Master Tailor Tip: How to Narrow a Jacket Shoulder- Deconstructing the jacket shoulder video 1 of 3

This video is part of my new weekly Series--Master Tailoring tips. I'm here to share my 53 years of experience and give you great pointers that will enhance your sewing. Visit my blog www.finetailoringbyjim.blogspot.com for more tips and techniques! Or on Facebook at / 1449237345343485

[@crimson3sky]

He has such a kind tone. It really makes people want to listen to what he’s saying.

[@pamelamerritt4403]

OMG! A brotha from my dreams. I’m not being forward. I’m just so proud to see a distinguished black gentleman with your interests. And yes I’m going to try this on a ladies jacket I’m working on now. God bless you Sir❤️🙏

[@juliedenise67]

Yes. A teacher who is a kind soul is always a welcome tone.

[@all2familiar]

Brother from Harlem...with a high school education, not only are you a Master tailor..you are an excellent teacher! Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@kenbusby1581]

+S Shah I like how he threw that out there. He's a boss for sure.

[@irenecurran8049]

S Shah l,

[@joannecarroll5504]

Thank you so much for this series. While thrift-shopping, I'd found the most beautiful wool/cashmere blazer for my son, I've been sewing for over 40yrs, so I was confident that I could figure out how to do this; well, I was confident until I saw so many online menswear articles & YT channels saying you should never tackle a shoulder adjustment on a men's jacket. I was so sure it couldn't be all that different to womenswear, (the pieces are more or less the same) & those fearmongers made me doubt myself. You restored my confidence in my own ability - thank you for sharing your expertise, it is appreciated.

[@jesshothersall]

I hope the jacket turned out as well as you wanted, and that said son liked it :)

[@jodyregan7200]

What a fabulous tutorial. Who cares how much formal education Mr. James has? Not me! ( My dad had only an eighth grade education, but he was an excellent farmer and well-read. ) My shoulders are narrow and now I'm motivated to try Mr. James' technique to alter my favorite jackets. Thanks, Mr. J. You are a talented, articulate man.

[@AlScott-hs7qx]

Jody Regan Tell the truth..I rather have an experience then a self important blow hard who has forgotten that not all watching is as experienced as he Gentleman Jim..Teach!☺

[@msibanker]

Finally, someone who shows craftmanship and "real-deal"....Bravo !

[@MedicAngel]

Clear, concise, and so well spoken! I am looking forward to the rest of your videos

[@user-hz7pf7sm4u]

For what it’s worth, I can’t thank you enough for this tutorial. I absolutely 100% saved me tonight trying to alter a clients jacket. I am self taught and I had no idea how to take in the blade of a jacket and not flatten out the sleeve across the bicep. You are an angel. Thank you a million times over ❤

[@bobk1845]

This is what an authoritative teacher is like! Very clear, sensible explanation by a PRO. Thank you for your instruction.

[@Blocksourcemusic]

You explain this better than anyone here on youtube.

[@tekiiraosborne4174]

Kia ora Matua. Thank you Sir. Your teaching and your skills are much appreciated. Nga mihi nui ki a koe. Many thanks to you.

[@joannebattersby8365]

I inherited a Talbots Complete Book of Sewing( 1943) from my Grandmother and this is what I used to teach myself to sew. It's the best. But I also have a book of my Grandads who was a British tailor from 1898. It has everything imaginable .

[@ToCan2tuViDa]

I ws born and raised in Harlem. Man I wish i was there in person to watch you do this jajaj. Great teacher!

[@DrGarri]

I can not praise this gentleman enough. He is not only a master tailor, but he is also a real artist, a wonderful teacher, and someone with a passion for his art, he is definitely a species in extinction, my heartfelt congratulations and greetings from Germany!

[@Sunnyskies1955]

Excellent! Thank you so much Gentleman Jim. You're a great teacher and mentor.

[@raemiller7792]

Just followed these instructions and my jacket turned out great!! This is such valuable information for a pear shaped woman(narrow shoulders, wider in the hips).

[@CleverEwe]

How I wish I could win a lottery so that I could be at your shop, taking your courses! Thank you so much for these instructional videos. It makes me want to expand my skill set.

[@AlScott-hs7qx]

CleverEwe I know right?😂😂😂

[@nicolette7007]

Thank you Gentleman Jim !!! Your style is phenomenal!

[@amberblevins9163]

Your tips are a life saver! I could listen to you teach all day. Thank you so much for sharing your skills.

[@thedillons9968]

This is exactly what I'm facing with today's job- and you've totally reassured me! I hate watching KZbin tutorials. But watching and learning from you is a pleasure. You explain things so well and calmly- and so I I don't feel so intimidated!! So glad I found you! Keep them coming 😊

[@wenotlikethem]

I'm not a tailor and I don't sew...I just wanted to hear this Master Teacher teach.

[@shannaboobettyboo]

🎉WHOOP WHOOP! 🎉THANKYOU SOOOOOOH MUCH! I watched this video yesterday Gentleman Jim and as I’ve never done anything like this before, I was so scared of taking apart my daughters school blazers. Well, I did it! I have shortened the shoulders, the arms and taken in the arms too. As we are plus sized, the makers have just made everything bigger with the size. But thanks to your instructions Gentleman Jim, my daughter now has a beautiful school blazer. I was up most of the night, but it was so worth it. I must say that the tip you gave about using chalk to mark the top of the sleeves made it so much easier to work in the sleeve. Thank you for sharing your talent and gift with us. God bless from another grateful viewer in the UK!

[@atcbelle]

It's been 35 years since I sewed dresses for formal occasions in college. Jacket construction has always intimidated me but not any more. This is exactly what I needed to tackle the shoulders of a new trench coat. Thank you for your thorough and easy to understand instructions. You've inspired me to try.

[@dapperdangerous]

This is incredible! I realize I'm 5 years late but this is SUCH valuable information: thank you so much for putting this up!

[@cobbetlprogrammer1344]

This Man is Smooth as he is Instructional. I'd Love to see more Videos? Cheers!

[@pointyneedles7690]

Thank you so much! you saved the day, wedding day that is. My husband needed a suit and was able to get a brand new suit off of Ebay. Off the rack just does not fit my husband and I was able to alter the shoulders to get the perfect fit. I'm pretty pleased with the results. Great video!

[@AlScott-hs7qx]

pointy needles Awesome!

[@thelogicallunatic6004]

Well done sir! Exactly the kind of tutorial I was looking for all along!

[@MargaretHillsdeZ]

I wish Gentleman JimTailor lived near me! A Master Tailor

[@bb3993]

This is so clear and helpful! I was intimidated to try this, I've faced this problem many times and usually end up getting rid of the jackets instead of altering them. I have a jacket now that really needs this done and I can't wait to give this a go!

[@tamko9563]

Practise on goodwill jackets

[@crimson3sky]

Good luck! I hope it tuns out great. 🤗

[@zomuanpuii7483]

Thanks for sharing Ur skill. May God bless you

[@alonzoq2358]

Thank you sir! What a great series on suit jacket shoulders, I've heard this is a very difficult alteration to make but you explain it well.

[@8887koko]

Love your voice... thank you!

[@austinm100]

Thanks for the tutorial, you are a great teacher!

[@jacquelyn4374]

you have the most calming voice

[@zenymuse]

Brilliant tutorial, Gentleman Jim. Thanks for posting!

[@bretmelton7116]

I cant wait to come visit you

[@fevagelou]

Oh my gosh. Thank you so much for these wonderful videos!!! I am so looking forward to enjoying them!!!

[@MarquisdeL3]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Everywhere I looked was telling me to fit the shoulders before buying (which is impossible to do online) or pay a tailor $100 to get the shoulders taken in, but I wanted to learn how to do this for myself (and to limit how much I spent on a costume suit for my boyfriend that he'll probably wear once or twice).

[@bonesnatcher]

Very informative and clear! Thank you for this terrific video!

[@TebogoMotlhale]

before i even watched it Half Way through i could tell from your calm and clear explanation that you're a Genius in tailoring !! i'm hooked !

[@ramonabush9145]

I'm so glad I ran across your video, you make it look so easy. I subscribed and thank you.

[@SillyxFidget]

Thank you so much for this video! I got a secondhand jacket for a costume, and it's way too big. I didn't want to pay for a nice tailoring job for a costume, but I was scared to disassemble the jacket! Now I think I can do it!

[@GoodTasteArt]

Thank you for your fabulous instructions.

[@christineveazey4345]

Love your instructions and beautiful voice!

[@GRAYPORTfilm]

Fantastic. Thank-you for all your videos and sewing tips Sir!!!!!!! :)

[@irishmae101]

This video is amazing. Such a pro!

[@russellgibson5013]

Mr James, What would be very informative for us fellow would be tailors such as myself I say would be because I am a novice sewer. A video on Shortening a mens suit jacket. I do realize that pockets do not move. But it would be a treat . Ciao keep up the fine work Russell

[@PuddilyOops]

Really helpful tip! Thank you so much!

[@rrradcliff]

This is excellant!!

[@terenfenn9672]

I like this guy. Thanks for the vid.

[@parmar51]

Very helpful and professional

[@clothingalterations]

Great job

[@deannemcbeath1]

Thank you for making this video. I can’t wait to see them all.

[@ironeo]

Wow. I Love your videos, you make it seem so darn easy ... but then again your a master tailor. Thanks so much, I just subscibed.

[@christinegrace9061]

Thank you! Very Informative! Great video!

[@CityThatCannotBeCaptured]

Excellent. Thank you very much.

[@lauraruthhayes]

thank you so much!!! instant subscribe

[@user-et9mc6gv3y]

Thank you! Much love

[@blessingogah6643]

Thank you sir

[@IKnowThatMyRedeemerLiveth]

Rockstar. THANK YOU!

[@henryjamison7105]

Thank you! For this video sir

[@loris6273]

I watched all three of the videos on narrowing jackets and found them helpful but have a question. When a gentlemen has a large belly but narrow shoulders, is it best to use your techniques or take the entire sleeve off? I have to reduce the shoulder width by 2" (which is also the length that the sleeves are too long) on a 4X coat.

[@beasaroze5596]

This brotha exudes coolness, of course he's from Harlem. 😀

[@marlameyer460]

Thank you!

[@joannebattersby8365]

One thing I find now is that I sew fir mostly old folks and for a woman to get a jacket or coat to go around the mid section you look like a little kid in his Dads coat so the entire jacket has to come apart- pretty much.

[@msforbiddenflavor]

great

[@busancun]

I have a dress jacket that has a good shoulder size, good front, and back panels, but the middle panels are big by three inches (1.5in on either side), which makes the waist too loose. I am going to alter it by cutting the middle panels along the sides connected with the back panels. The armholes will be 1.5 inches smaller and the sleeves should also be changed correspondingly by 1.5 inches on both sides. There are two sewing lines in the sleeves, front (usually under the arm) and back. Which line should I use to do the best job? Thanks!

[@TxShoreDog]

That was me calling. Why didnt you answer, where you doing something else?

[@se7ensnakes]

I wonder what city/state you are in because you are masterful

[@cjsix8529]

Camera work = B Lighting = C Ambient noise = D Host = A Move to a quieter work area, give us some wide shots and super close-ups of the work, maintain the patient, soft-spoken vibe and I’ll subscribe and watch every video. You are a natural teacher and fascinating to watch. Thanks!

[@mandykirby-suttie5269]

Do I see a JW calender on your wall? Love learning from you here in UK!

[@AlScott-hs7qx]

mandy kirby-suttie Look at this! A man from Harlem who has been sewing for over 50 years..Got people from England watching...Wow! awesome!😀

[@gabrielalardizabal7306]

Dear Mr. Jim..thank you for your videos. are you still in nyc? would love to visit your studio. thanks.

[@alejandrohervert5665]

It is ok if the sleeves are longer, otherwise, the sleeves will come shorter. It means this technique does not work when you only want to reduce the shoulders size.

[@deborastarks4092]

What causes and how to remove divots from the top of the sleeves. (Alterations)

[@hemlatasingh1577]

Please make a video on "How to alter men denim jacket"

[@koye1312]

good job, how about hem jacket suit?? how to shorten ? plz

[@ladyslippergrove]

I am interested in buying a thrift store men's coat and making it fit a woman. the most difficult problem is the shoulders are too big. by the way, in a lot of these videos by younger people they talk too fast and I don't follow. this is better. no annoying music either. thanks!

[@swatiswati3899]

Plzz tell how to shorten a zipper sleeve of leather jacket ....

[@schellstarr]

Sir Master Tailor How do you widen the shoulders of a jacket coat

[@fronzeldemarvin4157]

Is there anyways to lengthen the shoulder ?

[@jojoremeny]

As a so called tailor you seem to be doing dressmakers quick manufacturers way of setting in sleeves which is not accurate or good... I'm a fashion designer tailor in England and I make Savile row style bespoke suits the traditional way ;full canvas pad stitched etc.. Now if you are a tailor you will understand about pitching sleeves which is the most important part when you have to narrow the shoulder line. You fail to mention this. You fail to mention prior to narrowing sleeves you should chalk mark customers arms where they naturally sit on side of jacket. Also after casually marking narrowing of shoulder line, after taking off sleeves you use your side of tape measure to mark a beautiful curved line where the sleeve will be sewn to. Because you are sewing on a convex armhole you need to baste /tack the sleeves in putting a little fullness as you go always on left side first, positioning sleeve where pitch of sleeve will hang on customer. Then you shrink the fullness out only then should you machine the sleeve into the jacket.. Once you are satisfied with pitch and hang of sleeve on left side,measure the the seam placement of back seam of sleeve and do this on right side.. How can you correctly put in your sleeves your way without basting and checking pitch of sleeve is beyond me. Also technically, narrowing creates a bigger armhole so you have to make undersleeve bigger by scooping out a little at Base of undersleeve.. Please do not mislead your viewers by doing this in a,quick dressmakers terrible way.

[@littlelucy27]

jojo remeny I'd love to watch your video showing us the concert you described in your critique . Would you please provide a link to it?

[@AnaAna-jh5wt]

Wish I could see a before and after!

[@angelmc8094]

I am listening to you with ear phones,I have the sound up to the highest and cant hear you very good :(

[@kangjhha]

Do you take mail orders?

[@SunniAaronsWuche]

Please where are you located Sir .

[@MarcosJ-mq4lk]

Hey dude!.....say Sharmone!"

[@hindisatishmane826]

Hind langugae

[@cherryminer3761]

Cannot hear you

[@lialaliala2968]

Answer your dam phone 😁

[@charlesmurray1220]

With all due respect, you need to speak into a mike, or amplify your voice.

[@wdiddy1]

Speech is too low