.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad! Thank you for taking the time for letting me know. It makes me so happy 😊 ☺ 🥰

[@splashluvallover]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been stressing for 2 weeks about this alteration, and finally decided I had to just do it today. Your video gives me confidence!

[@DowntownTailoring]

You got this! Happy sewing! 🧵

[@janetboyd2954]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much. I was so worried about doing this for my fiancé for his sons wedding and you made it so easy. You are so talented.

[@YenTran-lj9bf]

Very neat and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing xx

[@evelynj.amponsah8417]

Great tutorial, I never thought to remove the button holes. Never to old to learn.

[@tuxedosbymike2784]

It was a great video .I will be using your method from now on .I just finished the sleeves of my client's Hugo Boss suit sleeves with your method and it turned out just perfect. Thanks so much 🙏🌷🌷

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wonderful! I’m so glad 😊

[@SylviaGallegos-gt3oe]

I recently started doing alternations for friends, etc. One of my friends brought me a jacket with buttons and the sleeves were too long. I was a bit scared on how to do this alternation; however, your video helped tremendously. Thank you and I have subscribed and will continue to view your videos. Very educational!

[@Fungatki]

I bought a suit that arrived 2 days before an event. Everything fit perfectly, except the sleeves were about 2 inches too long! On such short notice, I decided to try and shorten them myself. Thanks to your video & thorough explanation, I was able to confidently shorten my sleeves in time without any prior sewing experience. Thanks so much!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Oh! Waooooooo. I'm so glad to hear this. Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@averagedadbuilds5813]

I don't sew, but I love working with my hands and how mechanical and technical it is! Loved your video!

[@elisabethdavidson7124]

Beautiful job and clear explanation! Thank you so much.

[@annapomorski5431]

This is one tedious job and I was hoping there was an easier way to do it but it seems there isn't but seeing you do it I can tell you are a master sewer. I do it just like you did but still l learned something new today ,1 how to unpick the buttonholes which always give me a hard time to remove and 2 the safety pin trick.dont know why I never thought of it before as it's not the first time I twisted the lining or ending with the lining too long. Thankyou so much. I'm learning something new every day from you.God bless you.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for your comment 😊 and yes, there are ways to do it easier but not really professional. Cheers 🙂

[@dariajacq4769]

"They don't kiss each other!" - so cute! You made my day!😘

[@despinastefanidis9531]

Love your video! Great tutorial. I was able to follow you step by step to alter the sleeves on a suit. Excellent! Thank you.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad you could do it! Thanks for letting me know 🥰 😊 ☺

[@convenantcreations6017]

Thank you so much for this awesome video. It is very detailed and easy to follow along. I appreciate your gift and talent

[@mdlw7314]

Oh my goodness! The most difficult alteration that I have done, but I did it!! Thanks to you! Wonderful tutorial 👏🏼👌🏼☺

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you got to do it. Cheers 😊

[@sharifahfauziah7425]

Thank you so much. I watched this video and I managed to alter my husband's suit. It turned out very good. This is my first time altering suit sleeves. Thank you

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wonderful! I’m so glad. Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@phuongNguyen-lm9wb]

The best tutorial ever. Keep up the good work. Thanks so much ❤

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 😊

[@sharonsmall8565]

I’m desperate to shorten the sleeves on a 4 button suit for a wedding and only have 1 day to do it…this was so helpful and you made it seem easy enough for me to do.❤

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@shaebarry4888]

Absolutely fantastic!! Great tutorial!!!

[@bettyochoa4099]

Hi love your work I m shortening sleeves right now and needed to be retrained… I found you and done!! Your the go to person for me! Thank you! ❤

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 😊

[@jayneterry8701]

Excellent work my dear. I hope some that are watching can appreciate how many steps involved in this alteration! Lots of pressing gives a really tailored look. 💖 The safety pin hack - super hack and so easy! 🙂 Please charge well 👍

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰 Tomorrow I'm posting a video about charging. If you watch it, please let me know what you think 😉

[@cjgoodfam]

This is a really great video about shortening sleeves! It will be my go-to for a reminder how to do it every time!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

So glad!

[@dale3404]

I can’t imagine ever needing to do this alteration at my stage of life, but I had to watch. I couldn’t turn away. 😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much!!

[@jogrepar1]

Thank you for the video lol 😆 I will be hearing your voice in my dreams today. I am a fairly intermediate with sewing and although I do alterations as well as teaching basic sewing upwards as part of my shop I had never yet until today had to do a vented button sleeve on a dinner jacket. Just going to re attach the lining after about 5 hours 😆

[@DowntownTailoring]

😂 Ah yes. We all start the hard way. Wishing you the best of luck 😘

[@antiegonz6007]

Im a new sewer and going to try this on my jacket. Thx for making this video easy to understand

[@manuellebron3404]

Uff! Thanks so much. I'm not sure that I could adventure in this job. Have to watch it again!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Haha don’t worry about that! It’s definitely a challenge!

[@tstzoophoojywg7226]

You are really professional alteration of man’s jacket like from the original. Years ago I took my suit jacket to one of the local alterations she completely closed the split sleeves like a lady’s jacket. I talked to her she said she can not split the sleeve vent. She said she had 25 years experienced. So I took home and I torn it apart and I did it by myself with a split vent on the sleeves. Your video tutorial is great. Appreciated for uploading the video clip.

[@lyndabosworth887]

Thank you so much for your informative video. I’ve take up many many pant legs but never had to tackle a sleeve. I followed your video step by step and feel I have done a really good job. Thank you again.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad to hear! Thanks for letting me know 😊

[@sewarcticdesigns]

Thanks so much. I had to look at your video a couple of times but the alteration turned out great.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad! Thanks for letting me know 😊

[@joannewatson3448]

Thank you for your videos. I am pretty new to sewing and do not make clothes, but am doing alterations for extra money since I only get SS and need to do something. I have been sewing for about 4 years. I watch you all the time to see how to do alterations and I know I don't charge enough, but where I live I am sure they wouldn't pay more. I took an old, old quilt to restore. It was coming completely apart. lol Boy, did I learn a lesson especially since it has to be hand-sewn back together and blocks replaced. Most of the work I get is hemming. However, this suit has thrown me for a loop. Thank you. JoAnne

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi JoAnne. Thanks for your comment. We all started sewing at one point. Welcome to the club!!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@RandomalinaLF]

Thank you for showing us this tricky alteration!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

It’s my pleasure! :)

[@schap562]

This is the best video on shortening a sleeve!!!! Thank you so much 😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your kind words 😊

[@cindycoleman7917]

Thanks so much for this video. I had to hem the sleeves of a jacket for my mother and thanks to this video I was able to do it. Thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Aweee 🥰 I'm so glad to hear! Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@daveyswinton1187]

I love your voice in the fun things that you say, it cracks me up

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 😊

[@Lovemusic856]

Truly professional job! You are a great teacher! I do almost everything the same, I just came to see if someone can do it any easier, or has some tricks. ❤

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@craftsmampesic5364]

thank you so much iv done many sleeves but now ill be able to do them much more professional and fast x

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

This is amazing. I love your narration

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you! 😊

[@kaybuffin3982]

This video was so helpful. I’m not afraid to altar men’s suit sleeves now. Thank you so much!

[@DowntownTailoring]

So glad! Cheers 😊

[@debm6507]

Oh My Goodness! I'm glad I am not the only one who has twisted the lining and handed it that way to my customer! Haha! Great tip to pin it in the seam to the outer fabric!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Ha ha! It's kind of funny 😄 except for the fact that we have to work extra to fix it 😅🤦‍♀️

[@debm6507]

@@DowntownTailoring Exactly!

[@hoppycafe]

This video has been very helpful. And you are fun to watch, and realistic.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@imcoorey]

Thank you so much for posting this. 🤗 Once i have the space I want to get a sewing machine and make custom garments. This helps immensely.

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure 🥰 Thanks for watching!

[@MossyMozart]

No more sleeves that are too short for me! I have always been completely perplexed about how to alter them. Gracias!

[@FreidaMorgan]

Your explanation and video are fantastic. Just what I needed. Thank you!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@debhurdley7190]

Very helpful video, now feel confidant enough to try it myself

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yesssss! 💪💪💪

[@elliecrowder8208]

I appreciate your video and have watched it several times. Thanks so much for sharing this valuable information.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤗

[@Waterfox57]

Thank you for explaining this so simple. I have a jacket to do now and will follow your instructions.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@suemelanson4247]

You've made this so easy to understand, thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 😊

[@snlfortherecord3999]

This was a fantastic video! Clear instructions and great tips...and funny too! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🥰🥰🥰

[@evelynferrer1322]

I Taylor a jacket today following your video and it look beautiful. Thank you so much. I had so many issues doing this job on the past, but with your instructions it’s so easy😊😘thanks so much

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yessss! This makes me so happy 😊 Thanks for letting me know 💞💞💕

[@evelynferrer1322]

@@DowntownTailoring you are welcome

[@christineclever9625]

Great video. Direct and to the point!

[@allisonjoel1]

Great video. Thank you once again for sharing your skills and expertise.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronlewis1218]

I have to rewind the video and watch again, lots of steps. Very nicely done.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it...

[@mustang-sassy]

You have wonderful energy and offer a great choice of tricks. Thank you for your channel!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@charlotteyoung5032]

Thank you for this video!!! I just shortened the sleeves on a coat. I appreciate your help!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wonderful! Glad to hear 🥰

[@isabellevk-fs4vb]

Really excellent video !!! I'm using it on a jacket for my husband, you are a very good teacher !!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Rock on!

[@sabrinaashley72]

Great explanation!! Appreciate you taking the time to do this.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🥰

[@landwand]

Fun and informative. I'm a newbie, but I intend to try this one.

[@ladyalinne2024]

It's really hard. Congratulations on the exquisite work!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰🥰🥰

[@vernellefrance2669]

Awesome job before I start on this jacket for my brother I'll look several times how you did it. Thanks another I'm glad I found your site

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure 🥰 Happy sewing!

[@funkytrunkfashion]

Woah... So much harder than I thought. You rock.