Shortening Sleeves From SHOULDERS! - Tailoring Tips

[@KathyBabb]

You are so skilled! And I appreciate when you paused for a moment of meditation - it can’t hurt!

[@DowntownTailoring]

So true! Thanks 😊

[@DiannaAtherton]

I was nervous when you started cutting but I know you knew exactly what to do. You are such an inspiration. I am tackling my late husband's favorite leather jacket to fit me. It is very large on my so I disected the seams and now recutting to my favorite jacket pattern. Wish me luck.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Good luck with your jacket! I'm always nervous too 😁😁😁

[@mozu517]

WOW what an ambitious project!

[@SwiftestTailor]

Thank you for this professional and thorough explanation for shortening sleeves at the shoulder. Excellent work!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰 😊

[@hannahluke9381]

Oh my god, I have been searching for a tutorial to shorten sleeves from the shoulders for so long, thank you! 🙏

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure 🥰

[@salwakhodair6827]

This is genius! Finally I find a professional one solving this puzzle to me :D thank you so much.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad you liked it 😊

[@debm6507]

Brilliant! All of it! I love the thread marking at each seam, AND the use of different colored thread.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@cathyyarbrough9249]

Thank you for this video. I do mostly bridal, so when I get tailoring jobs, I run to your videos for a refresher and your wonderful tips! Marking with different colored threads on the sleeves was my main takeaway today! ❤ You are a rock star!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow, thank you so much for your kind comment! 😊

[@traceye.6428]

Wow, this is why finding a good tailor is worth its weight in gold! So much work done to make a nice job! Brilliant!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you! 😊

[@marymagdalene3004]

Wow! This is something that one would learn in a master sewing class. So much going on here and unlikely that, unless a sewer was very experienced, would be able to attempt with success. But, have to say that Downtown Tailoring gives us a lot of high-end videos to learn from!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! You are so nice 🥰💕😊

[@madeleineschwarrtz7433]

I too often hem suit sleeves from the bottom....I will certainly try from the shoulder!!! Will need to practice on some 2nd hand clothes before tackling it on my customers suits!!🤣😂 Thank you as always...!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes, second-hand clothes are an excellent way to practice this challenging alteration! It really depends on the suit too. I wish you good luck and I’m glad you liked it! :)

[@mozu517]

Great idea to practice on thrift store pieces! 👍💯

[@DowntownTailoring]

@@mozu517 Indeed!

[@c2442l]

I just thrifted a lovely wool blazer that fits perfectly except the sleeves are about an inch too long. I am going to try this. Thank you so much.

[@lynnodonnell4764]

Color coding - EXCELLANT IDEA. I have delyxsia and flipping things inside out really confuses my brain causing so much stress. I color code and have no problem pinning notes onto my fabric pieces either. Like woodworking... Measure twice Cut once!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Exactly! Thanks 😊

[@wayne00k]

Thank you so much for sharing this method. This is the best teaching presentation ever posted by anyone on this alteration method. You deserve an award! Thank you again!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Awe 🥰🥰🥰 You are so kind! Thanks...

[@jojoremeny]

Terrible way .. I'm a professional bespoke tailor, fashion designer and teacher making and teaching Couture designs and bespoke suits from my shop in England, including hi class alterations service for my customers...I will upload a paid tutorial on the real methods that real Bespoke Tailors use .. You don't do it this way at all .. very cheap and not good professional methods at all.. It's obvious she's not skilled in tailoring at all . !!

[@juliet5136]

Wonderful detailed tutorial; going to save this for future reference. I love your honesty & humor. I only speak English and get my words confused, too! 😄 Could you do a tutorial on adding pockets to women's capris/pants, including how to determine the size (to fit a cell phone)? Stay your wonderful cheerful self, you bring much joy to your fans.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for watching. Definitely something to add to the list. In the meantime I'll give you a link of a video where I added pockets to a dress!

[@DowntownTailoring]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKjUp6CVn9upZ9E

[@lyyou6339]

You are so great and love your humor! I’ve been seeing for decades but I can always learn what I need from you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow, thank you! 😊

[@kathrynpennal9118]

I just love all of your videos. You are so amazing and I appreciate you passing along your sewing alteration knowledge. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much! 💓

[@nafsika4568]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for watching 🥰

[@gmurray3616]

It has been only a few months ago that I found your channel and subscribed. I'm excited about watching all you have posted to gain the knowledge you so freely share. I enjoyed this video because now I feel comfortable making this alteration. In the past if I couldn't shorten it at the hem, I would refuse the job. Now I know how. Again, thank you.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 😊😊😊

[@DopeMarkoinLA]

Wow yo are an Angel. Your tutorials give me the confidence to do the complex alterations needed. Thank you

[@e.s.2838]

Very helpful information, thank you! When do you recommend doing this job this way, versus shortening the cuff?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Oh! I forgot to mention this important detail. This jacket has a beautiful cuffs with a functional buttonhole made of fabric. The customer wanted to keep this detail. Cheers 🙂

[@mozu517]

@@DowntownTailoring I'm going to try this on shirts with traditional cuffs, plackets, buttons, etc.

[@lynnfletcher3298]

Beautiful job! I shorten from top if special design on cuff, but wondered why you did it on this jacket? I’d rather redo the slit or placket. You are an excellent teacher. I’ve gotten several tips from your videos,I like the different thread colors.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰 Yes, I forgot to show it but the sleeves on this jacket have a very nice detail on the functional buttonholes. Cheers 🙂

[@marygroft3790]

Oh my. I admire your nerve as well as your talent! That was brilliant.

[@DowntownTailoring]

😁😁😁 Thanks 🥰

[@dianecrowder7123]

Wow! Just thank you so much. Because of your videos I feel confident enough to do a very good job of altering my son's suit I picked up at a thrift store.

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@Bettycrockrr]

Truly amazing. Thank you! Now to say a prayer before shortening my sleeves.

[@DowntownTailoring]

You got this! 🤭

[@nixxipixxi94]

every time I watch one of your videos I'm in awe of your skills! As a hobby sewer this was amazing to watch - I'm still not sure how you flipped all of the lining into the right place (did you unflip it through the whole you left in the sleeve lining earlier?) but I come to these videos for your humour and little bit of upskilling so not fussed

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. You are right. After I sew the sleeves to the lining I slowly closed it until I had just one little gap. Then I went through the opening on the sleeve to close it. Cheers 🙂

[@pamelaannfuller9410]

She is my kind of tailor!!! Assiduous!! I don't have time to do this kind of careful job. Wish I could just hire her...Wondering how I do that.

[@shellyoliver6173]

Awesome video! Excellent job and being able to see your work! Thank you for the video ☺️

[@DowntownTailoring]

It is my absolute pleasure! 🥰🥰

[@manuellebron3404]

Very nice job. Thanks for sharing!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@girbska]

Wonderful explanation! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge! 😊

[@clothingalterations]

This job is hard for beginner sewer. Great video to learn

[@mariedyde448]

Great job. I've done this so many times, its so easy to twist the lining. I like your marking method

[@DowntownTailoring]

I know right! These lining always playing with us!

[@rachaelharman5529]

Fabulous tutorial, ive learnt a lot, and brushed up my skills at the same time. Thank you again you explain everything so clearly.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your nice words 😊

[@KralovaVeronika]

Thank you so much for this channel. I love watching your videos. It very helpful in my "new job". A lots of repairaration s are coming in and your tips and your experience are very helpful.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@shawnu9906]

What a great video. Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. I have a question though. How would one decide whether to shorten sleeves at the shoulder versus at the cuff?

[@jayneterry8701]

I'm so glad you had this advanced alteration on video as I'm about to do it! Hope mine turns out as well as yours. 💖

[@DowntownTailoring]

Good luck! And lots of patience 💞💞💕

[@Lemon_trees7]

gathering of the fabric. thank you very much for this tutorial. so helpful.

[@evelynj.amponsah8417]

Great tutorial I feel sometimes it easier and looks much better shortening a jacket from top of a sleeve.. I did a leather jacket for one of my customers because the design stop me from shortening it from the cuff.

[@DowntownTailoring]

That's right! Cheers!

[@gypsysoulikigai]

I broke out in a sweat watching this. You are truly talented

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! 🥰 To be honest, I always sweat a little when doing this job 😁

[@dinnyhinds3296]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you very much for this tutorial

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@pamelaannfuller9410]

Excellent - One of the BEST in terms of attention to detail. Can you please do a video on adding FUNCTIONAL keyhole button holes to a women's suit jacket? Also, would love to see a video on how to add trim to a boucle jacket (for the "Chanel-esqe" look--without looking chinszey....) Really want the instruction on functional button holes w/a manual or simple machine. Can one use "patterns" for keyhole button holes. I do not have a computerized machine.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Great suggestion!

[@nancyrhodes5567]

Just watched your video and I'm encouraged! I was given 2 lovely lined jackets by my girlfriend who is much taller than me. The sleeves have functioning buttons/buttonholes at the wrist length, so I need to do shortening from the shoulder (as you did). However, my question -- I need to shorten by 2 inches! Can I use your method still for 2 inches? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

2" might be the absolute maximum. Just try to make sure to let out at the top part of the sleeves as much as possible. Happy sewing 🥰

[@Reikiht56]

You are ingenius! Love your methods.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@thatxonexguy5438]

A little too complex for me, but great video! I have a overcoat that needs to be shortened a whole lot which is going to have to be done by the shoulder. Since this is a pretty complex job, do you have any tips on how to find a good tailor? I had one mess something as simple as hemming pants so i kinda have trust issues when it comes to tailoring haha. Ever since that, i have been doing my own alterations because of you! Thank you!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

I understand. Finding a good tailor can be a difficult task. I do not have the right answer but I could ask straight to the point if they feel comfortable doing this kind of job. Of course after you picked up and checked a smaller job that they've already done pretty well. Good luck 👍 💓

[@annroche3762]

Thank you that is such a great video. I will certainly be doing this for my customers. the colour coding is a great idea. you are brilliant thamks again x

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰 I'm glad you liked this video!

[@juliefranck8510]

You do such beautiful work! I love your videos! Thank you for making them!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@marissamelvin5249]

This is very helpful. Thank you!

[@miriamlandau1207]

Thank you for this tutorial. You do beautiful work! The only thing I couldn't understand was the difference in how much you shorten the different parts of the shoulder. You went through that a little too fast. I don't think you actually mentioned the difference specifically in this case. I'm asking that if the sleeves needed to be shortened 1 1/4" How much would the sleeve need to be shortened at the very top seam? Would that be shortened only (for example), 1" or 3/4"? I hope my question makes sense. Thank you.

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

Thanks for the video. My question is, how do you know when it’s better to shorten from the shoulder, instead of the cuff? Thanks Again!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi! I’ll always prefer to shorten from bottom. You see, you don’t want to mess with the shoulder. You do it when you don’t have another option. Cheers 🥰

[@yvobalcer]

Excellent work!

[@acerwhite6731]

You are so brave!! My hero!!

[@BonitaSwan]

Hi, I watched your tutorial and am a bit confused. I originally watched "Catherine Sews" on how to shorten a sleeve from the top and she said she watched your tutorial to see how to do this. On her tutorial she measured down from the raw seam at the top of the sleeve the amount the sleeve needed to be shortened and marked and cut at that line - from what I can see on your tutorial you measured down from the seam allowance at the top of the sleeve the amount the sleeve needed to be shortened then back up 1/2" and marked and cut on that line. Just wondered why there seems to be a difference. I have a leather jacket that has to have the sleeves shortened and needed to know the best way to do it. Thanks for your time!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi! Both ways are the same. With my way, you basically are in more control of the seam allowance you’d like to have. With Catherine interpretation, she goes from the raw edge because she’s already planned to use the same seam allowance as the original. Sometimes the original seam allowance is a bit uncomfortable for some sewist and this why I explained it so you can choose your own. I hope this helps. Cheers 🥰

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

I would have never thought to do this.

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

ty and yw :)

[@riaolivier1692]

Thank you very much for showing how to shorten sleeves from the shoulder. It helped me a lot Ria Olivier Auckland New Zealand 22/9/21

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@grittyinpink16]

So helpful, thank you! How much would you charge for this alteration?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 💕 It cost about 115 CAD. Cheers 😊

[@grittyinpink16]

I just did this for a client and it worked beautifully. Thank you so much for your videos. @@DowntownTailoring

[@DowntownTailoring]

@@grittyinpink16 I’m so glad 🥰🥰🥰 Thanks for letting me know!

[@sampleworks9432]

Thank you…for including the contemplation piece 🤣

[@DowntownTailoring]

🤣🤣🤣 I'm a coward! But brave enough to admit it! 😂😂😂

[@sampleworks9432]

@@DowntownTailoring you have a marvellous sense of humour! Always have a giggle watching you! Have a fantabulous day 🙏

[@DowntownTailoring]

@@sampleworks9432 Thanks so much! You too!

[@DP-nx4hg]

Thank you so much for sharing. This is very helpfull.

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure!!

[@sherryvanrijn5453]

Wow, you are amazing! Thank you so much!

[@bettyshannon786]

What would you charge your customer for a sleeve shortening alterations? I like the way you use color coding on the sleeves. Great idea as chalk does not stay till the end of the job. Thank you.

[@DowntownTailoring]

A job like this goes from 85 to 125 CAD on my city. But it isn’t offered on many places because of the difficulty level. Cheers!

[@RandomalinaLF]

Thank you sooo much for this video! Ive been wanting it for so long

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much!

[@Reesispiecis]

It makes me feel so much better that you still get nervous before the cut- I get so nervous 😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes! Very nervous 🤭

[@evelynferrer1322]

Excelent tutorial. Very well explained. Thank you.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching!

[@evelynferrer1322]

@@DowntownTailoring you are welcome. I learn a lot from your tutorial.

[@schap562]

You are the best!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@amylikens4644]

The was very helpful - thank-you for sharing!

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure 🥰

[@JimeOide]

despelote! nuevamente gran gran video! muchas gracias!! tengo una chaqueta a la que le tengo que ajustar las mangas desde el hombro así que soy feliz!! jeje Muchas gracias!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Muchísimas gracias a ti por tu apoyo. Me alegra que te haya gustado el video!

[@JimeOide]

Son los mejores videos! Ese conocimiento tan bien explicado para las que queremos saber un poquito más es oro!!! Es un trabajo hermoso el q hacen! Gracias por compartirlo!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Muchas gracias 💞

[@cristinac2738]

Thanks for the video, I've been trying to figure out how to shorten my sleeve from shoulders, I still don't understand where the crucial point is? in the front or in the back?

[@botero29love]

Tremendo. Al principio no entendí pero después de verlo como cinco veces pude captarlo. Voy a practicar 😄

[@DowntownTailoring]

Gracias 💞

[@kayfowler2424]

Did you bring the sleeve lining through the back opening to sew it together? I couldn't really see how you did that. Could you show or explain in a little more detail? TIA!

[@vickipatridge5094]

Awesome video.

[@ilkethewordpeople43]

Wow great advice. Thank you very much kind lady!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@nancysonleitner3598]

What a job! I got dizzy there at the end with you manipulating the lining so you could sew it! LOL! How did you close the hole in the lining where you were accessing the inside of the sleeve & lining?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Ups! I should include that too. So, I close as much of the lining as I could, leaving a small opening, then I went through the sleeve's lining opening and pulled thru it the little opening at the back and close it. Finally I closed the sleeve's lining by a top stitch. I hope this makes sense. Cheers

[@nancysonleitner3598]

@@DowntownTailoring perfect sense! I hope to learn to make repairs and alterations the way you do!

[@norma6743]

Excellent tutorial, could you tells us the name of you magic pen? Do you sell it? Thanks 😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes. I use Dritz hit erasable pen. You can get it at Wawak.

[@norma6743]

@@DowntownTailoring thank you very much. 😃

[@jessicatonge1380]

Hi followed your video and it came out great! I have another jacket cut through button holes but needs to go up quote a lot 4 inches in total.. can that still be done at the shoulder? Or is it too much?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi! Probably 4" is a little too much as the sleeves get too narrow for the armhole. But, if you don't mind, you can add a gusset underneath the arm to complete the width you are missing. It's a little bit tricky, but it works. I'm going to link another video where I did something similar. It's in Spanish, but you just need to check what I mean with the gusset. Cheers

[@DowntownTailoring]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/poTbq6yCbKeFbac Good luck!

[@jessicatonge1380]

@@DowntownTailoring great thank you for your reply! I thought the same about the widt so will definitely watch the video thank you very much.

[@AllieSheffield]

You do great job 👏🏻

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@revinaporsche7169]

Thank you for this 🥺🥺😇😇 now i am confident that i can re size my coat too 😊😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@lindalilly5086]

I need to watch the one where you do a men's jacket. I need to know how because sometimes they have working buttonholes but they need this leave shorter so it would work good if it was took up at the shoulder. I can't find your video for that can you give me a link

[@lynxlynx3054]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching 🥰🥰🥰

[@monaanz6754]

Very well done of this complex alteration. My question is how do you set your prices for such a complex alteration I see that you've also altered the body of this jacket as well. Do you ever discourage people from having you alter in such a complex way? Like because of the price?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks. That's a really good question. I'd say that half of the jobs done in my store is very complex. In fact, some customers, like this one, move far away but they'll still come when they need this kind of alteration. Nevertheless, if I notice that the customer doesn't really understand the level of the job they're asking for, I'll explain it to them while I'm pinning. So, they have the chance to shift to a more practical alternative. I'm always juggling with what is needed and what is practical and in my customer's budget. Cheers!

[@mozu517]

@@DowntownTailoring For myself, I would just buy a jacket that doesn't require so much altering! 😉

[@DowntownTailoring]

@@mozu517 I feel you! 😂

[@deborahnelson4608]

Wow!!! What a great video!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much!

[@moiraberniegatt9491]

Hi. Can you tell me how you shorten a sleeve that the cuff end of a sleeve is beaded and embroider BUT although too long, is correct from the armpit to cuff is correct but at shoulder head is x2 inches too long!

[@kathycasey9521]

Thanks so much for this video!

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure! 🥰

[@TuyetNguyen-pi4ie]

Amazing.

[@carolnorton2551]

Great video, I learned a lot from you !

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks!

[@joarbolado482]

Hi I Love your videos tutorials. Could you also show us how to reduce shoulder length from the coat with lining? Thank you so much 😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes. I have this video on my to do list. Stay tuned 😉

[@joarbolado482]

@@DowntownTailoring wow! Thanks a lot! 😍

[@irmagutierrez4654]

Muchas gracias querida maestra

[@DowntownTailoring]

Es un placer. Gracias por seguirme 💗

[@theseamstress173]

Great tutorial Can you tell me what you charge to do that job..

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi! I charge about 115 CAD. 🙂

[@theseamstress173]

@@DowntownTailoringyikes I'm charging way to little. I work in bridal more than men's wear. So I was unsure what to charge. I've been charging 50-75 ugh, way to low for the time spent. I thought I'd go up to 100 to get proper compensation for time spent. But I was unsure. There's no one in my area to do competitive pricing. So I was a bit lost on fair cost. Thank you Thanks for sharing

[@deoara1]

Lol. I have watched so many of your videos and I realized I don’t know your name. I refer you to my friends as the Latina tailor on KZbin.

[@turtlekai9096]

What the reason for shorten sleeves from the top. Was it a hole cut on the buttonhole? If It was then I understand but. If wasn't when it's easy to shorten from bottom of the sleeves.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Oh! Yes! I always try to shorten from the hem but in this case, it has a beautiful working buttonhole made of fabric. Shortening from the bottom would have ruined the proportions. Cheers!

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

Wow, being a seamstress but only making clothing from scratch because I hate doing adjustments, i would never ever adjust a sleeve of a bought garment from the shoulder. Usually the top of the sleeve is so nicely done ( with beard and all) that I wouldn’t dare to damage that ☺️( although I am perfectly fine in doing sleeves from scratch).

[@DowntownTailoring]

I agree with you. When you do it from scratch, you feel you have more control ❤

[@cuisineavecleila9202]

Thank you very much

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure 🥰

[@sanabria-designs5343]

Thank you for sharing. How much you charge for shorten the sleeve from the shoulders ? I f you don't mind sharing that.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi! About CAD 125. It depends. Cheers 😊

[@sanabria-designs5343]

Thank you kindly

[@rosabalbina]

Gracias

[@DowntownTailoring]

Siempre! 🥰

[@SandraBartoe]

Can this method work on a shirt, n o lining

[@prr0903]

Hi. I guess you sewed back the lining of the sleeves through opening on one of the sleeves and sewed it back together.

[@DowntownTailoring]

That's right! 🥰

[@sharoncumiskey4738]

How do you determine whether to shorten from the top or bottom?

[@DowntownTailoring]

I usually try to shorten always from the bottom. But sometimes the buttonholes are opened and I can't. This is when I have to resort to shorten from the top. Keep an eye on it, because sometimes you can't shorten from the top. I hope this helps ❤

[@laverneh2030]

You may not have so much to ease in since the sleeves are larger at the top. Much easier that resetting the cuff.

[@prr0903]

I tried doing it, but didn’t do it in the end because I noticed that the sleeve was going to get tighter! When placing one sleeve on top of the other 1” below the sleeve cap, I noticed a difference of 1/2” on each side! I don’t recommend this alteration if the jacket is tight.

[@jillc3674]

I agree. This makes it too tight across the top of the sleeve-

[@alextailor6778]

At least a thank you to the one who showed you how it should be done. You have to use the iron all the pieces have to be pressed!!!

[@cynthiajacobsen7781]

No puckers good job.

[@lamontesfashions5063]

👍🏿

[@Moluccan56]

You have to have lots of confidence to do this! I think you could be an architect.

[@lailaraziqi]

How