Jacket conversion without a sewing machine?

**Paul** · 26th February 10, 05:22 PM

Hi guys. Im wondering if any of you have attempted a jacket conversion without a sewing machine?
I may give it a go if I come accross a nice, cheap pinstripe jacket. I've only recently learned to sew, but I feel I could do it pretty well - but it would take a little longer than machine sewing it.

**piperdbh** · 26th February 10, 05:35 PM

Yes, it can be done. If you use heat-activated hem tape to secure the cut-off edge of the jacket, then hand-stitching the lining is not such a big job. And making Argyle cuffs is probably easier done by hand than attempting to machine-sew them.

**The Wizard of BC** · 26th February 10, 05:39 PM

The entire job is best done by hand. A bespoke suit is all done by hand.

A sewing machine will always leave a line of visible stitching. Which is not a good idea on anything but a very casual style jacket.

Go for it.

Be sure to post pics.

**Paul** · 26th February 10, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

Yes, it can be done. If you use heat-activated hem tape to secure the cut-off edge of the jacket, then hand-stitching the lining is not such a big job. And making Argyle cuffs is probably easier done by hand than attempting to machine-sew them.

I wont be making Argyll cuffs on this jacket, but it certainly would be an option for future projects

**mull** · 26th February 10, 05:44 PM

I did one last Sunday. It took all day, but I worked on it on and off in between watching olympics. It started out as a $6.99 thrift store buy.

It was a gray tweed and I only cut and re-hemmed the bottom. The pockets are a little low and I might move them in the future. It also needs some new buttons, but I have not made it to the store yet.

All and all, I am very pleased with it as it is one of my first sewing projects. There is a sewing machine in the basement, but I have no idea how to use it.

One thing I learned is to be careful when basting not to catch the lining in the stitches. I think I ended up pinning and basting three times before I was satisfied with it and had no extra fabric caught up in it.

It really was quite peaceful to sit in front of the window while it snowed and quietly stitch away and...

I have three more I picked up for the same price waiting to be converted.

Joe

**sydnie7** · 26th February 10, 05:47 PM

I did a touch of machine sewing on this conversion, but IIRC it was only to take in the side seams for a closer-to-the-body fit, and perhaps in and around the side vent flaps. But most of it was done by hand, and all of it could have been.

**Kiltboy** · 26th February 10, 08:30 PM

I've converted two old jackets, without machine. Just followed the steps on this very useful thread Jacket Conversion. It's a sticky in the DIY forum. Learning how to do a blind hem was a challenge. But just Google it and you'll find all kinds of help/videos on specific stitches.

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 26th February 10, 09:14 PM

Plan exactly what you are going to do. Use seam tape and some of the stitches shown in some of the DIY threads. I didn't use a machine and don't think one would work very well.

**MacLowlife** · 28th February 10, 08:20 AM

Other than for materials too thick to easily work by hand, a sewing machine is only a substitute for hand sewing. You are doing it the best way. Get lots of pins and use your iron a lot.

**Dixiecat** · 28th February 10, 09:36 PM

If you use heat-activated hem tape to secure the cut-off edge of the jacket

Do not use this! You can ruin the fabric by the heat required to apply this, as well as run into bubbling of the fabric.

Get yourself a pile of pins, make sure that they are not ball-point or poor quality pins. Invest in some nice hand-sewing needles and basting thread. Read the sticky, post here with pictures and questions.

Good Luck!